ABOUT US

As an accomplished Fire Safety Professional and Manager, they bring over 15 years of dedicated experience in both permanent and volunteer firefighting roles, complemented by specialized expertise in Fire Safety Engineering, Management, Administration, Workplace Safety, Risk Assessment, and Occupational Health. Their multifaceted career within the fire service includes significant contributions to Fire Investigation, Research, and Building Fire Safety teams, showcasing a comprehensive understanding of the field. Holding a Master’s degree in Fire Safety Engineering, they have consistently demonstrated a commitment to continuous learning and professional development. Beyond operational roles, they have actively contributed to the advancement of fire safety initiatives by serving on the IFE Australia board since 2019, holding positions as Treasurer, Vice President, and President. Their unique perspective bridges the worlds of operational firefighting and fire safety research, allowing them to make meaningful contributions to the shared mission of promoting safety and excellence in the industry.

Armed with a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering and a Master of Fire Engineering, Angela brings a wealth of expertise to the field as a highly skilled and accomplished fire engineer. Her journey in the industry was inspired from a young age by a profound awareness of the devastating impact fires can have on buildings, individuals, and communities. Her passion lies in addressing the root causes of fire incidents and ensuring the delivery of safe structures from inception through their lifespan.
Proficient in advanced techniques such as CFD fire and smoke modeling and agent-based evacuation modeling, she excels in both prescriptive and performance-based design methods. Angela has experience in diverse sectors, including airports, commercial complexes, retail establishments, industrial facilities, rail infrastructure, and correctional facilities. She is recognized as a valuable asset, known for her collaborative approach and problem-solving prowess.
As a past member of the IFE New Zealand Board, Angela has developed an extensive fire safety network and maintains strong relationships with first responders and fire brigades across multiple countries.

As the National Director of Field Operations for Disaster Relief Australia, this team member plays a pivotal role in orchestrating disaster recovery operations across Australia and the Asia Pacific. Leveraging extensive experience, they make significant contributions to Disaster Relief Australia’s mission of uniting the skills and experiences of military veterans with first responders to rapidly deploy emergency response teams.
In addition to their impactful work with Disaster Relief Australia, they collaborate with the Minderoo Foundation, contributing to the establishment and operational management of the Resilience Corps. Their dedication to bridging the gap between returning veterans and their home communities is evident in their efforts to recruit, train, equip, organize, and deploy veterans for disaster response operations worldwide.
Through their leadership, they highlight the powerful resources and skills veterans bring, underscoring their value as contributors to society and individual communities.

As the National Secretary of the Institution of Fire Engineers Australia, David Dow contributes a wealth of experience and expertise gained from his prior roles with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. Currently a full-time member of the Department of Fire and Emergency Services, he plays a critical role in advancing the mission and objectives of the Institution of Fire Engineers Australia.
With a distinguished career in fire and emergency services, David has consistently demonstrated unwavering dedication to the field, making significant contributions to both national and international initiatives aimed at enhancing fire safety and emergency response. His leadership and extensive expertise position him as a key figure in promoting excellence and fostering collaboration within the fire engineering community.

Based in Sydney, NSW, Australia, Jason D’Silva is a Senior Fire and Life Safety Engineer at Transport for NSW, bringing a wealth of experience from previous roles at Nutbrook Engineering Group, Precision Fire Protection Services Pty Ltd, and Norman Disney & Young.
Jason earned a Master of Fire Safety Engineering in Fire Protection Services from the University of Western Sydney (2014-2016). He also holds a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering from both the University of Technology, Sydney (2009-2012) and California State Polytechnic University-Pomona (2006-2008).
With expertise in Engineering, AutoCAD, CAD, Mechanical Engineering, and Project Management, Jason is recognized as a valuable contributor to the field. His professional history includes roles such as Senior Building Services Engineer and Fire Protection Engineer, reflecting his dedication to advancing fire safety and building services engineering through diverse and impactful projects.

Dr. Greg Penney is a distinguished leader in business development, strategic planning, and cultural reform. Currently serving as an Assistant Commissioner at Fire & Rescue New South Wales and CEO of the department’s Registered Training Organisation, he has extensive expertise in crisis management and strategic coordination. Since beginning his career as a firefighter in 2006, his experience has also spanned business, consulting, and expert witness roles.
Dr. Penney is a board director for the Institution of Fire Engineers Australia and has contributed to the Fire and Emergency Services Superannuation Fund and BuddyUp Australia charity. As an Adjunct Associate Professor at Charles Sturt University’s Australian Graduate School of Policing and Security, he specializes in decision-making, crisis management in high-stakes environments, and wildfire engineering, focusing on performance-based design at the wildland-urban interface.
Dr. Penney has spearheaded significant initiatives in Australian fire services, including reforms at Fire & Rescue NSW and the Department of Fire & Emergency Services Western Australia. A strong advocate for cultural transformation, he promotes diversity, teamwork, and collaboration, earning respect in both government and private enterprise.

