In May, industry partners, Emergency Service Organisations, and technology leaders gathered in Geelong for a pivotal conference that reaffirmed a shared commitment to modernising emergency contact systems across Australia and New Zealand.
The conference brought together representatives from across the emergency communications ecosystem, including the Australian emergency call service custodian, alongside telecommunications and internet providers and critical industry partners. Through a series of community panels and industry-led discussions, participants explored the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of emergency communications.
A key outcome was strong alignment on the strategic direction of the National Emergency Communications Working Group (NECWG). Attendees endorsed NECWG’s Vision, Mission, and Purpose, as outlined in the recently published one-pager (provide link)—reinforcing a collective focus on delivering safer, smarter, faster emergency communications for our communities now and into the future.
Discussions highlighted the need to evolve beyond traditional voice-only contact pathways, recognising growing expectations for faster, more accessible, and multi-channel engagement. The critical role of telecommunications, internet services, and energy infrastructure was also emphasised as essential to ensuring resilience when it matters most.
The insights and momentum generated in Geelong have set a clear path forward. The work ahead will keep all involved in emergency communications actively engaged, as we collectively modernise and bring capabilities across Australia and New Zealand into the future.
NECWG looks forward to continuing this collaboration at the next Members Conference in Darwin this November (dates TBA), and at the May 2027 Industry Conference in Sydney.
Through NECWG, this collaboration continues—shaping a more connected, capable system that delivers safer, smarter, faster outcomes for all.
Mike Higgie
Executive Co-Chair National Emergency Communications Working Group – Australia & New Zealand (NECWG-A/NZ)