The National Aerial Firefighting Centre (NAFC) coordinates the procurement of firefighting aircraft on behalf of the States and Territories of Australia.

 

NAFC was incorporated in July 2003 and represents every state and territory in Australia.

 

 

History of NAFC

 

The use of aircraft for aerial firefighting has grown in Australia over recent years. Following a number of serious bushfires that affected Australia, Commonwealth, State and Territory Governments decided to develop a joint approach to manage aerial firefighting to improve operational performance and cost effectiveness nationally.

 

As a result, the then Commonwealth Department of Transport and Regional Services (DoTaRS) and the Australasian Fire Authorities Council (AFAC) produced a National Aerial Firefighting Strategy. This strategy envisaged a national cooperative arrangement to enhance aerial firefighting resources and resource sharing across Australia.

 

The Australian Government subsequently provided funding to assist State and Territory Governments with aerial firefighting. This funding has supported a shift in focus to larger capacity aircraft and an impetus towards national arrangements.

 

"This is a sign of strong cooperation between the Commonwealth, the states and the territories. By working cooperatively to pool our resources, governments in all jurisdictions can get the maximum value for money and ensure that Australians are protected by the best aerial firefighting equipment possible.”

 

The Hon. Robert McClelland, MP

 

 

NAFC Board Executive Committee

 

Chair: Mr Shane Fitzsimmons AFSM, Commissioner, NSW Rural Fire Service

 

Deputy Chair: Mr Michael Brown AFSM, Chief Officer, Tasmania Fire Service

 

Secretary: Mr Stuart Ellis, CEO, Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council

 

Treasurer: Major General Andrew James (Jim) Molan AO DSC (retired), NAFC Independent Director

 

 

NAFC Board of Directors

 

Mr Michael Brown AFSM, Chief Officer, Tasmania Fire Service

 

Mr Stuart Ellis, CEO, Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council

 

Mr Euan Ferguson AFSM, Chief Officer, Country Fire Authority, Victoria

 

Mr Stephen Fewster, Deputy Commissioner – Capability, Department of Fire and Emergency Services, Western Australia

 

Mr Shane Fitzsimmons AFSM, Commissioner, New South Wales Rural Fire Service

 

Mr Lee Johnson AFSM, Commissioner, Queensland Fire and Rescue Service

 

Major General Andrew James (Jim) Molan AO DSC (retired), NAFC Independent Director

 

Mr Greg Nettleton, Chief Officer and Chief Executive Officer, South Australian Country Fire Service