"New World, New Thinking" was the catchcry of the recent Australian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council (AFAC) and Bushfire CRC annual conference held at Sydney's Darling Harbour.

Hino Australia displayed a Victorian State Emergency Service heavy rescue truck based on a Euro 5 Hino 500 Series FD1024 crew chassis.

The truck on display was one of 28 FD1024 crews delivered to the Victorian SES in the past two years and represents the latest technology from Hino.

The specialist rescue body was manufactured by Varley Specialised Vehicles, which in itself attracted many interested delegates to the Hino stand.

"Being involved at the AFAC conference was invaluable for Hino as it provides a fantastic opportunity to meet and talk with major customers and key industry suppliers," Hino Australia national government sales manager Tom Ayrton said.

The eighth annual conference has grown to be the pre-eminent event for the fire and emergency service sector in Australasia.

With more than 100 exhibitors spread over 7000 square metres of floor space, it was the largest trade expo for the sector in the southern hemisphere this year.

More than 1,200 delegates attended from around the world, with key note speakers from Europe, the UK and the US.

AFAC CEO Naomi Brown said the event has gone from strength to strength.

"I think our theme is critical for where emergency services are placed at this point in time," she said.

"We are all facing significant changes in technology and government and community expectations.

"How we plan, respond to and manage fire and natural hazards and disasters in the future must take this into account, making sure we continue to build capacity and capability across our sector."