Zetifi recently hosted a workshop to consult with emergency services experts and community stakeholders as part of our ‘Telecommunications Disaster Resilience Innovation’ (TDRI) project – a $1.65 million, two-year project funded by the Federal Government for Zetifi to develop and pilot innovative ZetiMesh technology in at-risk and disaster impacted communities. Our work on this project involves collaboration and support from Morse Micro, Telstra, and Risk-E Business Consultants, who played a key role in coordinating and facilitating this workshop.
This workshop was a great opportunity to foster collaboration and leverage the expertise of key stakeholders, including representatives from councils, emergency services, telecommunications carriers, and community groups, to advance telecommunications technologies for emergency situations.
Australia’s increasing vulnerability to extreme weather and catastrophic natural disasters such as the 2019/2020 bushfires, the 2022 SE QLD and Northern NSW flooding event highlight the critical need for reliable telecommunications and power supply. During these events, communities struggle in three key areas: communication for individuals in distress, local authorities delivering critical updates, and businesses’ ability to provide essential services and goods. Zetifi recognises and emphasises the importance of comprehensive telecommunication coverage for individuals, organisations, and society, especially during crises.
During the first half of the workshop, presenter George Holt from Zetifi guided discussions to gather critical insights into current telecommunications technology, including its usage, areas for improvement or innovation, user needs, frequency of use, access points, and maintenance and funding considerations. Participants and stakeholders critically examined telecommunications issues in natural disaster situations based on their expertise and personal experiences. Insights were discussed at the current operational level and with prospects for pre-, during, and post-crisis scenarios, including evacuation centres, frontline workers, and their modes of power, communication, and transport vehicles.
George Holt’s reflection on his involvement in the project: “It’s been a huge responsibility… We have a unique opportunity because we are working with combat and service agencies that are desperately keen to support communities. I wanted to get these people on board and start a conversation. The most important thing was to establish that relationship.”
Subject matter expert Dave Owens provided invaluable insights during the TDRI workshop. With over 30 years of experience as a commissioner in the NSW Police Force and as a State Emergency Controller, Dave specialises in emergency management, including evacuation, recovery, and animal safe places. He co-chaired the NSW independent inquiry into the 2019/2020 bushfires and authored the ‘Welfare Services Functional Area Sub Plan’ for evacuation centres. As the founder and CEO of Risk-E, Dave’s involvement in the TDRI project is crucial for connecting with emergency service stakeholders and providing critical expertise.
The prospect of developing telecommunication technology to address communication challenges during natural disasters is an aspirational project for Zetifi and the TDRI stakeholders.
The knowledge gained from this workshop is informing the development of our plans for the project and our designs for innovative solutions that build on the work Zetifi has already completed in launching products that connect farms, fleets and 4x4s.
Stay tuned for more updates. Our first technology pilots of the ZetiMesh solution with project partners including Murrin Bridge LALC, Wagga Wagga City Council, NSW RFS and NSW Police, are planned for early 2025.
