Building Capability Under Pressure: BCoE Showcases Incident Leadership and Intent into Action Programs

Displaying its commitment to developing and delivering emergency management training across the State, the Bushfire Centre of Excellence (BCoE) is proud to have successfully hosted the highly anticipated Incident Leadership and Intent into Action programs this year. The courses were delivered by Red Flag Leadership and Mission-Centered Solutions in partnership with the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA).

Running from 18-22 May, 21 participants attended the Incident Leadership course, including Department of Fire and Emergency Services’ (DFES) staff, volunteers and DBCA staff.

This world-class training course brought together experienced emergency management personnel to strengthen leadership, resilience and decision-making capability in high-pressure operational environments.

Held at the BCoE, participants worked through realistic all-hazards simulations designed to reflect the challenges encountered during major emergencies and disasters. The program focused on the human factors that influence leadership, team performance and operational effectiveness.

Justyn Bennett from Coolup Bush Fire Brigade said “This course helped me bring these strategies into my current position within my brigade. It also helped me significantly in the chosen direction I want to go in firefighting”.

The BCoE also hosted a five-day Intent into Action program, building on foundational incident management skills and focusing on strategic leadership during complex and large-scale incidents.

Held from 25-29 May, 26 participants attended including DFES and DBCA staff, two representatives from National Parks and Wildlife Service South Australia and three representatives from the Northern Territory Fire and Emergency Services.

Involving more than 50 hours of immersive leadership development, simulation activities and facilitated learning, the program was facilitated by an international team of five leadership and emergency management specialists from Mission-Centered Solutions from the United States and Red Flag Leadership from Victoria.

Key themes included leadership, teamwork, operational culture, resilience and developing a common operating picture. Participants worked through a series of intensive simulations using the Australasian Inter-service Incident Management System (AIIMS), challenging them to make decisions in dynamic environments, communicate effectively with stakeholders and lead integrated teams under pressure.

Several senior DFES and DBCA leaders participated as evaluators throughout the week, providing direct feedback and mentoring.

“The Intent into Action program lets participants explore how high-performing Incident Management Teams can build cohesion, maintain situational awareness, and make decisions under pressure to achieve strategic outcomes during complex emergency incidents,” said Craig Garrett, Superintendent Bushfire Centre of Excellence.

“The program strengthens the capability of senior incident management personnel to lead coordinated emergency responses across complex operational environments.”

Keep an eye out for upcoming training opportunities by viewing the BCoE 2026 Training Calendar, on the BCoE website.

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

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