CommsConnect Melbourne 2026

Last week I had the opportunity to attend and present at Australasias premier conference for critical communications. This event centers around communications for emergency services and other critical utilities.

The quality of speakers was amazing. From front line officers explaining how they are using technology to improve their operational awareness and in-field communications, to the latest in solutions from local and global vendors, to international speakers who are leading the development of standards, to people like myself who help bring a vendor and technology agnostic view.

I was privileged to appear on stage each day of the conference.

On the first day I participated in a panel discussion with Duncan Swan (CEO BAPCO), Lilian Gaichies (COO Streamwide), David Deacon (CEO Etherstack), Kevin Graham (CEO TCCA, Terence Ledger (Regional Director Sepura) amp; Alain Ruinet 阿兰 (Head of APAC Airbus). We discussed global mission critical eco-system developments & deployment considerations.

One of the highlights was appearing as part of a panel discussion about Beyond LMR vs Broadband. I was on stage with some more industry heavyweights including Chris Stevens (Managing Director CartGIS), Matt Wormald, (Commander Operational Communications Fire and Rescue NSW), Hamish Duff (President ARCIA), Kevin Graham (CEO TCCA), and Neil Jamieson (CEO Hypha).

Whilst much of the conference discussion centred on how to improve the delivery of communications to front-line officers I finished the final day on stage where I presented my thoughts on how New Zaland and Australia have an opportunity to improve the quality of the information presented to the comms centres and front line officers. My focus was through the implementation of vehicle crash data, using the next generation of eCall ,response times can be shortened and outcomes can be improved. NGeCall a technology that delivers detailed crash information automatically from a vehicle to the emergency call takers and dispatchers when a vehicle accident occurs.

As well as the trinkets, toys, lollies and other swag I brought home for the family, I left with feeling of enthusiasm after the positive vibe the vendors, presenters and attendees all exhibited during the week.

Comms Connect remains a must attend event in my calendar.