Dubbo will host the Aerial Firefighting Asia/Pacific Conference in 2023, joining the international cities of Seattle and Athens in securing hosting duties for the prestigious annual event.
The Dubbo region will welcome up to 250 aerial firefighting and aerial emergency response professionals taking part in the conference to be held on 2-3 August next year.
Mayor of Dubbo Regional Council, Mathew Dickerson said he was looking forward to welcoming delegates from Australia, North America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
“Dubbo Regional Council (DRC) is delighted to work with Tangent Link and NSW Rural Fire Service to showcase the range of opportunities in Dubbo to delegates; heightening Dubbo’s reputation as an epicentre for events,” the Mayor said.
Council staff have been working with conference organiser, Tangent Link, to promote the range of opportunities and facilities available in Dubbo to attract the event. The conference will utilise facilities such as Dubbo Regional Airport, NSW Rural Service Training Academy, Royal Flying Doctor Service and Taronga Western Plains Zoo.
DRC Manager of Regional Events, Kim Hague said, “The event showcases the range of business event offerings in Dubbo, as well as highlighting the Dubbo Regional Airport as an important link in the aviation chain; which could possibly inspire further aerial and medical business event activity in the future.”
“International business events such as Aerial Firefighting Asia/Pacific Conference are choosing Dubbo not only because our Region has attractive value propositions such as excellent venues, enviable accessibility and loads of accommodation, but also because we offer an eclectic mix of great tourism products. As a result, conference delegates will lengthen their stay to visit the world-class tourism facilities in the region,” she said.
Event participants will be the first International delegation to visit the $8million NSW Rural Fire Service Aviation Centre of Excellence that is currently under construction within the grounds of the State Training Academy.
“This state-of-the-art centre will incorporate 4 aviation simulators, training rooms and accommodation to ensure aviation specialists from around the nation can expand their skills,” said NSW Rural Fire Service Commissioner Rob Rogers.
“The NSW RFS State Training Academy is the best we have seen around the world,” said Tangent Link’s International Relations Manager, Julie Guy.
Council says the conference is expected to return an economic benefit of almost $202,000 to the LGA, with delegates expected to take the opportunity to experience Australian culture and enjoy local attractions during their visit.
