About Us
Vice President
Anne Pickles PSM, BA, Grad Dip Lib Sci
Fire and Rescue NSW
Anne Pickles is Manager Capability Program and Policy in the Operational Capability
Directorate of Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW). Anne developed FRNSW’s emergency
management policy and planning framework and leads the development of its emergency
management plans.
Anne has worked for FRNSW for more than 30 years, in which time she has been involved
with nearly every aspect of the service. Starting as the Librarian, she was a founder member
of the Australasian Librarians in Emergency Services (ALIES) network. Anne then moved
into administration, gaining experience in knowledge management, policy and procedure
development, governance and risk, strategy and planning, and the workings of government.
In 2005 Anne was awarded the Public Service Medal for outstanding leadership in the
development and implementation of information management practices and coordinating the
development of procedures targeting the information needs of firefighters, particularly in
relation to work health and safety. Anne has also been awarded the FRNSW Long Service
and Good Conduct Medal and two Clasps.
Anne was involved in the start-up of FRNSW’s Lessons Learned Centre and works with
firefighters to gather and analyse operational experience and turn it into explicit knowledge
to drive continuous improvement in safety and service delivery. Anne champions diversity
and inclusion in the development of FRNSW strategy and policy and is a member of the
FRNSW Women’s Inclusive Network.
Anne became involved in WAFA when she attended and was inspired by the 2018 WAFA
Conference in Wellington, New Zealand. Anne was elected to the WAFA Board in 2018 and
became President at the 2021 Annual General Meeting. Anne is also a member of the
Australasian Women in Emergencies Network.
Anne has a Graduate Diploma in Library Science and a Bachelor of Arts degree from
Sydney University. She reads widely and is an active citizen scientist conducting wildlife
monitoring in her Local Government Area.
As a volunteer, Anne contributed 20 years service to 2MBS-FM, a community radio station
broadcasting classical music. Currently, Anne does bush regeneration with her local council
and the Friends of Lord Howe Island. She enjoys eco-touring in Australia and New Zealand
and has a particular fondness for islands.