River City Smoke Alarms

As part of FPA Australia’s mission to address the mounting skill shortage in the fire protection industry, it’s clear that now is the time to act and here’s why:

In our recent webinar, Are your smoke alarms compliant? What every Queensland property owner needs to know’ we learned that of the 2.5 million homes in Qld - including 630,000 rentals properties and 350,000 owner-occupied homes, only 220,000 homes built since 2017 are already compliant.

From January 2027, all Qld laws require homes to be fitted with interconnected, photoelectric, and hardwired or 10-year battery smoke alarms.

In this webinar, key voices in fire protection like Paul Titman, Matthew Duncan and more, shared insights on legal requirements, alarm compliance, risks of non-compliance, and the need for qualified tradespeople. Whilst not in person, the Honorable Ann Leahy provided a supportive message, reminding Queenslanders of the importance of taking fire safety seriously.

FPA Australia understands the importance of skilled workers in fire protection and how critical they are to ensuring buildings are built in a safe condition and certified fit for occupancy. We continue to emphasis that our number one priority is community safety, and we advocate for adequately funded training for workers in the fire protection industry and for licensing schemes across different states to be fit for purpose.

Begin your membership journey with us today: https://fpaa.com.au/Web/Web/Services/Become_a_Member.aspx

When a fire starts in a caravan, those inside may only have seconds to escape.

Just like at home, you should have a fire escape plan when staying in a caravan.

Check out our caravan fire safety checklist before heading away these school holidays.

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Today is Cancer Nurses Day – a time to acknowledge the amazing contribution of cancer nurses across Australia, and to recognise the life-changing impact they have on patients and families.

Mesothelioma is one of the most aggressive and devastating cancers. With the lowest survival rate of all cancers, the road for patients is complex and confronting. At ADDRI, our specialist nurses Pamela Logan and Carmel Oostveen walk beside patients and their families from the moment of diagnosis. They provide expert guidance through a challenging healthcare system, offer emotional and practical support and create genuine, personal connections. Many patients have told us they could not have navigated their diagnosis without the support of Pam and Carmel. Today offers a moment to acknowledge and thank our nurses for the skill, empathy and commitment they bring to easing the path for our patients.

⏰ Reminder: time to test your safety switches!

Safety switches reduce the risk of an electric shock if there’s a fault in your electrical wiring or electrical equipment.

Pop a reminder in your calendar every three months and make it part of your safety routine.

For more information on testing your safety switches, check out our website: https://bit.ly/4m9ETJ8

Today is World Lung Cancer Day — a moment to consider the global toll of one of the world’s deadliest cancers. According to the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) Global Burden of Disease Study, more than 180,000 people died in 2021 from asbestos-related lung cancers – preventable deaths and a harsh reminder of the long-lasting legacy of asbestos exposure.

This year, Australia has taken the very important step in establishing the National Lung Cancer Screening Program which is estimated to save more than 12,000 lives in the coming decade. As of 1 July 2025, people within particular risk categories can get a low dose CT scan that may detect signs of cancer despite there being no symptoms. Detecting lung cancer in its early stages — including cases linked to asbestos or dust exposure which can be difficult to diagnose due to overlapping symptoms with smoking — can significantly boost survival rates and lead to better health outcomes for thousands of Australians each year.

As the WHO Collaborating Centre for the Elimination of Asbestos and Dust-Related Diseases, ADDRI brings a global perspective — advocating for countries that continue to use or produce chrysotile asbestos to transition to safer, non-asbestos alternatives. Through our training programs across Southeast Asia, we are building local capacity by equipping health professionals with the knowledge and tools to recognise, diagnose and manage asbestos-related diseases, including lung cancer.

Today is a time to reflect on the real impact of lung cancer – on the people, families and communities - and the need to all walk together to advance research, support patients, improve awareness and ultimately, reduce the global burden of this terrible cancer.

Introducing the Silicosis Support Hub

How to dispose of lithium-ion (LiB) batteries

Incorrect battery disposal can result in injury, fire hazards and environmental harm.
Lithium-ion batteries are found in lots of devices and can be more volatile than traditional batteries so it’s important to know how to dispose of them safely.

If you have damaged LiBs:
📱contact your local council immediately to find out how to safely dispose of them in your area
🧤👖You should wear gloves and protective clothing when handling damaged batteries or devices
🔋Place leaking or damaged batteries in a clear plastic bag or container (make sure they are not overheated or off-gassing).

If you have undamaged LiBs, be sure to tape over the battery terminals with electrical tape before giving them to a recycling or disposal facility.

For more information on safely disposing LiBs, visit our friends at Queensland Fire Department https://www.fire.qld.gov.au/safety-education/battery-and-charging-safety/lithium-ion-battery-safety

New smoke alarm laws Get compliant today