A Recap of the Bushfire Centre of Excellence’s Key Forums and Training

The Bushfire Centre of Excellence (BCoE) has had a highly productive period, demonstrating commitment to strengthening the capabilities of Western Australia's bushfire sector. Through a packed calendar of high-quality events and training, the BCoE has empowered key stakeholders, fostered collaboration and advanced knowledge across the state.

Here's a look back at some of the initiatives delivered in recent months:

Fireline Leadership Training

A key highlight was the delivery of two Fireline Leadership courses across the final two weeks of May 2025. Conducted in partnership with the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA), these intensive courses brought together a diverse group of personnel from DFES, DBCA, Local Government Bush Fire Brigades (BFB), Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service (VFRS) and Volunteer Fire and Emergency Services (VFES).

The program aimed to strengthen leadership skills among emergency responders and build cohesive, adaptive and resilient teams. Delivered by an external facilitator, the program combined theory, case studies, classroom exercises and practical field activities. Based on a proven North American model and adapted for Australia, the curriculum reinforced a mission-focused operational culture at team level.

Fireline Leadership training course 

Bushfire Trainer Forum

The BCoE also hosted the inaugural Bushfire Trainer Forum, bringing together more than 50 trainer assessors from across the State. The event offered valuable networking and development opportunities, helping to maintain the high standard of training delivered to bushfire responders. Read more about the 2025 Bushfire Trainer Forum.

Chief Bush Fire Control Officer Forum

In June 2025, the BCoE proudly hosted its biennial Chief Bush Fire Control Officer (CBFCO) Forum, bringing together approximately 70 CBFCOs and their deputies from across WA. These dedicated individuals play a critical role in managing bushfire control officers and brigades and liaising with Local Governments on the prevention, preparedness, response and recovery phases of bushfires.

The forum highlighted the essential role of the Chief, promoting collaboration across the network. Attendees had the opportunity to share invaluable knowledge, experiences and lessons learned. From aerial firefighting to lithium-ion battery safety and the future of volunteering, the sessions were engaging and insightful. Topics ranged from multi-incident management and local grant schemes to interagency coordination and community preparedness. Watch the Chief Bush Fire Control Officer Forum video.

CBFCO group photo

Community Emergency Services Managers (CESM) Forum

In July 2025, the BCoE hosted the annual meeting of Community Emergency Services Managers (CESMs) from across WA. With 35 CESMs supporting 56 local governments statewide, they play a key role in planning and delivering emergency services, working closely with DFES, Volunteer Bushfire Brigades and local communities.

The forum gave CESMs a valuable chance to network and sharing best practice. The program focused on three key themes: local government preparedness, mitigation and response and legal and emergency management, ensuring a comprehensive and relevant agenda for all participants.

CESM group photo 

Bushfire Officer Development Program Alumni Workshop

The Bushfire Officer Development Program (BODP) has been running for the past three years, offering tailored leadership development for volunteer bushfire officers. In July the first BODP Alumni Workshop was held and marked a significant milestone. This full-day event brought together graduates from all three program cohorts, giving them a chance to reconnect, reflect and continue building leadership skills. Participants from Local Government BFB, VFES and VFRS benefited strengthened peer networks and gained a better understanding of other services.

The workshop featured scenario exercises, group discussions and leadership sessions designed to support the alumni in continuing their development and tackling real-world brigade challenges.

Bushfire Mitigation Forum

In July, the BCoE hosted the Bushfire Mitigation Forum, bringing together over 50 practitioners from across the State’s bushfire mitigation sector. Attendees included DFES regional staff, Bushfire Risk Management Officers, local government Bushfire Risk Mitigation Coordinators and other stakeholders.

The forum provided a valuable platform for participants to share knowledge, reflect on lessons learnt and explore effective strategies for reducing bushfire risks. It focused on identifying achievable outcomes in bushfire mitigation through collaboration and innovation.

The program included group sessions, investigative workshops and a regional field trip, providing both practical experience and theoretical insights. It gave regional staff and local government stakeholders the opportunity to network, collaborate and develop actionable ideas – encouraging innovation and strategies to reduce bushfire risks.

The DFES Bushfire Mitigation Branch manages the Mitigation Activity Fund Grants Program, which provides funding to local governments for on-ground mitigation works on Crown land. They also assist local governments in creating and implementing their Bushfire Risk Management Plans.

Bushfire mitigation machinery display at the Bushfire Mitigation Forum 

Chief Superintendent Bushfire Centre of Excellence John Tillman said, “The BCoE is playing a pivotal role in strengthening Western Australia’s bushfire management sector. By investing in leadership, capability development and cross-sector collaboration, we’re not only enhancing operational readiness but also shaping a more resilient and forward-thinking emergency management community.”

These key events, along with a range of bushfire training sessions, stakeholder meetings and planning days facilitated by the BCoE, reflect the Centre’s ongoing efforts to improve preparedness, support leadership development and encourage collaboration across Western Australia's bushfire sector.

For any enquires or further information please email bushfirecoe@dfes.wa.gov.au.