Congratulations to our
Fire Protection Industry Award Winners for 2025!
Congratulations to our
Fire Protection Industry Award Winners for 2025!
Celebrating Excellence in Fire Protection at #FA25
Congratulations to our Fire Protection Industry Awards Winners for 2025:
Bob Greive
We are proud to announce Bob Grieve as the latest inductee into the esteemed ranks of FPA Australia’s Honorary Life Members. This honour is reserved for individuals who have demonstrated exceptional service and commitment to the Association and the industry over an extended period. Bob’s leadership, expertise, and unwavering dedication have significantly influenced both the strategic direction and the technical excellence of fire protection in Australia. His induction recognises a lifetime of impact and enduring legacy.
Rob Llewellyn
These awards highlight the core values of FPA Australia: professionalism, integrity, and commitment to community safety. We thank Bob and Rob for their exceptional service, and we are proud to celebrate their achievements as part of our ongoing mission to support a world-class fire protection industry.
Wormald Australia
The Fire Protection Industry (ODS & SGG) Board in collaboration with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, presenting the ‘Outstanding Ozone Practice’ award at Fire Australia to Wormald Australia.
This award was created last year to recognise a companies who lead the industry in the change to cleaner alternatives. Moving away from scheduled gases in the fire protection industry we recognise will take time, but it is more important than ever that we follow-through on our environmental promises to safeguard the ozone layer and the environment.
Wormald have been making inroads to reducing emissions in the fire protection industry by phasing out the use of ozone-depleting and high global warming potential fire suppression agents. Within their operating procedures, they now recommend inert or environmentally friendly alternatives for all new systems and encourage clients to upgrade older systems during routine maintenance. Their comprehensive training ensures staff are fully qualified to handle these substances safely and responsibly. This proactive approach is making a real impact, with major organisations and companies making the switch to cleaner alternatives.
The Fire Protection Industry Awards recognise and award businesses and individuals who lead the professional standard of commitment, excellence, innovation and leadership in the fire protection industry.
Sponsored by Wormald Australia
Shae Mete, FST Innovation
Shae has made an extraordinary impact on the fire protection industry through his technical leadership, advocacy, and dedication to education. As a subject matter expert and RTO trainer for Axiom Fire Protection, he delivers both online and in-person training, while also leading efforts with the Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition Australia to ensure workforce competence in designing, installing, and commissioning integrated systems. His pivotal role in developing the innovative Technical Specifications FPAA101D and FPAA101H, which were adopted in the 2019 National Construction Code, introduced Deemed-to-Satisfy solutions for mandatory sprinklers in mid-rise residential buildings. These specifications, based on Shae’s technical designs, marked the first time an integrated domestic drinking water-fire sprinkler system was formally recognised, significantly enhancing fire safety and affordability for Australian mid-rise apartments. His ongoing efforts include developing a similar solution for Class 1 homes, with a Proposal for Change being prepared for the 2028 National Construction Code.
Shae’s leadership extends beyond standards development—he actively co-authors guidance materials, contributes to studies, and supports real-world projects that feed back into technical and educational resources to ensure best practice. He has been instrumental in championing the regulatory, industry, and consumer acceptance of integrated sprinkler systems, often facing and overcoming significant resistance. Despite being a disruptive force in the sprinkler industry, Shae has earned widespread respect for his integrity, persistence, and unwavering commitment to life safety. His work has not only advanced the professionalism of the fire protection sector but has directly contributed to saving lives, reducing trauma, and mitigating the economic impact of fire on Australian communities. It is with great pride that we present Shae with this year’s Barry Lee Technical Excellence Award.
Kathy Nastov, Bushfire Prone Planning
Kathy Nastov, a BPAD Level 3 accredited practitioner and Director of Bushfire Prone Planning, has led her organisation through a decade of impactful work under her guidance. With a career that spans strategic planning, bushfire risk management, rural and townsite development, and policy engagement at all levels of government, Kathy has made a significant and lasting contribution to the field. Her academic credentials—a Post Graduate Degree in Business and a Graduate Diploma in Bushfire Protection—reflect her strong foundation in both technical proficiency and strategic leadership. In the past year alone, she has assessed over 100 developments across Western Australia, from single-lot proposals to major subdivisions and precincts, ensuring each meets the state’s demanding bushfire management standards. Her ability to work seamlessly with developers, regulators, and communities alike showcases her collaborative spirit and deep professionalism.
What sets Kathy apart is not just her technical capability, but her dedication to mentoring the next generation of bushfire planning professionals. She is widely regarded as an educator and leader who generously shares her knowledge and provides daily support and guidance to her team and peers. Many accredited practitioners in the field attribute their own growth and success to Kathy’s mentorship. Her unwavering integrity, strategic insight, and commitment to excellence exemplify the values of the Ron Coffey Award. Kathy Nastov is not only a leader in bushfire protection—she is a visionary shaping the future of the profession. It is with great pride that we present her with this year’s Excellence in Bushfire Protection Award.
Covey Associates and Cedaryn
Covey Associates and Cedaryn have redefined bushfire modelling by challenging traditional, one-dimensional assessment methods used in land-use and building decisions. Leveraging advanced fire prediction software typically reserved for fire agencies, they developed Inferno, a groundbreaking bushfire modelling tool. Current regulatory approaches often fall short when it comes to accommodating real-world complexities such as local fuel types, microclimates, and varied terrain. These limitations are compounded by the difficulty of sourcing detailed, location-specific data. Inferno addresses these challenges by integrating a comprehensive suite of tools, including a radiant heat flux (RHF) module, a fire weather analysis platform, and a wildfire simulator capable of running both dynamic and ensemble simulations, offering a more accurate and flexible understanding of fire behaviour.
