Critical Communications Conference: Sydney 14 May, 2026
Get ready Sydney, we’re coming back! Don’t miss the ARCIA Sydney Critical Communications Conference and NSW State Networking Dinner 2026!
Following a fantastic conference in 2025, we’re headed back to Sydney in May 2026, for a one-day conference on 14 May.
Conference Tickets still available. Dinner bookings closed on 7 May!
Join us for the third ARCIA Critical Communications Conference in Sydney at the NSW Teachers Federation Conference Centre. The Sydney conference includes a jam-packed stream of radio and critical communications presentations on Thursday, 14 May.
View the Sydney Conference Program
Finish off the day by getting together with your peers at the NSW Networking Dinner, where the highly anticipated winner of the NSW State Professional of the Year Award will be announced. Nominations have now closed.
Numbers are strictly limited due to venue capacity for the conference and the dinner, so book your seats for you and your colleagues ASAP.
Discounts apply on all rates for current ARCIA Members. Not a member yet? Join ARCIA now >>
Conference and NSW State Dinner Tickets on Sale Now
Conference and State Networking Dinner: Thursday, 14 May
Conference Venue: NSW Teachers Federation Conference Centre, 37 Reservoir St, Surry Hills, NSW 2010
Dinner Venue: Sydney Masonic Centre, 66 Goulburn Street Sydney NSW 2000
Time: 9:00 am – 4:30 pm (Conference), 6:00 pm – 10:30 pm (NSW State Networking Dinner)
Sydney 2026 Conference Stream
Thursday 14 May | 9.00 AM – 4.30 PM
- The Evolution of Narrowband to Broadband for Critical Communications | Rhys Clare – National Manager ANZ of Airbus and Director, Australasian Critical Communications Forum, Regional Chapter of TCCA
- The Resilient Future of Land Mobile Radio | Paul Elmes – Managing Director (Asia-Pacific), Tait Communications
- Cybersecurity for LMR Systems | Alvin Singh – Senior Solutions Architect, Motorola Solutions
- Star Wars, The LEO Strikes Back – An impartial review of the satellite industry revolution currently underway | Dale Stacey – Managing Director, SAT Pty Ltd
- Big Data and AI for Mission Critical Comms | Ashwin Dinkar – VP – Defence & International Business, Eventide Communications LLC
- Drone-in-a-Box for Emergency Services: Resilient Connectivity Beyond Terrestrial Networks | James Bassam, Australia UAV Service Manager, Surf Life Saving & Riley Porteous | Communications Systems Team Leader, Surf Life Saving
- ARCIA’s Role in a Critical Communications Environment | Hamish Duff, Managing Director, Mastercom
- Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport Link | Vishal Kohli – LTE/5G Specialist, Commtel Network Solutions
- Public Safety Mobile Broadband Update | Craig Parnham – Executive Director, Digital, Technology and Innovation, NSW Telco Authority
EXPERT PANEL DISCUSSION
- The Evolving Radio and Critical Communications Ecosystem – How Disruptive are Emerging Technologies?
Moderated by Chris Stevens, Managing Director, CartGIS
Session Details and Speakers
Get to know the speaker and take a closer look at the content of each session.
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The Evolution of Narrowband to Broadband for Critical Communications
Presented by: Rhys Clare | National Manager ANZ of Airbus and Director, Australasian Critical Communications Forum, Regional Chapter of TCCA
In high-risk energy and mining environments, communications are no longer just about keeping people connected—they are about keeping people alive, assets productive, and operations running. While Narrowband Land Mobile Radio (LMR) has long provided dependable voice, it cannot support the real-time data, video, and automation now required to operate safer, more efficient, and increasingly autonomous sites.
The partnership between Airbus and Capgemini is bridging this gap, orchestrating a seamless transition to Broadband MCX (Mission Critical X: Voice, Video, and Data).
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Star Wars, The LEO Strikes Back – An impartial review of the satellite industry revolution currently underway
Presented by: Dale Stacey | Managing Director, SAT Pty Ltd
There is a revolution taking place within the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) sector of the broadband communications industry. The sector is volatile and disruptive, with implications for the terrestrial mobile networks and traditional thinking of backhaul for the carriers, for Public Safety Users and for domestic and commercial users being challenged. This sector of communications has seen exceptional growth recently, with the costs of sat comms tumbling. However, there are whispers about congestion, a bandwidth ceiling, possible increasing costs and concerns over sovereignty and weaponisation.
This presentation is a snapshot in time of now and some crystal balling as to where it will go.
