Highlights from Brisbane 2025
Thursday 24 July 2025 saw ARCIA return to sunny South Brisbane for our annual QLD Critical Communications Conference and QLD State Networking Dinner — and what a day it was!
Held at The Greek Club, the event brought together professionals from across the radio and critical communications community for a full day of expert-led presentations, interactive workshops, and valuable networking opportunities.
Attendees explored a diverse program of topics, from evolving technologies and LMR systems to practical solutions in critical communications. The conference stream was well attended, with energy and enthusiasm carrying throughout the day.
We also hosted the Land Mobile Radio: Antenna and Transmission Line Fundamentals and Testing workshop the day prior, giving attendees the chance to build their technical skills and gain an ARCIA Certificate of Competence. A big thanks to everyone who participated!
As the sun set, the action moved into celebration mode with the QLD State Networking Dinner, held at the same venue. With a record-breaking number of tickets sold, it was the largest-attended state dinner in ARCIA history — a testament to the strength and unity of the Queensland industry.
Guests enjoyed a relaxed evening of connection, recognition, and entertainment, culminating in the announcement of the QLD State Professional of the Year Award, which was proudly presented to the well-deserving Rob Hockings. His contributions to the critical communications industry were warmly acknowledged and celebrated by all in attendance.
We’d like to thank everyone who attended, presented, or supported the Brisbane events — your presence and participation made it a truly valuable experience.
QLD State Networking Dinner
Brad Welch, Rob Hockings and John LaCava (photo credit: Philcomm)
At this year’s QLD State Networking Dinner, we were thrilled to announce Rob Hockings as this year’s recipient of the QLD State Professional of the Year Award.
With a career spanning over 35 years in the radio and critical communications industry, Rob has earned a reputation for unwavering commitment, integrity, and a drive for excellence. His passion for delivering the best possible outcomes for emergency services and associated groups has been the cornerstone of his career.
He began his journey at CITEC, where he explored the intricacies of radio systems as an engineer before moving to electronics operations for Queensland Police, after which he played a key role at Queensland Ambulance, where he consistently delivered solutions that expanded coverage and improved reliability across Queensland.
After a stint in the commercial sector as a consultant, he returned to his true passion—emergency services radio—joining Tait Communications as a specialist. He is now with Philcomm, where he continues to advocate for solutions built on quality and long-term value. His steadfast belief in doing things the right way—never cutting corners, even at the cost of losing a project—underscores his deep professional integrity.
Outside of his full-time career, he remains deeply committed to his local community. A dedicated volunteer with the Rural Fire Brigade, he routinely works long days, only to spend his evenings and weekends fighting fires, rescuing accident victims, and searching for missing persons—all before showing up to work the next morning with the same drive and dedication.
Rob exemplifies total commitment—to his profession, his principles, and his community.
Congratulations Rob!
Rob will automatically be entered into the running for the National Outstanding Professional of the Year Award, competing against other state winners. The national award will be announced at the ARCIA Gala Dinner in Melbourne on October 15, held in conjunction with Comms Connect.
Next in line is SA with the Adelaide Conference on 11 September and the SA State Networking Dinner on 11 September. Don’t forget—nominations close 15 August! Now’s the time to recognise someone deserving by submitting your award nomination. Nominate now >>
A special thanks to all our partners— ARCIA can’t deliver these events for the radio and critical communications sector without you.
