Shane Fitzsimmons, hero of the Black Summer bushfires coming to Tweed

The speaker will draw from his experiences as the former Commissioner of the Rural Fire Service, guiding NSW through the devastating 2019-20 bushfire season, to delve into a range of thought-provoking topics.

RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons will be speaking at the Landcare conference in Tweed Heads in 2022. (AAP Image/Joel Carrett)

Commissioner of Resilience NSW Shane Fitzsimmons will wow the crowd in Tweed Heads as the keynote speaker for the NSW Landcare and Local Land Services Conference in 2022.

Commissioner Fitzsimmons will draw from his experiences as the former Commissioner of the Rural Fire Service, guiding NSW through the devastating 2019-20 bushfire season, to delve into a range of thought-provoking topics.

“Our recent experiences – from drought and bushfire, storm and flood, to COVID-19 – have shown us that collaboration is key to improving response, recovery and building resilience into the future,” Commissioner Fitzsimmons said.

“This event is an opportunity to reflect, consider lessons learnt, and identify ways we can better work together and with the community to improve outcomes for all into the future.

“After being so actively involved in the bushfire response as the NSW RFS Commissioner, I’m now in the unique and privileged position of working with those same communities through their bushfire recovery as the Commissioner of Resilience NSW.

“As part of this event, I will share my personal experience of the 2019-20 bushfire season, provide an update on the recovery operation and outline my vision for a more aware, more prepared and more resilient NSW.”

Shane Fitzimmons will headline NSW Landcare LLS Conference 2022 in Tweed Heads.

The conference, which was to be held in 2021 had to be postponed due to COVID-19 impacts, will now take place on March 15-17, 2022 at the Mantra Twin Towns in Tweed Heads.

Chairperson of Landcare NSW Stephanie Cameron said it would be a wonderful opportunity to learn from Commissioner Fitzsimmons experiences.

“This past year has shown how resilience and adaptability are critical in not only surviving, but thriving through these challenging times,” Mrs Cameron said.

“During what has been a most challenging time, both as a community and for our environment, reflecting on how we have handled crises in the past will hold Landcarers in great stead for the future.”

Local Land Services Board Acting Chair Allison Harker said farmers, Landcarers and community groups also have an opportunity to present at the conference, with expressions of interest now open.

“We are looking for presentations and workshops that showcase resilience, as well as how we can rethink, renew and recharge to create a sustainable future,” Ms Harker said.

“This is a great opportunity for passionate individuals and groups to share their on-the-ground experiences and learnings with the broader Landcare community.”

Interested presenters can find out more information, and download their expression of interest form at www.nswlandcareconference.com.au/presentations.

Conference tickets will go on sale later this year. Interested delegates and exhibitors can find updates at the conference website and by following ‘NSW Landcare and Local Land Services Conference’ on Facebook.