Victoria Branch

The AFS was formed in 1971 to bring together scientists, police, criminalists, pathologists, and legal professionals actively involved in forensic science. In 1988 the AFS recognised New Zealand members and became the ANZFSS. Our objectives are to enhance the quality of forensic science through our international symposium and the events and meetings by each branch about forensic science. The ANZFSS accepts membership from all persons with bona fide interests in forensic science, and has drawn up a Code of Professional Practice for its members.

Branch Executive

Joseph Balkwill

President
I am forensic chemist; I hold a Bachelor of Science
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Joanne Gerstner-Stevens

Treasurer
I have been an ANZFSS member since 1990 and am the current Treasurer
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Joel Smith

Secretary
I graduated in 2015 with a degree in Medicinal Chemistry (Hons)
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Dr Jim Pearson

Past-President
I have been employed at the Victoria Police Forensic Services Centre since late 1986
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Committee Members

Bianca Szkuta

I am a Lecturer in Forensic Science at Deakin University
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Craig Hewitson

I am a Fingerprint Expert with Victoria Police
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Natalie Price

I am a Forensic Technical Assistant at the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine
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Branch Awards

David Grace Award

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Branch News

18/09/2023 | Victoria

Global Humanitarian Forensic Action: 2023 VIFM Graeme Schofield Oration

Global Humanitarian Forensic Action: 2023 VIFM Graeme Schofield Oration Join us for a captivating evening at the 2023 VIFM Graeme Schofield Oration , when globally recognised forensic investigato...

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20/06/2023 | General

VIC Branch News

The Victoria Branch has run three successful seminars this calendar year to date. Liz Porter opened the year with a seminar entitled ‘Untold stories from the Victoria Police Forensic Services...

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19/06/2023 | General

Congratulations to all the ANZFSS National Award Winners

Below is the list of National Award Winners. Congratulations to everyone whose name is listed below. NSW Alicia Haines Ayusha Dahal Charlotte Britton Harrison Fursman Hayley Green Laylal Zaarour ...

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18/06/2023 | General

Congratulations to all the ANZFSS Branch Award Winners

Below is the list of branch award winners for awards and scholarships determined by each branch. Please note Branch awards and the financial support related to the Awards is determined by individua...

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19/02/2023 | General

David Grace Award

Catherine Shehan, David Grace Award Recipient shares her experience of the 25th Australia New Zealand Forensic Science Society (ANZFSS) International Symposium in Brisbane 2022. As a proud recipien...

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05/02/2023 | General

David Grace Award

Nicole Bond, David Grace Award Recipient shares her experience of the 25th Australia New Zealand Forensic Science Society (ANZFSS) International Symposium in Brisbane 2022. Thanks to the David Grac...

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29/01/2023 | Victoria

2023 David Grace Symposium Award

  David Grace was employed at the Victoria Forensic Science Centre for many years as a Forensic Officer in the Biology Division.  David was also a long serving, dedicated and enthusiastic mem...

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29/01/2023 | Victoria

2023 Bryan Found Symposium Award

Dr Bryan Found was a true champion of forensic science, incredibly passionate for improvement and development.  In memory of Bryan, the Found family has established a Memorial Scholarship in his n...

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03/08/2022 | General

VIC Branch News

Please find the latest VIC Branch news here.  

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06/03/2022 | Victoria

2022 David Grace Symposium Travel Award (now closed)

  David Grace was employed at the Victoria Forensic Science Centre for many years as a Forensic Officer in the Biology Division.  David was also a long serving, dedicated and enthusiastic mem...

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05/03/2022 | Victoria

2022 Bryan Found Symposium Award (now closed)

Dr Bryan Found was a true champion of forensic science, incredibly passionate for improvement and development.  In memory of Bryan, the Found family has established a Memorial Scholarship in his n...

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