2025 Brisbane Conference Agenda:
Half-day workshops
- Workshop 1 | The TAK Imperative: Why Australian Mission Operations will Embrace this Unifying Common Operating Picture (Sponsored by Hypha Solutions)
- Workshop 2 | Designing and Planning Microwave Networks
Conference stream
- How Public Safety Agencies Optimised Critical Comms During the Paris Olympics
- Navigating Australia’s Airwaves – Exploring Spectrum Opportunities
- Pathways to Deploy 3GPP Mission Critical Broadband Services (MCX), with Icon Water (ACT) Case Study “Move from Narrowband to Broadband”
- Standards Progress for LMR to Hybrid Narrowband & MCPTT Solutions
- Vehicle as A Node (VAAN) – A Look at How This is Changing the Landscape for PSMB
- The Growing Connectivity Between LMR & the G’s
- Cybersecurity for LMR Systems
- AI & Mission Critical Communication Systems – The Current Trends, Complexities, Applications and Evolving Opportunity
- Innovative Solutions Using cnWave 60 GHz for Industrial Solutions
Panel Discussion
- The Use of Satellite Communications in the Critical Communications Environment – Separating Fact from Fiction
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Brisbane 2025 half-day workshops
Workshop 1 | The TAK Imperative: Why Australian Mission Operations will Embrace this Unifying Common Operating Picture
Thursday 24 July |9.00 AM – 12.30 PM
Presented by: Matt Franks | Senior Solutions Engineer, Hypha and Charles Laird | TAK Development Lead, HyphaAs we explore TAK (Team Awareness Kit) to understand what it is, its opportunity for application and explore various use cases, this workshop will be an opportunity to hear from the experts and experience some hands-on training with TAK.
TAK delivers an interoperable unified common operating picture (COP) based on non-proprietary, open-source software developed and continuously updated by the US Department of Defence.
Australian public safety agencies and emergency management organisations can embrace the civilian TAK stream as a unified operational picture, that fits in the hands of remote emergency workers and is also available to benefit private-sector users too, including park operations, marathon and festival organisers and other large events and operations.
Hear how this life saving approach to technology use can serve Australia:
- Hear about strategies for deploying TAK on an enterprise scale, from device selection to end user training and adoption
- Observe in-depth case studies on the use of TAK for special events, law enforcement tactical operations, wildland firefighting, and search and rescue
- Learn about the large range of communications options for using TAK in remote/off-the-grid conditions
- Discuss the inclusion of TAK in interoperable communications planning, as a compliment to P25 radio, and as a scalable alternative to proprietary silos.
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Workshop 2 | Designing and Planning Microwave Networks
Thursday 24 July |1.30 PM – 5.00 PM
Presented by: Eddie Stephanou | Regional Technical Manager AU/NZ & Pacific, Cambium NetworksWhether you are new to microwave and planning fundamentals or you are looking for a refresher, this workshop will provide you with an up-to-date overview on microwave radio planning that will assist you in planning and deployment efforts. This is an interactive session where you will also have the opportunity to ask questions on all things microwave during this live session.
The workshop will cover:
- Microwave Fundamentals
- Transmission Line
- Pathloss
- Fresnel Zones
- Water and Flat Earth
- Important Equations
- Availability and Performance Objectives
- Industry Myths – Getting back on track
- Using planning tools to bring it all together
- Q&A
Brisbane 2025 conference stream
How Public Safety Agencies Optimised Critical Comms During the Paris Olympics
Presented by: Brad Welch | General Manager, TPL Systems
Public Safety agencies and other organisations that rely on critical communications for their emergency and day to day operations are embracing hybrid solutions in order to strengthen communications resilience. As Public Safety dedicated broadband solutions are being implemented around the world, MCPTT is becoming a large part of the hybrid solution, in conjunction with traditional Land Mobile Radio as the backbone of their communications architecture.
Although radio manufacturers are combining these technologies in their radio hardware, there are still alot of legacy radios only working on traditional radio platforms, so users are forced to use multiple devices to take advantage of radio and MCPTT platforms. This is the exact scenario that was faced by the French Police and Gendarmerie leading into the 2024 Paris Olympics, with both TETRA radios and a mobile phone based MCPTT app forming the hybrid communications platform for over 28,000 officers.
Although the addition of the MCPTT app added a more robust communications solution, it added user complexity too, as officers had to use and carry multiple accessories for voice communications. In this presentation we investigate how this issue was overcome to provide secure and seamless communication across various public safety units.
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Navigating Australia’s Airwaves – Exploring Spectrum Opportunities
Presented by: Andrew May | Executive Manager, Spectrum Engineering
A wide-angle view of ACMA’s ongoing work program, including consideration of wider channels in the microwave point to point bands, the potential partial redeployment of the ‘upper’ 6.7 GHz band to wireless broadband services, and the lay-of-the-land now that ACMA have completed the multi-year “Area Wide Licence” process in the 3.4-4 GHz band across the entire continent.
