ANZFSS

ANZFSS NSW - Insights from the Front Lines: A Career in Homicide Investigation with Russell Oxford APM
2024-05-01 17:30 - 21:00 (Australia/Sydney) | NSW State Coroner’s Court, 1A Main Ave, Lidcombe, NSW, 2141, Australia
The Australian and New Zealand Forensic Science Society (ANZFSS), New South Wales Branch, is honoured to present a not-to-be-missed event featuring the esteemed retired Detective Chief Inspector Russell Oxford APM. With an illustrious 42-year career in the New South Wales Police Force, of which 38 were spent as a detective investigating major crimes, Mr Oxford brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the fore.
Join us as Russell takes us on a journey through his distinguished career, highlighting the evolution of crime scene investigation, forensic technology, and evidence gathering over the decades. Having been directly involved in several hundred homicide investigations, his insights promise to be both enlightening and impactful.
Event Highlights:

In-Depth Analysis of Notable Cases: Hear first-hand accounts of high-profile investigations led by Mr Oxford, including the cases of former Wollongong Lord Mayor Frank Arkell, and the never-forgotten Roxlyn Bowie, among others. These discussions will shed light on the complexities and challenges of major crime investigations.
Evolution of Forensic Science: Explore the significant advancements in forensic science and technology that have revolutionised crime scene investigation, as Mr Oxford has experienced throughout his career.
International Experience: Gain insights into Mr. Oxford’s experiences abroad, including his work with the LAPD, NYPD, Washington’s FBI, and his role in international investigations.
Interactive Q&A Session: This is an opportunity for attendees to engage directly with Mr Oxford, ask questions, and seek advice on various aspects of criminal investigation and forensic science.

Who Should Attend?
This event is essential for current and aspiring forensic professionals, law enforcement officers, criminal justice students, and anyone with an interest in the intricacies of homicide investigation and forensic science.
Details:

Date: 1 May 2024
Time: 5:30 pm arrival for a 6:30 pm start
Location: NSW State Coroner’s Court (Lvl 1 Meeting Room), Forensic & Analytical Science Service, 1A Main Ave Lidcombe. Parking available.
Price: Free for members. $10 for non-members.

New Psychoactive Substances in Wastewater, Dr Richard Bade
2024-04-24 18:00 - 19:30 (Australia/Brisbane) | 39 Kessels Road, Coopers Plains, 39 Kessels Road, Coopers Plains, Brisbane, 4108, Australia
Dr Richard Bade is an Australian Research Council DECRA Senior Research Fellow at the Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS) at The University of Queensland. He obtained his PhD from the University Jaume I, Castellon, Spain in 2016, which focussed on analytical tools for the investigation of licit and illicit drug residues in water before joining the Population Health Chemistry Group at the University of South Australia from 2017 – 2021, where his research focussed on the development of quantitative and qualitative methods for the determination of illicit drugs in wastewater. His current research interests are associated with the development and application of analytical methods for the determination of new psychoactive substances in wastewater.
When: Wednesday 24th April 2024, 5.45pm for a 6pm start (please allow 10 minutes to register with security).
Where: Forensic Science Queensland (FSQ) Conference Theatre
Cost: Free for members; $5 for student non-members; $10 for non-members.
Booking link: https://members.anzfss.org/booking.php?id=42 (please include any dietary requirements).
We look forward to welcoming you to this event.

WA Seminar: The Recipients of the 2023 IAFS Symposium Awards
2024-04-15 18:00 - 19:00 (Australia/Perth) | Exhibition Space, Curtin University Building 500, Level 1, Building 500, Curtin University, Kent St, Western Australia, Australia
Forensic Science research continues to flourish in Western Australia, with high-quality work resulting in real-world outcomes as well as novel discoveries that could change the future of the field. ANZFSS strongly encourages the continued development of Forensics and proudly supported several Members to attend the 2023 International Association of Forensic Sciences held in Sydney.
All are welcome on Monday 15th of April as we have a flash-presentation style evening, where the Recipients will give snippet overviews of their presentations. Networking over light refreshments will begin at 5:30 pm with the presentations to start from 6:00 pm.
Hear about a diverse range of topics including:

Forensic DNA Analysis
Mineralogy
Forensic Anthropology
Forensic Toxicology
Quality Management
Fingermark Examination
Chemistry
Explosives Investigation
Forensic Microbiology

Please register at the link below to secure your spot:
https://members.anzfss.org/booking.php?id=43

