Events

TO ALL MEMBERS AND GUESTS OF NSWAFI   You are invited to attend an Education Night run by the NSW Association of Fire Investigators Inc. on the subject of: Sparking the Truth: Effective Interview Techniques for Fire Investigators When the fire is out, the investigation begins. While physical evidence is critical, investigators may also rely on information from witnesses, property owners, and other parties involved in the incident. Obtaining accurate witness information during a fire investigation can be challenging. People may be stressed, emotional, defensive, or uncertain about what they observed. Understanding how to ask the right questions, manage conversations, and assess information effectively is an essential investigative skill. This presentation explores practical interviewing techniques for conducting effective fact-finding interviews in fire investigations. Presenter: Bob McKay – Director, McKay Forensic Investigations Bob McKay is the Director of McKay Forensic Investigations and has extensive experience as a factual insurance investigator, where interviewing witnesses and involved parties was a major component of his work early in his career. From 1990 to 2002, Bob also lectured in Investigation at the Western Sydney Institute of TAFE. His presentations combine practical field experience with formal investigation training and education. WHEN:                      Thursday, 04 June 2026               TIME: 18:00 hours AEDT RSVP:                        Wednesday, 03 June 2026  This presentation will be conducted live over Microsoft Teams. Please complete the online booking form on the NSWAFI website. The Teams Meeting details will be provided in the 12 hours prior to the event start. REMEMBER: You do not need to be a Fire Investigator to attend these evenings. If you are not a member of the NSWAFI, the cost to attend this education night is $10, payable through the website. ANZFSS, NZAFI, QAFI and VAFI financial members can book for free.  

 - WAITLIST NOW OPENED -  - Due to high demand, the course is now fully subscribed, however we are opening up a waitlist for those that wish to be contacted, should a cancelation occur -  The NSW Association of Fire Investigators (NSWAFI) is pleased to offer the 40-hour IAAI Fundamentals of Fire Investigation Course in Australia. This five-day program includes a full-day practical examination followed by an online assessment, with a certificate issued upon successful completion. The course is designed to provide new fire investigators with the foundational knowledge required to competently determine origin and cause, and serves as the prerequisite program for the IAAI Fire Investigation Technician (IAAI-FIT) designation. It also provides experienced fire investigators with an opportunity to refresh, reinforce, and update their existing knowledge in relation to the scientific principles of fire scenes.   DATE:  18-22 May 2026 (08:00-16:00) LOCATION: Metropolitan Fire Service (MFS) Adelaide Fire Station, 99 Wakefield Street Adelaide. Level 3 Conference room. Morning Tea, Lunch & Afternoon Tea will be provided. The practical examination at a fire scene will be held on Thursday, 21 May 2026, and transport will be provided that day. INSTRUCTORS: Mark Pellegrino IAAI-CFI, Michael Forbes IAAI-CFI, and Daren Mallouk IAAI-CFI. COST:  $1300 for members of NSWAFI, QAFI, VAFI, NZAFI, ANZFSS $1500 for non-members (If you would like to become a NSWAFI member you can complete an online application here: https://nswafi.com.au/public/membership_levels) NSWAFI can accept either purchase order or credit card payment. Please ensure you select the correct ticket option/s when booking. ACCOMODATION: Please note this is not included in the course fee, however Hilton Adelaide has come on board for the Fundamentals in Fire Investigation Course. If you book your accommodation through them, they will provide a 15% discount. You just need to use this link when booking:  https://www.hilton.com/en/attend-my-event/fireinvestigationcourse/ If you want to ring them to make your booking you just have to mention this code: GFIRA. Any questions about accommodation can be directed to: SHANNON WHITNEY - Groups and Tours Coordinator - Shannon.Whitney@hilton.com There is a limit of 35 students. Registration will be on a first come, first serve basis. For all enquires, please contact Mark Pellegrino on +61 411 180 978 or president@nswafi.com.au

TO ALL MEMBERS AND GUESTS OF NSWAFI   You are invited to attend an Education Night run by the NSW Association of Fire Investigators Inc. on the subject of:   Depth Of Calcination In Gypsum Plasterboards During Fire Exposure This presentation explores methods for predicting the depth of calcination in gypsum plasterboards during fire exposure. Researchers utilised both experimental measurements and numerical modelling to create accurate correlations between heat flux and material degradation. The study highlighted the chemical dehydration process that occurs when gypsum is heated, causing it to become brittle and change colour. Furthermore, the project investigated the use of digital image processing and artificial intelligence to identify lines of demarcation on fire-damaged walls. These advanced AI-driven edge detection methods significantly outperformed traditional algorithms, offering a more precise tool for fire investigators to analyse burn patterns. This multifaceted approach aims to improve the scientific accuracy of fire scene reconstruction and forensic analysis. ______________________________________________________________________ Dr Gregory E. Gorbett is a full-time Professor at Eastern Kentucky University, teaching in the Fire Protection and Safety Engineering Technology Program. Dr Gorbett is also a professional Fire and Explosion Analyst with Fire Dynamics Analysts. He holds National Board Certification as a CFEI, IAAI-CFI, and CFPS Dr Gorbett holds two BS degrees: (1) Forensic Science and (2) Fire Science. He also holds two MS degrees: (1) Executive Fire Service Leadership and (2) Fire Protection Engineering. He also has a PhD in Fire Protection Engineering. He is a member of NFPA 1033, OSAC, and the CFI certification committee of IAAI. WHEN:                      Thursday, 16 April 2026               TIME: 19:00 hours AEDT RSVP:                        Wednesday, 15 April 2026 This presentation will be conducted live over Microsoft Teams. Please complete the online booking form on the NSWAFI website. The Teams Meeting details will be provided with your booking confirmation email. REMEMBER: You do not need to be a Fire Investigator to attend these evenings. If you are not a member of the NSWAFI, the cost to attend this education night is $10, payable through the website. ANZFSS, NZAFI, QAFI and VAFI financial members can book for free.  