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Pathways to Deploy 3GPP Mission Critical Broadband Services (MCX), with Icon Water (ACT) Case Study “Move from Narrowband to Broadband”
Presented by: Rhys Clare | National Sales Manager ANZ of Airbus and Director, Australasian Critical Communications Forum (ACCF), Regional Chapter of TCCA
The presentation provides an introduction and overview of current 3GPP releases of mission critical broadband, along with the current 3GPP work schedule that includes 5G D2D Sidelink, Massive MC Video and IWF between LMR and Broadband systems. It will also include an overview of MCX interoperability testing (ETSI Plugtests) and certification. As an example of moving from narrowband technologies to critical broadband, the presentation will provide an Australian case study from an Icon Water (ACT) project entitled, “The Move from Narrowband to Broadband” that provides Icon Water with efficient and enhanced operational communication, improved safety and emergency response, whilst supporting media rich applications.
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Standards Progress for LMR to Hybrid Narrowband & MCPTT Solutions
Presented by: David Deacon | CEO and Founder, Etherstack
This session will offer an update on international deployments of mission critical LTE solutions overlaying traditional LMR networks, for the public safety, utility and resources market.
It will touch on advances in 3GPP, ETSI & TIA standardisation activities, TETRA, APCO P25, DMR and analogue network Interworking with 3GPP standards based MCX solutions from major vendors.
Finally, it will provide technical and commercial recommendations for organisations looking to move to procurement of PTT over LTE technologies, to ensure value for money and flexibility to avoid vendor lock-in.
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Cybersecurity for LMR Systems
Presented by: Alvin Singh | Senior Solutions Architect, Motorola Solutions
This session will look at the importance of having appropriate controls to ensure LMR (Land Mobile Radio) systems are cyber secure, including the following key takeaways, along with a case study focusing on a large P25 system in Australia:
- Why do we need to look at cyber security for LMR systems?
- What are the attack surfaces/risks?
- What are the state compliance requirements for state government organisations?
- What can be done to address cyber security and how can your customers ensure their systems are cyber resilient?
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Vehicle as A Node (VAAN) – A look at how this is changing the landscape for PSMB
Presented by: Scott Geldard | COO, Hypha
A deeper look at what VAAN is, how it is changing the landscape for PSMB current state, and what the future holds with the evolution of LEO/LTE technologies.
The discussion will look at the various use cases and current deployments, how it is being utilised today and what it may look like in the future. With the transition from LMR to PSMB, what role will VAAN play and what does this transition or addition look like for Australia?
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The Growing Connectivity Between LMR & the G’s
Presented by: Hamish Duff | Managing Director, Mastercom
The session outlines the growing connections between traditional LMR technologies, public and private 4/5G networks and MCPTT.
How are standards bodies and manufacturers responding to market demand for connectivity everywhere, including new private 5G options for Australia.
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AI & Mission Critical Communication Systems – The Current Trends, Complexities, Applications and Evolving Opportunity
Presented by: Ashwin Dinkar | VP – Defence & International Business, Eventide Communications LLC
This presentation covers the current trends/updates, challenges and early adaption in related vertical markets and explores how AI is making its way into Mission-critical environments and control rooms.
The following key points will be touched on as part of the presentation:
- What is the buzzword ‘AI’ and how it might it relate to and apply to our industry?
- We will take a look at how related vertical markets are implementing, responding and adapting AI into a mission-critical environment.
- What is the user perception and feedback of AI integrated sub-systems to date and why is it important for the immediate future?
- A look at how an AI platform for Public Safety is evolving and why it is being developed.
- The latest and greatest AI feature and solution sets we are seeing in this space and how it could apply to existing communication systems in the Asia Pacific region.
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Innovative Solutions Using cnWave 60 GHz for Industrial Solutions
Presented by: Eddie Stephanou |Regional Technical Manager AU/NZ & Pacific, Cambium Networks
This session explores how cnWave 60 GHz solution is redefining industrial connectivity. Attendees will gain insight into the fundamentals of 60 GHz technology—including spectrum, propagation, and performance characteristics—and how it enables fibre-like wireless throughput in dense, interference-prone environments. Real deployment examples and case studies, including Stowe Australia’s implementation, will highlight how cnWave delivers reliable, scalable, and cost-efficient industrial networking. The discussion will conclude with practical considerations for planning and deploying cnWave infrastructure in industrial scenarios.
