South Australia Welcomes Back ARCIA Conference & Dinner
For the first time since 2019, South Australia played host to an ARCIA Critical Communications Conference, bringing the industry together at the iconic National Wine Centre. While the State Networking Dinner has continued annually, this marked the return of a full day conference in Adelaide — and it was a resounding success, with attendance exceeding expectations and feedback overwhelmingly positive.
The program featured standout sessions, including Peter Sinclair from the Attorney-General’s Department, who spoke about delivering services across a state as vast as South Australia. The day wrapped up with an engaging closing panel on LEO satellite services and their role in today’s critical communications ecosystem — a highlight for many delegates.
As always, the evening dinner provided the perfect setting to reconnect with colleagues, make new connections, and celebrate achievements across the sector. With MC and speaker Mark Bickley, former Adelaide Crows Grand Final-winning Captain, the night was filled with energy and insight. A special moment came when the South Australia Professional of the Year Award was presented to Costa Manavis from Radlink — one of the youngest recipients in the award’s history. Read more about Costa’s great achievements >>
Congratulations, Costa!
We look forward to seeing you in Melbourne for the announcement of the National Award Winner at the ARCIA Gala Dinner and Excellence Awards.
Reflecting on the success of the event, ARCIA CEO Paul Davis shared:
“I don’t think we’ve had feedback so freely shared and so positive in the last couple of years. Whether it was because many of those in attendance hadn’t been to a focussed conference like this for years, or because we hit the sweet spot with content and the dinner, I have no idea, but it was a fantastic day and we’re very grateful for the engagement with what we’re delivering for the community.”
ARCIA extends a huge thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to making this event a success. We look forward to welcoming you back to future events.
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What’s Coming Up for South Australia
ARCIA have two fantastic events on the horizon, and we’d love to see you there.
First up is the ARCIA Gala Dinner & Excellence Awards in Melbourne on Wednesday, 15 October. This flagship event is always a highlight of the year, bringing together industry leaders and peers for an evening of celebration and networking. Don’t forget: nominations for the awards close on Friday, 19 September, so now’s your last chance to put forward the individuals, companies, and projects that deserve recognition. Nominate now >>
Tickets are available until Thursday, 2 October — secure your seat today so you don’t miss out. Book now >>
Then, to close out the year, we’ll be back in Adelaide for our final Sundowner of 2025. Join us at The British on Wednesday, 10 December, from 5:30 pm for a relaxed evening of drinks, conversation, and connection with radio and critical communications peers before the Christmas break. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the end of another big year with your colleagues and community. RSVP now >>
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Adelaide 2025 Conference Stream
Thursday 11 September | 9:00 am – 4:30 pm
- The Growing Connectivity Between LMR & the G’s
- Navigating Australia’s Airwaves – Exploring Spectrum Opportunities
- Innovative Solutions Using cnWave 60 GHz for Industrial Solutions
- Pathways to Deploy 3GPP Mission Critical Broadband Services (MCX), with Icon Water (ACT) Case Study “Move from Narrowband to Broadband”
- Vehicle as A Node (VAAN) – A Look at How This is Changing the Landscape for PSMB
- How Public Safety Agencies Optimised Critical Comms During the Paris Olympics
- Cybersecurity for LMR Systems
- Public Safety Solutions and the SA Government Radio Network, Connecting Our Emergency Services
- Unifying Public Safety Communications within Surf Life Saving NSW: Seamless Integration and Interoperability between agencies using DMR and P25
PANEL DISCUSSION:
The Use of Satellite Communications in the Critical Communications Environment – Separating Fact from Fiction
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 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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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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Innovative Solutions Using cnWave 60 GHz for Industrial Solutions
Presented by: Roy Wittert |Regional Sales Director Australia 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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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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Vehicle as A Node (VAAN) – A look at how this is changing the landscape for PSMB
Presented by: Graham Tait AFSM GIFireE | Mesh Solutions Lead, 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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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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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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Public Safety Solutions and the SA Government Radio Network, Connecting Our Emergency Services
Presented by: Peter Sinclair | Director, Public Safety Solutions – Attorney-General’s Department
Hear about how Public Safety Solutions supports South Australia’s emergency services, including operating one of the world’s largest emergency services radio networks.