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The Resilient Future of Land Mobile Radio
Presented by: Paul Elmes | Managing Director (Asia-Pacific), Tait Communications
The long predicted demise of Land Mobile Radio (LMR) has yet to arrive. This presentation examines why mission critical LMR remains essential, how it is evolving alongside broadband and IP technologies, and what hybrid architectures, spectrum policy, and operational realities mean for public safety and critical industries over the next decade worldwide.
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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 cybersecurity 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 cybersecurity and how can your customers ensure their systems are cyber resilient?
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Big Data and AI for Mission Critical Communications – Exploring the True Potential in Australia
Presented by: Ashwin Dinkar | VP – Defence & International Business, Eventide Communications LLC
This topic explores how AI can and is already transforming the use of historic and near-real time Big Data (say from a GRN or a Telco provider) into useful and easily manageable chunks for proactive and predictive actional intelligence in Public Safety, Emergency Services, Utilities and Mining. We also explore unusual success stories of shared data and how AI has revolutionised the cost of hosting data in the cloud in 2026.
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Drone-in-a-Box for Emergency Services: Resilient Connectivity Beyond Terrestrial Networks
Presented by: James Bassam | Australia UAV Service Manager, Surf Life Saving & Riley Porteous | Communications Systems Team Leader, Surf Life Saving
This presentation will provide a technical overview of a deployable Drone-in-a-Box (DIAB) trailer capability designed for sustained, off-grid emergency operations across NSW and broader Australia. The platform integrates dual LEO (Starlink) terminals and bonded 4G/5G connectivity to deliver resilient, high-availability communications independent of terrestrial infrastructure, supported by an industry-partnered dual-LEO high availability design (delivered in collaboration with Hypha), while retaining the ability to leverage fixed networks where available. Supporting systems include integrated Airband radio, ADS-B monitoring, and IoT-enabled devices (e.g., floodlighting) orchestrated via a centralised platform, enabling both aviation awareness and remote asset control. The session will explore business use cases and the end-to-end architecture, including power autonomy, network failover, edge integration, and interoperability with emergency service systems, alongside real-world deployment considerations for long-duration operations in remote and disaster-affected environments.
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Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport Link
Presented by: Vishal Kohli | LTE/5G Specialist, Commtel Network Solutions
The session will cover the project scope and key details, network design considerations, technology partners involved, key differentiators, and an overview of complex system interworking and performance outcomes.
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ARCIA’s Role in a Critical Communications Environment
Presented by: Hamish Duff | Managing Director, Mastercom
Abstract coming soon
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Public Safety Mobile Broadband Update
Presented by: Craig Parnham | Executive Director, Digital Technology and Innovation, NSW Telco Authority
Attendees will be updated on progress made towards PSMB in NSW along with continuing challenges and next steps. Learn about NSW Telco Authority’s technology roadmap and plan to introduce new capabilities iteratively in collaboration with customers.
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Panel Discussion: The Evolving Radio and Critical Communications Ecosystem – How Disruptive are Emerging Technologies?
Moderated by: Chris Stevens | Managing Director, CartGIS
Panelists:
- Ashwin Dinkar | VP – Defence & International Business, Eventide Communications LLC
- Hamish Duff | Managing Director, Mastercom
- Dale Stacey | Managing Director, SAT Pty Ltd
- Rhys Clare | National Manager ANZ of Airbus and Director, Australasian Critical Communications Forum, Regional Chapter of TCCA
Much discussion is now focusing not only on when MCX will become the norm for critical communications right around the world, but what role satellite should and will play. Land Mobile Radio still plays a crucial role in many environments, and significant investment continues to be made by many for their communications requirements, but are we now seeing a shift that will hasten the end of LMR networks, with increasing spend on emerging technologies?
Today, we have heard from a range of experts, with various backgrounds and opinions on currently available technologies, and now we will hear again from some of them, as we open up to our panel, giving them the opportunity to share with our audience where they see the radio and critical communications sector heading.
Are we really seeing the demise of Land Mobile Radio, or do the numbers around the world tell a different story? Will the surge in LEO adoption curtail investment in MCX by certain users, or will we continue to see the mix of technologies we see today for many years to come, based on use case, budget, security, coverage and many other factors?
