The fire protection industry came together last week for a standout evening of celebration, connection and recognition at the Fire Industry Alliance Awards Night – an event dedicated to acknowledging the people and organisations shaping the future of fire safety across Australia.
Held alongside industry peers, partners and leaders, the evening highlighted the depth of expertise, professionalism and commitment that exists across the sector. ARA Fire received multiple awards, highlighting outstanding individual achievement and strong organisational leadership.
Recognising Leadership Through Inclusion
One of the most significant awards received by ARA Fire was the Champion in Diversity Award.
This recognition reflects ARA Fire’s ongoing commitment to building an inclusive, respectful and supportive workplace – one where people are valued for their skills, experience and perspectives, and where opportunity is driven by merit.
The award acknowledges organisations that demonstrate meaningful action in fostering diversity across their workforce, leadership and culture. For ARA Fire, this is not a one‑off achievement, but the result of consistent effort, clear values and a people‑first approach embedded across the business.
ARA Fire continues to prioritise inclusion as a key driver of safety, performance and long‑term sustainability.
Celebrating individual excellence across the industry
In addition to the Champion in Diversity award, the evening also recognised outstanding individual contributions from professionals within the ARA Fire and Firesafe Group network.
Fire Protection Professional of the Year
Sponsored by LPG Fire Australia
Winner: Gerardo Cocjin, Firesafe Group
This award recognises technical expertise, professionalism and leadership within the fire protection industry. Gerardo’s achievement reflects a strong commitment to best practice, safety and quality outcomes, and highlights the depth of talent within the Firesafe Group.
Tradesperson of the Year
Sponsored by Reece Fire
Winner: Chris O’Shea, Firesafe Group
The Tradesperson of the Year award celebrates excellence on the tools and recognises the critical role skilled trades play in maintaining industry standards. Chris’s recognition is a testament to craftsmanship, reliability and pride in workmanship.
A Shared Industry Achievement
The Fire Industry Alliance Awards Night serves as an important reminder that the strength of the industry lies in its people – from technicians and trades to engineers, leaders and support teams.
For ARA Fire, these awards reflect:
- A strong culture built on respect and inclusion
- Investment in people at every stage of their career
- A commitment to industry leadership beyond technical delivery
Looking ahead
As the industry continues to evolve, events like the Fire Industry Alliance Awards Night play a vital role in bringing people together, sharing best practice and celebrating progress.
ARA Fire congratulates all winners and finalists from the evening and extends thanks to the Fire Industry Alliance and event sponsors for their continued commitment to recognising excellence across the sector.