ACEFA 2026 comes at an important time for the Service and will help reposition community engagement as a core part of our purpose and vision.

The conference reinforces that community engagement is a vital risk treatment and a central part of how we serve. As our communities change in diversity, connectivity and expectations, our approaches must change too.

ACEFA offers space to reflect on current practice, share insights across jurisdictions, and build the skills, tools and partnerships needed to support preparedness and strengthen how we serve communities across NSW.

The ACEFA 2026 theme, ‘Evolving Engagement, Tailored Action, Empowered Communities’, speaks to the need to adapt to changing risks and expectations, use research and data in locally relevant ways, and work with communities as active partners in reducing risk.