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. He is also an Australian Government IRAP Assessor and holds industry recognised security certifications including CISSP and CISM. |
Ashwin Dinkar | 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. |
Craig Parnham | Craig Parnham is the Executive Director of Digital, Technology and Innovation at NSW Telco Authority, renowned for pushing boundaries, exceeding targets and identifying new opportunities. He leads technology strategy, network operations, end-to-end engineering and delivery of capabilities in enterprise architecture, AI/automation, product development and digital innovation. He has amassed over 30 years of telecommunications and 14 years of digital transformation experience, many of which were with leading telecommunications brands including BT, Telstra and Spark NZ. More recently, Craig was posted to Saudi Arabia to lead delivery of the Port of NEOM IT, Automation and Telecommunications business unit. He has a commanding track record in helping dozens of companies scale through customer-centric business transformation programs. Craig holds a Bachelor of Commerce with Honours and Post-Graduate Diploma in Marketing Futures and has also completed executive education programs at Harvard Business School with a focus on digital platforms and product innovation. Described by colleagues as an innovator at heart, Craig is widely recognised for his inspiring, transformative and driven leadership style. In his spare time, he enjoys restoring a 1957 Audi coupe and is also a part-owner of a vineyard in New Zealand. |
Dale Stacey
| Dale Stacey has spent more than 25 years in the telecommunications industry. He is a Chartered Engineer (IET,UK and IEAust, Australia and a member of IEEE,USA) and has an extensive range of knowledge and experience in the worldwide radio communications sector. Dale has managed and delivered many major projects through all phases of their life cycle, from concept and strategy, through development of the business case, design, optimisation, installation, integration, test and commission, acceptance and maintenance. Dale has gained experience of such projects from a number of perspectives, including that of the supplier, vendor, buyer, user, integrator and consultant. Dale’s previous experience includes numerous design and implementation assignments for major public utilities both worldwide and within Australia (electricity, gas, oil and water), and telecommunications carrier projects (GSM, 3G and microwave projects for Telstra, Optus, Vodafone, BT). More recently, he has been involved in extensive coverage analysis, optimisation and drive testing of private networks, and 3G and 4G networks. He is currently working on the 5G revolution and other private network innovations in emergency services, smart city and IoT. |
Dr Paul Elmes
| An engineer by training, Paul began his career as a research scientist at the UK’s Defence Evaluation and Research Agency. During this time, Paul completed a doctorate on the development of novel sonar transducers for the Royal Navy. Paul has a broad background of experience across both the public and private sectors, holding senior positions in government departments, educational establishments and commercial enterprises. Paul returned to Tait Communications in 2016 as the Product Line Manager for the P25 portfolio. Most recently, he was the VP of Product Management, responsible for Tait’s global product portfolio. |
Hamish Duff | 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. |
James Bassam | James Bassam is an established leader and strategic advocate in the uncrewed industry, currently managing one of the largest drone operations as the Australian UAV Service Manager within Surf Life Saving NSW. He directs the delivery of over 70,000 annual flights for public safety and emergency services, effectively integrating UAVs into critical operations such as bushfire overwatch, flood response operations and marine search and rescue. With a background as a commercial pilot and former Head Teacher of Aviation, James has a keen interest in air law and regulatory compliance and has pioneered key long-range BVLOS trials and drone technology partnerships that are expanding Australia’s operational capabilities. His work bridges operational excellence, technology innovation, and workforce development, actively shaping the future of the nation’s uncrewed systems sector. |
Rhys Clare | 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. |
Riley Porteous | Riley Porteous is the Communications Systems Team Leader with Surf Life Saving NSW, specialising in operational communications, network resilience, and emerging technologies for emergency services. Riley leads initiatives focused on integrating advanced connectivity solutions, including satellite backhaul and deployable communications platforms, into frontline operations. He is currently driving the development of innovative capabilities such as Drone-in-a-Box deployments and AI-enabled coastal surveillance systems, as well as aiding manage the Surf Life Saving NSW Coastal Radio Network (CRN), supporting improved situational awareness and response outcomes across the NSW emergency services ecosystem. |
Vishal Kohli | Vishal Kohli is LTE/5G Specialist at CommTel Network Solutions, a company that specialises in providing solutions, products and professional services for mission and business critical networks. Vishal has extensive experience in designing, engineering and commissioning business critical and mission critical systems as well as carrier markets across APAC. He has experience in planning, designing, deploying, and operating networks with a wide range of technologies over time from GSM to 5G. |
Managing Director, SAT Pty Ltd
**The conference organisers reserve the right to make changes to the agenda at any time and without notice. Please check close to the conference date for the latest agenda.
Location - NSW Teachers Federation Conference Centre, 37 Reservoir Street, Surry Hills, Australia
