On Tuesday, 26 May, Local Government employees, sector experts and EM practitioners came together at Murdoch University for WALGA’s sold-out Emergency Management Forum 2026.
A big thank to speakers, attendees and exhibitors who contributed to making this year’s Forum another tremendous success.
From the opening address and interstate perspectives, to conversations on future risks, community resilience, and WA’s path to 2036, the forum reinforced the value of shared learning and collective action.
A strong line-up of speakers, delivered thought-provoking sessions including:
• Federal and State perspectives from Hon Josh Wilson MP and Mark Folkard MLA, alongside an inspiring address from Mark Irwin, WALGA President.
• Major General Jake Ellwood (Retd) joined us virtually, sharing interstate perspective and first-hand recovery experiences from the Queensland Reconstruction Authority.
• WALGA’s very own Sam Kennedy provided key insights and data from the 2025 EM Survey (see below)
• ‘What California’s Megafires Mean for WA’ presented by Deputy Commissioner Melissa Pexton (DFES), highlighting large-scale risk and recovery, delving into learning from California, to be taken on in WA.
• Renae Hanvin provided an insightful and engaging keynote address focusing on the importance of community connection and trust to build resilience and successful recovery.
• In conversation - Charting the Path to 2036 was a robust panel discussion to close out proceedings. Thank you to our panellists Murray Carter (DFES), Dan Sanderson (Bushfire Volunteers Association), Rachel Siewart (WACOSS), and James Sheridan (LGIS).
In case you missed it, check out the 2025 Emergency Management Survey results.
One clear message really stood out in this year's data, collaboration is a key strength of Local Government, with results showing:
🔹 93% of councils support each other through resource sharing
🔹 91% of that support happens between neighbouring Local Governments
This connected, on the ground approach is critical to building safer, more resilient communities across WA. And it’s events like WALGA’s EM forum that help to keep these important conversations going, so let’s build on this momentum, together!
Email WALGA’s Emergency Management team.
Sign to the EM monthly newsletter.
Thank you again to the 150+ attendees who joined us and contributed to meaningful discussions throughout the day. Stay safe and we look forward to doing it again in 2027!
Check out the full photo gallery here (download pin number 7661). Don't forget to tag WALGA in your socials!
A big thank to speakers, attendees and exhibitors who contributed to making this year’s Forum another tremendous success.
From the opening address and interstate perspectives, to conversations on future risks, community resilience, and WA’s path to 2036, the forum reinforced the value of shared learning and collective action.
A strong line-up of speakers, delivered thought-provoking sessions including:
• Federal and State perspectives from Hon Josh Wilson MP and Mark Folkard MLA, alongside an inspiring address from Mark Irwin, WALGA President.
• Major General Jake Ellwood (Retd) joined us virtually, sharing interstate perspective and first-hand recovery experiences from the Queensland Reconstruction Authority.
• WALGA’s very own Sam Kennedy provided key insights and data from the 2025 EM Survey (see below)
• ‘What California’s Megafires Mean for WA’ presented by Deputy Commissioner Melissa Pexton (DFES), highlighting large-scale risk and recovery, delving into learning from California, to be taken on in WA.
• Renae Hanvin provided an insightful and engaging keynote address focusing on the importance of community connection and trust to build resilience and successful recovery.
• In conversation - Charting the Path to 2036 was a robust panel discussion to close out proceedings. Thank you to our panellists Murray Carter (DFES), Dan Sanderson (Bushfire Volunteers Association), Rachel Siewart (WACOSS), and James Sheridan (LGIS).
In case you missed it, check out the 2025 Emergency Management Survey results.
One clear message really stood out in this year's data, collaboration is a key strength of Local Government, with results showing:
🔹 93% of councils support each other through resource sharing
🔹 91% of that support happens between neighbouring Local Governments
This connected, on the ground approach is critical to building safer, more resilient communities across WA. And it’s events like WALGA’s EM forum that help to keep these important conversations going, so let’s build on this momentum, together!
Email WALGA’s Emergency Management team.
Sign to the EM monthly newsletter.
Thank you again to the 150+ attendees who joined us and contributed to meaningful discussions throughout the day. Stay safe and we look forward to doing it again in 2027!
Check out the full photo gallery here (download pin number 7661). Don't forget to tag WALGA in your socials!