WA Seminar: The Many Faces of 'Visual Identification of Persons'
2024-03-20 17:30 - 19:00 (Australia/Perth) | Exhibition Space, Curtin University Building 500, Level 1, Building 500, Curtin University, Kent St, Western Australia, Australia
Facial images are used as evidence of identity in forensic investigations into terrorism, abuse, identity fraud, or traffic law violations. Visual identification of persons is based on the anthropological comparison of morphological facial features, which is a method recommended by forensic guidelines, and admissible in court for conclusions regarding identity. In contrast, facial recognition is based on the innate ability of humans to recognize previously seen faces. This presentation will provide insight into the practice of visual identification of persons from the perspective of a forensic anthropologist turned facial examiner for a European law enforcement agency.
Our guest presenter, Dr Zuzana Obertová, is currently an Adjunct Lecturer in forensic anthropology at the University of Western Australia. She is the Vice-President of the Forensic Anthropology Society of Europe (FASE), Assistant Editor at Forensic Science International, certified technical assessor for facial image comparison, and co-editor of the book ‘Statistics and Probability in Forensic Anthropology’. Her current research interests encompass morphological assessment of skeletal remains, trauma analysis, stable isotope analysis, and facial image comparison.

ANZFSS WA Branch Event - Forensic Insights from the Christchurch Shooting
2024-02-23 17:30 - 19:30 (Australia/Perth) | Boola Katitjin, Murdoch University Room 360.4.003, 90 South St, Murdoch WA 6150, Murdoch, WA, 6150, Australia
For our first event of 2024, all are welcome as ANZFSS WA hosts Angus Newton, a firearms and toolmark examiner all the way from the Auckland laboratory of the Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR), New Zealand.
The 15th of March 2019 marked New Zealand’s single worst mass shooting incident, when two Islamic mosques were targeted in Christchurch. This presentation will detail the experiences of the ESR in aiding the New Zealand Police to investigate and forensically examine the difficult scenes where 51 were killed and a further 49 injured. The lessons learnt from this large-scale tragedy will aid similar challenging and complex investigations in the future.
Join the ANZFSS WA team on Friday 23rd February at Murdoch University’s Boola Katitjin facility (Building 360) in Room 4.003. Networking and refreshments from 5:30pm, with a 6:00 pm start for the presentation.

ANZFSS Victoria Branch - Angus Newton
2024-02-16 18:00 - 21:00 (Australia/Sydney) | NSW
Insights from the Forensic Participation in the Aftermath of New Zealand’s Largest Mass Shooting Incident in Christchurch 2019. At two Islamic mosques in Christchurch on the 15th of March 2019, 51 people were killed and 49 injured in New Zealand’s single worst mass shooting incident. ESR staff were amongst the numerous organisations assisting the NZ Police deal with the aftermath and forensically examine the scenes. This presentation will relate the examinations and experiences of those staff at the scenes. The focus however will be on the learnings taken from those experiences of such a large-scale tragedy, in the hope that the benefits might be passed on in the event of something similar occurring in the future.
Angus Newton has been working in forensic science for 26 years which includes 13 years as a trained firearms and toolmark examiner with the Auckland laboratory of the Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR) in New Zealand.
Members Book Here

ANZFSS NSW - Insights from the Forensic Participation in the Aftermath of New Zealand's Largest Mass Shooting Incident in Christchurch 2019.
2024-02-15 18:00 - 22:00 (Australia/Sydney) | The Green Theatre – UTS, 67 Thomas St, Broadway, NSW, 2007, Australia
For the first event of 2024, ANZFSS NSW will host a talk by ESR forensic scientist Angus Newton on the forensic participation in the 2019 mass shooting in Christchurch.
At two Islamic mosques in Christchurch on the 15th of March 2019, 51 people were killed and 49 injured in New Zealand’s single worst mass shooting incident. ESR staff were amongst the numerous organisations assisting the NZ Police deal with the aftermath and forensically examine the scenes. This presentation will relate the examinations and experiences of those staff at the scenes. The focus however will be on the lessons taken from those experiences of such a large-scale tragedy, in the hope that the benefits might be passed on in the event of something similar occurring in the future.
Angus Newton has been working in forensic science for 26 years which includes 13 years as a trained firearms and toolmark examiner with the Auckland laboratory of the Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR) in New Zealand. He has previously published research findings in many scientific journals. He has attended and presented at the biennial ANZFSS symposiums on a number of occasions, having previously been awarded “Best Oral Presentation” at the Gold Coast symposium in 2000.
Date: 15th February 2024
Time: 6:00pm arrival for 7:00pm start. Note: Zoom broadcast will begin at 7:00pm.
Location: The Green Theatre, University of Technology Sydney. 67 Thomas Street, Ultimo. Building 7, level 2.
Price: Free for members. $20 for non-members.

