SESSIONS

Bushfire Department Updates, Future Projects & National Accreditation – FPA Australia

This presentation will provide an update on the Bushfire Department’s recent activities, key achievements, and strategic initiatives within FPA Australia. We will outline our planned projects for the next 12 months, focusing on bushfire risk management, training programs, policy advocacy, and industry engagement.

A critical focus will be the urgent need to address mandatory accreditation requirements across Australia. Ensuring a consistent and high standard of competency for bushfire practitioners is essential to improving fire protection and community resilience. We will discuss current challenges, progress toward national accreditation, and how members can contribute to shaping these requirements.

We also seek input from members on what they want to see from FPA Australia’s Bushfire Department, including priorities for policy development, industry support, and new initiatives. Your feedback is crucial in driving meaningful change and strengthening the profession.

PRESENTER(S)
Maria Kornakova

Dr. Maria Kornakova

Manager Bushfire Services, FPA Australia

Dr Maria Kornakova is Manager Bushfire Services at FPA Australia. Architect by training, Maria completed Masters degree in Urban and Regional planning as Fulbright Scholar. She successfully completed PhD at the University of Melbourne and postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Melbourne and Massey University, NZ. The key focus of her research and professional interest is bushfire risk reduction practices through building, planning and architecture. Maria transferred to the industry to practically apply skills and knowledge gained over the years of her academic career and joined FPA Australia in December 2018 as Bushfire Services Coordinator and was promoted as Manager two years later.