SESSIONS

Installers’ voices matter

This session explores controversial and high-debate installation issues across key Australian fire protection standards, highlighting recent updates, TAC interpretations, and real-world challenges, followed by an open Q&A focused on practical, onsite experience. Key learning outcomes included:

  • Identify the most debated and commonly misunderstood installation issues across key Australian fire protection standards
  • Understand recent and upcoming Australian Standards changes and how they affect on-site installation practices
  • Interpret relevant TAC guidance in practical, real-world contexts
  • Apply compliant installation solutions to complex or grey-area scenarios encountered in the field
  • Engage confidently in technical discussions with industry experts, designers, and certifiers using standards-based reasoning
PRESENTER(S)
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Blake Bambridge

Fire Systems Sales, FireSense

With over 20 years of experience in the fire protection industry, I have been a contractor / consultant / builder being proactive and adaptable professional specialising in fire systems design, project delivery, and commercial engagement. I bring a strong combination of technical expertise and practical problem-solving, supported by advanced skills in modelling platforms including Revit and AutoCAD. Currently working in fire systems sales with FireSense, I focus on building strong relationships with major builders and consultants across the market, driving effective and compliant fire systems solutions. Recently, as Senior Project Engineer on Big Build, North East Link project in Melbourne, where I managed the fire systems packages valued at over $100 million. My responsibilities included contractor onboarding, government approvals, and the development of critical project documentation, while also introducing innovative approaches such as modular design and prefabrication to improve efficiency.

Carmelo Scaffidi

Carmelo Scaffidi

EH & Product Compliance Leader, Kidde Global Solutions

Carmelo Scaffidi has over 35 years of experience in the fire industry, beginning his career as a development engineer designing fire panels to meet Australian Standards, before progressing to lead research and development and national product compliance functions.

Carmelo has played a key role in strengthening adherence to fire product standards, supporting safer and more reliable fire protection solutions across Australia.

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Nat Andrews

Director, Certifiers 2U

Nat Andrews is a leading Australian building certifier and fire safety professional known for his direct, practical approach to fire compliance and regulation. Following a strong presentation at Fire Australia 2025, Nat returns for Fire Australia 2026 with fresh insights drawn from frontline certification experience and regulatory reform discussions.

He was a keynote speaker at the building compliance conferences in New Zealand in 2024 and 2025, where his forthright views on compliance integrity, and regulatory consistency challenged conventional thinking and sparked industry-wide debate.

Highly active on LinkedIn, Nat is widely followed for his candid commentary, industry insights, and willingness to tackle the uncomfortable conversations shaping the future of fire safety and regulatory compliance across Australia and New Zealand.

Registrations closing soon 

Limited tickets remain for Australia’s largest fire protection conference. Conference sessions, networking and a free tradeshow included.

FIRE AUSTRALIA 2026 TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE

EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!