The software’s capabilities go far beyond traditional point-based calculators. Inferno allows users to overlay real or hypothetical topographies, objectively assess modelling inputs, and evaluate RHF levels across wide landscapes with high spatial resolution. It can analyse thousands of RHF scenarios impacting any given point, enabling the quantification of RHF and BALs (Bushfire Attack Levels) over individual structures, communities, or even entire states. Designed with user experience in mind, Inferno allows rapid simulation of wildfire scenarios using various Rate of Spread models, capable of processing data for tens of thousands of structures in under a minute. This powerful tool provides vital insights for land managers, urban designers, strategic planners, consultants, and fire scientists—offering unmatched clarity on wildfire risks at the Wildland-Urban Interface. Congratulations to Covey Associates and Cedaryn for setting a new benchmark in bushfire modelling innovation.
Fahrenheit Global Fire Engineers
Fahrenheit Global has been awarded the prestigious Project of the Year Award for their exemplary work on the Cootamundra Plant development, transforming it into a state-of-the-art processing facility. This complex project came with significant challenges, including its remote location, the specialised requirements of meat processing, and heightened fire risks. Drawing on deep regional expertise, Fahrenheit Global successfully navigated these hurdles, delivering cost-effective and compliant fire protection solutions. Their seamless collaboration between design and construction teams ensured the fire systems were fully integrated, functional, and compliant with fire engineering standards. Their proactive problem-solving approach, meticulous attention to detail, and commitment to client outcomes were key to the project’s successful delivery.
Beyond technical execution, Fahrenheit Global demonstrated an exceptional commitment to sustainability and innovation. Their approach featured sustainable material choices, energy-efficient design, water conservation efforts, and adherence to green building standards. Their dedication to advancing the industry was also evident through the use of cutting-edge technologies, advanced modelling, new testing methods, and a continuous pursuit of customised, forward-thinking solutions. Crucially, Fahrenheit Global’s unwavering adherence to best practices—through rigorous quality control, ethical conduct, validated methodologies, and knowledge-sharing—sets them apart in a field where precision and accountability are vital. Their philosophy of exceeding standards, not merely meeting them, is ingrained in every aspect of their work. Congratulations to Fahrenheit Global Fire Engineers on being named 2025’s Project of the Year.
Angela Fearnley, RED Fire Engineers
At just 28 years old, Chartered Fire Safety Engineer Angela Fearnley has already made a remarkable impact on the Australian fire industry, setting new standards through her technical excellence, leadership, and strategic thinking. Her ability to integrate complex fire protection systems within broader fire safety designs—while ensuring both regulatory compliance and operational efficiency—has been consistently demonstrated in the high-level projects she has led. Angela’s resilience and initiative were particularly evident during her transition from New Zealand to Australia, where she proactively expanded her understanding of a different set of building codes, fire protection standards, and regulatory frameworks to continue delivering work of the highest calibre.
Angela’s influence extends far beyond project delivery. Holding a master’s degree in fire engineering, she is a respected leader and mentor through her roles as Vice President of IFE Australia and as a Board of Trustee Director for the International Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE). She actively contributes to shaping fire safety engineering standards both locally and globally, including helping organise the IFE Conference at AFAC and coordinating impactful webinars such as the IFE Ignite series. Angela also helped facilitate Smart Firefighting podcasts on key issues like emerging technologies and diversity in the fire sector. Beyond her professional achievements, she volunteers at Australia Zoo to support animal welfare and dedicates time to mentoring the next generation of fire engineers. Angela’s leadership is driven by a desire to elevate the industry as a whole—creating a more inclusive, informed, and capable fire safety community. It is with great pride that we present her with the 2025 Young Achiever of the Year Award.
Adept Fire Protection Services
Since its inception just seven years ago, Adept Fire Protection Services has experienced impressive growth, expanding to a team of over 60 professionals. In an industry where sourcing experienced talent is a constant challenge, Adept Fire has taken a proactive approach by focusing on internal development. They’ve implemented a structured two-year training and development program, supporting staff through career progression and industry certifications. This dedication to building a skilled and future-ready workforce is matched by their adoption of innovative technologies, including AI and drone-assisted fire safety audits, a custom online booking platform for residential customers, and the use of Building Information Modelling (BIM) for system design. Their commitment to innovation is deeply ingrained, continuously driving improvements in safety, efficiency, and service delivery.
Beyond technical excellence, Adept Fire demonstrates a strong commitment to community safety and sustainability. Their initiatives—such as interest-free payment plans, fire equipment training for local businesses, and complimentary re-inspections—make fire safety more accessible and transparent for residents and property managers alike. They’ve developed custom compliance software for real-time project tracking and transparency, and each junior employee is paired with a mentor to support their growth. Environmentally conscious practices, such as the use of eco-friendly vehicles, digital service records, and responsible disposal of equipment, reflect their commitment to best practices. With a seamless integration of wet and dry fire services, a culture of mentorship, and a passion for delivering exceptional customer service, Adept Fire is setting new benchmarks in the industry. Congratulations to Adept Fire Protection Services—2025’s Company of the Year.
Wisualarm
Mobiak
Honeywell
Chubb Fire & Security
Wormald Australia
Johnson Controls
FlameStop Australia
Uptick
Alan Wilson Insurance Brokers
We would like to thank this year’s judging panel for their time and support of the awards process:
John Collie, Chief Executive Officer, FPA Australia
Peter Johnson, Fellow, Arup
Rob Llewellyn, FPA Australia Honorary Life Member
Yvonne Pengilly, Director, Myown Constructions
Mark Potter, Managing Director, Agilus
Sincere thanks go out to all the participating companies and people who sent in their nominations this year, for without these the awards would not have been possible.
And of course, congratulations to all the winners and finalists for their outstanding contributions to the industry.