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Panel Discussion: The Use of Satellite Communications in the Critical Communications Environment – Separating Fact from Fiction
Moderated by: Chris Stevens
Panellists: Hamish Duff, Scott Geldard, Ashwin Dinkar and David Deacon
In recent years we have begun to see the use of satellite communications in critical communications environments like never before. Whilst we know and understand that technology, coverage and access has changed considerably in the last few years alone, and whilst some organisations have jumped in with both feet to adopt it’s use as part of an overall communications ecosystem, others have been slower to adopt the technology.
In this panel session we will look to separate fact from fiction with regard to its application and use; consider the threats and opportunities within the traditional LMR environment and we will also explore the barriers to entry that prevent some from making a move towards the adoption of the currently available solutions.
Conference Chair
Chris Stevens
Managing Director, CartGIS
Chris Stevens is Managing Director of CartGIS Pty Ltd, an emergency management, GIS and mapping and communications consultancy company based in Melbourne. Chris has extensive experience in LMR network design, planning and implementation as well as GIS and mapping application design and commissioning.
CartGIS Pty Ltd also specialises in bespoke training and education for the critical communication community. Chris has extensive qualifications and experience in secondary, tertiary and workplace training and education, which, coupled with his communication experience, delivers industry and client focused outcomes.
Chris is also Co-Vice President of ARCIA and Sub-committee convenor of training and education for ARCIA.
Presenter Biographies
Alvin Singh
Senior Solutions Architect, Motorola Solutions
Alvin Singh has over 20 years experience working in Land Mobile Radio (LMR), IP networking, and IT security. He has been involved with the design and implementation of large scale P25 networks and implementing security solutions. Alvin has been involved in supporting mission critical systems and leading a dedicated team to ensure networks reliability and continuity. Based in Melbourne, he holds a Bachelor of IT and MBA. He is also an Australian Government IRAP Assessor and holds industry recognised security certifications including CISSP and CISM.
Andrew May
Executive Manager, Spectrum Engineering Australia
Andrew is the Executive Manager of Spectrum Engineering Australia and has been with Spectrum Engineering for 19 years.
During this time he has amassed a broad and intimate working knowledge of the regulatory environment and the coordination and licensing requirements for radio services in Australia. He now leads a team of professional engineers who provide licensing solutions to all sectors of the radio industry including the major carriers, government and the private sector.
Andrew holds a Bachelor of Computer Engineering with First Class Honours from the University of Wollongong. He holds accreditation under the Australian Communications and Media Authority to issue Frequency Assignment Certificates and Interference Impact Certificates, and holds Approved Radio Certifier (ARC) status under New Zealand’s Radio Spectrum Management (RSM) branch.
Ashwin Dinkar
VP – Defense & International Business, Eventide Communications LLC
Ashwin Dinkar is currently serving as Vice President of Defense & International Business at Eventide Communications, a leading US manufacturer of Mission-critical Voice, Data and AI recording solutions for Public Safety, Defense, Air Traffic Control and Oil & Gas sectors. An Australian Radio (Communication Systems) Engineer by trade, Ashwin has over 16 years experience in running businesses connecting complex dots in International and DoD markets and delivering high-end technology solutions around the world.
Brad Welch
General Manager, TPL Systems Asia -Pacific
Starting as an Apprentice Radio Technician in Mt Isa, Brad has over 30 years’ experience in the critical communications industry including over 25 years’ experience in Critical Messaging.
This experience has seen him working for companies such as Hutchison Telecoms (now Vodafone Messaging), Selective Communications in New Zealand, WiPath Communications Australia and now TPL Systems Asia-Pacific. Brad has been heavily involved with providing critical response solutions and support in the Emergency Services and Healthcare markets.
Brad’s strength is listening to the customer and their requirements, using his experience to provide the most suitable outcomes to shorten critical response times and maximise the customer experience.
Charles Laird
TAK Development Lead, Hypha
Charles Laird is a public safety professional and an asymmetrical technologist who has 19 years of experience and knowledge in the public safety industry as well as with various types of technologies.