TO ALL MEMBERS AND GUESTS OF NSWAFI   You are invited to attend an Education Night run by the NSW Association of Fire Investigators Inc. on the subject of: Testing the Hypotheses – Throwing Petrol at a Candle   In the early morning hours of 17 March 2021, Mr Todd Bradmore was found with severe burns to about 80% of his body in the front of his property in Adelaide, South Australia (SA). He later died from his injuries. The deceased was holding a lit candle at the time he was in an argument with Mr Alessandro Cavuoto. It was the prosecution case that Mr Cavuoto threw petrol at the deceased and was subsequently charged him with murder.   This presentation is about how South Australian Police (SAPOL) and the SA Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) wanted to know the ignition sequence if someone was to throw petrol at another person who was holding a lit candle. The ODPP also had other scenarios that they wanted answers too. The presentation goes through the testing conducted over 2 days and then the court testimony during the trial.   The presenter is Michael Forbes who has been with Fire Rescue NSW for 32 years. He has been with the Fire Investigation and Research Unit (FIRU) since 2007. He was a Fire Investigator for 14 years and is currently the Team Leader Fire Research. He has investigated over 800 fires and testified as an expert on 25 occasions. He also currently holds the IAAI-CFI and the NAFI-CFEI. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ WHEN:               Thursday, 19 February 2026         TIME: 18:00 hours AEST RSVP:                Tuesday, 17 February 2026 This presentation will be conducted live over Microsoft Teams. Please complete the online booking form on the NSWAFI website. The Teams Meeting details will be provided with your booking confirmation email. REMEMBER: You do not need to be a Fire Investigator to attend these evenings.   If you are not a member of the NSWAFI, the cost of attending this education night is $10, which can be paid through the website. ANZFSS, NZAFI, QAFI and VAFI financial members as well as FICoP members can book for free  

Join us to celebrate the end of another year! The event is being held a La Pizza Ristorante, Bankstown Sports Club commencing at 18:30hrs on Thursday 11 December, 2025. Ticket includes: ENTRÉE TO SHARE Marinated Olives (GF, VG) Foccacia Oregano, Extra Virgin Olive Oil (VG) Burrata Red Pepper Relish (GF, V) Fried Calamari Aioli, Lemon (GF) Sicilian Prawns Tomato Sugo, Garlic, Chilli, White Wine (GF) Proscuitto Rocket, Pear, Pecorino (GF) MAINS TO SHARE Select 3 Pizza and 3 Pasta SIDES Caesar Salad Chips (GF) The NSW AFI will be subsidising this for members, so don't miss out on this opportunity to catch up and network.

TO ALL MEMBERS AND GUESTS OF NSWAFI   You are invited to attend an Education Night run by the NSW Association of Fire Investigators Inc. on the subject of:   Kitchen Fires and Pre-Engineered Fire Suppression Systems: Understanding Their Role in Commercial Kitchens   Commercial kitchen fires are a frequent hazard in the hospitality and food service industries. AS 3772 – Kitchen Hood Fire Suppression Systems provides guidance on the design and maintenance of dedicated suppression systems; however, it is not a legislative requirement. Current building codes only call for sprinkler protection, not dedicated kitchen suppression. This session examines how that gap can leave modern cooking risks under-protected, and why pre-engineered wet-chemical systems are a valuable tool for investigators to understand and advocate where appropriate. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Mark Goldfeder is a 30-year veteran of the Fire and Emergency Medical Services arena and has been providing career advancement training to fire service and fire protection contractor personnel since 2010. He is the President and Founder of Five Bugles Institute, a Certified Fire Inspector, and the Global Training Partner for Lehavot Advanced Fire Protection Systems. Mark has been an instructor, curriculum developer, and professional presenter for almost 30 years, providing specialised training and education to public service and corporate clients. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ WHEN: Thursday, 2 October 2025 TIME: 19:00 hours AEDT RSVP: Wednesday, 1 October 2025 17:00 hours AEDT This presentation will be conducted live over Microsoft Teams. Please complete the online booking form on the NSWAFI website. The Teams Meeting details will be provided 24 hours prior to the event via email. REMEMBER: You do not need to be a Fire Investigator to attend these evenings. If you are not a member of the NSWAFI, the cost of attending this education night is $10, which can be paid through the website. ANZFSS, NZAFI, QAFI and VAFI financial members can book for free.