Steven Halliday is a seasoned professional in the fire industry, currently serving as a Board Member. With over a decade of experience, he has held key leadership roles, including General Manager at Testing Australia since July 2021, where he oversees critical operations and applies his expertise in the fire testing domain. Prior to his current role, Steven served as Operations Manager for seven years, further solidifying his knowledge and skills in managing complex responsibilities.
Steven’s career began as a Fire Test Engineer at Exova Group plc, where he developed his technical proficiency from July 2010 to August 2014. He also demonstrated a commitment to education in his previous role as a Tutor at The University of Queensland from February 2007 to November 2008. Based in Melbourne, Australia, Steven Halliday continues to make significant contributions to the fire safety sector through his leadership and extensive background in testing and operations management.

Michael is a Board member who represents the engineering registration work coordinated through the IFE Australian Branch and processed by the IFE Registrants Group (IFERG) at the International Head Office. He joined IFERG in 2018 after becoming a Chartered Engineer in 2017 with the Engineering Council.
Passionate about the work of IFERG, Michael is deeply committed to the rigorous assessment process involved in evaluating applications. He is always eager to assist engineers who are embarking on professional registration with the IFE and to discuss the ongoing changes within the Engineering Council.
With 16 years of experience as a professional firefighter, Michael completed the IFE graduate and membership examinations before studying mechanical and fire engineering. He transitioned out of the fire service in 2008 to work with the engineering consultancy GHD. Michael returned to a fire engineering role with Queensland Fire and Emergency Services in 2011, where he continues to contribute in this capacity.

An accomplished executive with a proven track record in the public safety industry, this seasoned professional brings extensive expertise in crisis management, government, disaster response, fire protection, and risk assessment. A graduate of the Australia and New Zealand School of Government (ANZSOG), they have demonstrated a strong commitment to advancing public safety through various leadership roles.
Currently serving as a Non-Executive Director at Interchange on a part-time basis since September 2021, they play a pivotal role in guiding organizational strategy. Additionally, their freelance role as the National Secretary at the Institution of Fire Engineers Australia from August 2021 to August 2023 highlights their dedication to fostering excellence within the industry.
With an extensive background at the Department of Fire and Emergency Services, where they served as Deputy Commissioner for Strategy and Emergency Management from March 2018 to May 2022, this executive has made significant contributions to the enhancement of emergency response and management strategies.

A values-based collaborative leader, technical innovator, and designer within the built environment, this professional is currently contracting in fire engineering, delivering innovative projects for clients. Previously, they served as the NSW Regional General Manager for TSA Management, where they led a 260-person project consultancy team in a P&L role during a period of rapid business growth.
Prior to that, they held the position of Building Sector Leader at Arup Australasia, where they were responsible for the ‘Buildings’ business P&L after leading a successful organizational restructure in the ‘Consulting Sector.’ They also served on Arup Australasia’s Region Board for seven years and held positions on the NSW Architects Registration Board, the Object Gallery Board, and as Deputy Chair of the NSW Cladding Product Safety Panel.
As a past Arup Fellow, they were recognized for their technical and design excellence, innovation, and inspiration. A professional fire safety engineer specializing in performance-based design for buildings and infrastructure, their notable projects include the ‘Watercube’ Beijing National Aquatic Centre for the 2008 Olympics, Metro Martin Place, Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney Law Faculty, and various sporting, healthcare, commercial, and heritage buildings.

Specializing in Membership Management and Growth, Fiona stands out as a leader in health, safety, wellbeing, and fire protection. Renowned for her problem-solving abilities and pragmatic approach to challenges, she excels in navigating complex issues by thinking creatively and outside the box. With a rich background in dynamic large organizations, Fiona has mastered the art of building valuable relationships across diverse business areas.
A dedicated “Do-er” known for driving results, Fiona’s effective communication skills span all levels of an organization, complemented by a strong sense of initiative. Proficient in conducting in-depth research and interpreting data, she brings a keen eye for detail and a talent for simplifying complex concepts.
Fiona’s strengths in time management, quick learning, and adaptability, coupled with her empathy and robust networking skills, position her to excel in any professional endeavor. Her passion for volunteering and event organization further underscores her commitment to making a positive impact, making Fiona a valuable asset to the board.