Charles’s experiences with coordinating and deploying hundreds of search and rescue personnel during Hurricanes Matthew, Harvey, Michael, Irma, and Florence which has given him a unique perspective on how agencies and governmental agencies respond to large scale disasters. He has deployed a statewide TAK Server for use by North Carolina’s first responder community and very active throughout the TAK community. Charles is also a volunteer Captain at the Youngsville Fire Department. He is the Technology Specialist of NC’s First Responder Emerging Technologies Program and is charged with exploring how technology is researched, developed, and implemented in the Public Safety space.
David Deacon
CEO, Etherstack Plc
David Deacon founded Etherstack in Sydney in 1995 and oversaw the company’s expansion around the world including the establishment of R&D offices in New York, Yokohama and Reading (UK).
David’s original vision for Etherstack was as a specialist wireless technology licensing company providing underlying technologies for the land mobile radio and defence communications industries. As the company grew, Etherstack branched out into transceiver design, manufacturing and deployment of complete turnkey digital radio networks.
In recent years, Etherstack has developed underlying network components for 3GPP MCX networks and is currently the lead supplier of the LMR InterWorking function for the AT&T FirstNet project in the United States. The company has also been at the forefront of PTT over Satellite solutions and has deployed a P25 over Satellite solution for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police inside the Arctic Circle.
Eddie Stephanou
Regional Technical Manager for Australia, New Zealand and Pacific Islands, Cambium Networks
Eddie Stephanou is Cambium Networks’ Regional Technical Manager for Australia, New Zealand and Pacific Islands. He is responsible for technical development, support and growth of fixed wireless solutions portfolio.
With almost 20 years Australian industry experience in fixed digital microwave systems, Eddie has worked with, and alongside, leaders in the microwave space both locally and abroad. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree and a Master of Engineering Degree in Telecommunications.
Hamish Duff
Managing Director, Mastercom
Hamish is the Managing Director of Mastercom and a founding Director of the Orion Network. A specialist in wide–area radio networks, Hamish has a genuine understanding of the pressures faced in the field and the role that efficient communications plays to help people every day.With a career in communications spanning more than 40 years, Hamish is skilled in making complex, simple engineering communication solutions to support the needs of all users, from the control room to the field.
Hamish is the honorary president of the Australian Radio Communications Industry Association and an honorary director of the Digital Mobile Radio Association.
Matt Franks
Senior Solutions Engineer, Hypha
Matt Franks is a former police officer with the Queensland Police Service, with 14 years operational service, including 6 years in uniform policing and 8 years in Specialist Operations.
During his time in Specialist Operations, Matt was a Sergeant Team Leader of a technical team responsible for the research, development and practical implementation of technical solutions covering voice communications, data connectivity, secure video transmission / distribution and drone operations. His work often supported the investigation of high profile and high-risk policing operations.
Matt has undertaken policing operations in several states around Australia, collaborating with both domestic and international law enforcement and intelligence agencies, giving him a true in-depth, operational understanding of the importance of reliable and interoperable communications networks.
During his time as a police officer, he has been recognised on a national level for his development work in technical policing and expertise provided in several natural disasters and major policing operations.
In early 2023 Matt left the Queensland Police Service to take up a role with Hypha Solutions where he applies his knowledge and expertise gained from policing, combined with his experience as a qualified Auto Electrician in the development of communication and connectivity solutions for Public Safety Agencies.
Rhys Clare
National Sales Manager ANZ Airbus and Director, Australasian Critical Communications Forum (ACCF), Regional Chapter of TCCA
Rhys Clare is a director of the Australasian Critical Communications Forum (Chapter of TCCA) and National Sales Manager ANZ of Airbus. He has spent the last 20 years working with vendors in the Critical Communications space in Unified Communications, Contact Centre, Narrowband and Broadband solutions with NEC, LG Ericsson and Motorola Solutions. He’s launched SaaS based Broadband Push to Talk Services through reseller channels and telcos in Japan, India, Indonesia & Singapore and recently joined Airbus as the National Sales Manager. Scott Geldard
COO, Hypha
Scott has worked on some of the largest satellite, wireless and fixed network solutions over the last 30 years. His focus on regional communications has seen a long history of successful program delivery in these sectors.