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Unifying Public Safety Communications within Surf Life Saving NSW: Seamless Integration and Interoperability between agencies using DMR and P25
Presented by: Chris Stevens | Managing Director, Cart GIS
Since 1907 SLSNSW has provided essential lifesaving services to the bathing public. However, with the more recent move to the role of an emergency services (support) organisation, SLSNSW now provides rescue responses to NSW ESO Control agencies including Police, Ambulance, Fire and SES. This recognition required the upgrade of communications systems and the integration to connect to the NSW PSN via CSSI.
During large-scale emergencies, the SLSNSW State Operations Centre coordinates with other NSW emergency service organisations where NSW State Emergency Response multi-agency responses are required, to provide the most appropriate Search and Rescue assets to the scene of coastal incidents and emergencies.
The project commenced in January 2023 and was completed by July 2024, requiring a coordinated effort from multiple stakeholders including SLSNSW, NSWTA, CartGIS, Omnitronics, BAI and Motorola. This case study will take a closer look at the integration pathways and project successes.
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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, Graham Tait, Peter Sinclair and Rhys Clare
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. 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 over 20 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. |
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. |
Graham Tait AFSM GIFireE
Mesh Solutions Lead, Hypha | Graham Tait AFSM is a former firefighter with Fire & Rescue NSW for over 40 years, including 37 years as a career firefighter and officer, he is also a current serving volunteer firefighter with the NSW Rural Fire Service where he has over 46 years service. During his career, he specialised in the areas of both Rescue and Operational Communications. He was a member of the AUS2 Urban Search & Rescue team for 12 years which saw him deployed to various incidents including the Christchurch Earthquake, Japan Tsunami, Vanuatu Cyclone and Indonesian Earthquake as both a rescue team member and communications lead officer. Serving in the Operational Communications role for the final 17 years of his career, he dedicated himself to the key areas of managing the Computer Aided Dispatch system, Automatic Vehicle Location and Mobile Data system, radio networks and hardware, GIS, and field deployable communications systems. He has been recognised for his leadership in the Public Safety and technology space both in Australia and Internationally, and continues to advocate for advances in communications and technology that will provide improvements in safety and efficiency for front line emergency personnel. Following his retirement from full time firefighting in 2022, he has taken up a role with Hypha Solutions to ensure he can continue to bring his experience to the business continue to advance technology for the first responder community. |
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. |
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. |
Roy Wittert
Regional Sales Director for Australia, New Zealand and Pacific Islands, Cambium Networks | Roy Wittert is currently a Regional Sales Director Anz and Pacific Islands at Cambium Networks. Roy Wittert brings experience from previous roles at Motorola Solutions, Vantage Systems, Volante Technologies and 3d Networks. Roy Wittert holds a 1980 – 1983 Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering, Communication, and Engineering at University of the Witwatersrand. |
Peter Sinclair
Director, Public Safety Solutions – Attorney-General’s Department | Peter Sinclair is a leader in public safety communications and emergency management, currently serving as the Director of Public Safety Solutions in South Australia.. With over three decades of experience in critical systems management, Peter is passionate about delivering mission-critical systems that deliver real operational benefits to first responders and emergency managers. Peter’s current role involves overseeing the State’s emergency aviation capability, the South Australian Government Radio Network and the State’s Triple Zero call receipt and dispatch systems. Peter represents South Australia on several national committees, including Triple Zero governance and the Public Safety Mobile Broadband program. In addition to his day job, Peter volunteers with the Sturt Group Operations Support Brigade in the SA Country Fire Service. |
