It was a privilege to speak at the inaugural conference hosted by the National Capital District
Commission (NCDC) on “Strengthening Fire Safety in Buildings: Key Challenges and
Opportunities for Reform”, held on 29 July 2026 at the Hilton Hotel, Port Moresby, Papua
New Guinea.
The conference brought together key stakeholders involved in building regulation and fire
safety in PNG and provided an important platform to discuss the challenges facing building
fire safety and opportunities to strengthen the regulatory framework.
We sincerely thank NCDC City Manager Mr Ravu Frank, Building Board Chairman and First
Assistant Secretary, Department of Works and Highways, Mr Vahgi Gairowagga, and Senior
Building Inspectors Ms Lyn Vure and Ms Emily Ipi for the invitation and opportunity to share
insights gained from more than three decades of experience in fire safety engineering across
Australia and the Asia-Pacific region.
The conference was followed by a Technical Forum on 30 July 2026, involving NCDC
Building Inspectors and Provincial Building Inspectors from the Department of Works.
Together with Aayush Sharma, we discussed current fire safety challenges, opportunities for
regulatory reform, and practical strategies to improve building fire safety standards and
professional practices throughout PNG.
The enthusiastic participation and constructive discussions throughout the conference and
technical forum demonstrated a strong commitment among PNG’s building and regulatory
professionals to advancing fire safety and strengthening the building regulatory framework.
Fire safety is a shared responsibility, requiring effective regulations, competent
professionals, appropriate design and construction practices, regular inspection, and
ongoing education and capacity building. Initiatives such as this conference provide an
important foundation for collaboration between government authorities, building
professionals and industry.
Fire Check Consultants is proud to contribute to the development of fire safety engineering
practice in PNG and the wider Asia-Pacific region. We look forward to continuing to support
initiatives that enhance fire safety, build professional capacity, strengthen regulatory
practices, and ultimately contribute to safer buildings and communities.
Thank you once again to the National Capital District Commission for organising such a
successful and impactful inaugural conference and for providing an opportunity to contribute
to this important national conversation on fire safety.