ANZFSS NSW - End of Year Event - Scholarship Winners
2023-12-07 18:00 - 22:00 (Australia/Sydney) | Dooleys Lidcombe, 17 Church Street, Lidcombe, NSW, Australia
The ANZFSS NSW End of Year Event/Christmas Party will be held on the 7th of December at DOOLEYS Lidcombe.
Our annual Christmas celebration will feature short talks from a number of our amazing ANZFSS Scholarship winners. They will present a summarised version of their IAFS 2023 presentation.
Come along for an exciting night filled with diverse research and a sit down dinner. Speakers and their presentation details will follow shortly.
Date and Time: 7th of December; 6:00pm
Location: DOOLEYS Lidcombe, 17 Church Street, Lidcombe.
Prices: $65 for student members, $75 for members, $85 for non-members. Three course meal + drinks are included!

WA AGM and Aquatic Forensics Guest Speaker
2023-12-01 17:30 - 19:30 (Australia/Perth) | Boola Katitjin, Murdoch University Room 360.4.003, 90 South St, Murdoch WA 6150, Murdoch, WA, 6150, Australia
This year’s WA Branch AGM will be held on Friday 1st December at Murdoch University’s new Boola Katitjin venue, room 360.4.003 (https://maps.murdoch.edu.au/?sharepoi=136044.003).
The event will commence from 5:30pm with networking and light catering, the AGM commences from 6:00 pm. Relevant documentation including minutes of the 2022 AGM, AGM agenda, nomination and proxy forms will be distributed in the coming weeks.
Following the AGM we will be hearing a guest presentation from Vienna Lam; an aquatic death researcher and a Joseph Armand Bombardier Doctoral Scholar at Simon Fraser University, Canada. Her talk will focus on the results from a two-year experimental study of decomposition of submerged Sus Scrofa skeletal remains in British Columbia, Canada.
A reminder to members – only financially current members are eligible to vote or hold positions on the committee, so please check your membership.
Please RSVP using the link below to assist with catering:
https://members.anzfss.org/booking.php?id=34

ANZFSS/IAFS Symposium
2023-11-20 - 2023-11-24 | NSW
For all IAFS details and updates, check out our official event webpage at: https://iafs2023.com.au/

2023-11-09 18:00 - 19:30 (Australia/Sydney) | 39 Kessels Road, Coopers Plains, 39 Kessels Road, Coopers Plains, Brisbane, 4108, Australia
Dr Christopher Day is a Consultant Forensic Pathologist and has an undergraduate Bachelor of Applied Science and postgraduate Medicine (MBBS), both attained here in Queensland. His specialist pathology training has been in southeast Queensland and includes forensic pathology training at FSS. He attained a fellowship with the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia in 2016 and has been at FSS in a registrar and consultant position since 2014.
Dr Day has kindly agreed to give an updated case study presentation, following from his presentation earlier this year. Please note, the nature of this presentation may lend itself to graphic and potentially disturbing images.
For bookings, please visit: https://members.anzfss.org/booking.php?id=31

Qld Branch Presentation - Dr. Christopher Day - Case Studies in Forensic Pathology
2023-11-09 18:00 - 19:30 (Australia/Sydney) | 39 Kessels Road, Coopers Plains, 39 Kessels Road, Coopers Plains, Brisbane, 4108, Australia
Dr Christopher Day is a Consultant Forensic Pathologist and has an undergraduate Bachelor of Applied Science and postgraduate Medicine (MBBS), both attained here in Queensland. His specialist pathology training has been in southeast Queensland and includes forensic pathology training at FSS. He attained a fellowship with the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia in 2016 and has been at FSS in a registrar and consultant position since 2014.

WA Branch Seminar Series: Frugal Forensics: Sustainable Methods for Limited-Resource Jurisdictions
2023-11-02 18:00 - 19:00 (Australia/Perth) | Exhibition Space, Curtin University Building 500, Level 1, Building 500, Curtin University, Kent St, Western Australia, Australia
Many jurisdictions face significant resourcing challenges, demanding more sustainable approaches to forensic service provision without compromising quality. The Forensic and Analytical Chemistry Research Group at Curtin have recently proposed a framework of principles for frugal forensics, balancing method performance with jurisdictional limitations.
Join us on Thursday 2nd November to hear from Professor Simon Lewis, head of the research group, as he explains how the concepts of frugal forensics can be applied in the context of latent fingermark detection and the use of alternate approaches suitable for jurisdictions with restricted resources.
This event will be held face-to-face at the Exhibition Space of Curtin University Building 500. The presentation will start at 6:00 pm, with refreshments and mingling from 5:30 pm. Please register by Monday 30th October for catering purposes.

AGM and Branch Presentation
2023-10-12 18:00 - 20:00 (Australia/Brisbane) | QPS Headquarters, 200 Roma Street Brisbane, 200 Roma Street, Brisbane, Qld, 4000, Australia
2023 AGM and branch presentation – The Bayden-Clay Homicide Investigation, Senior Sgt Ewen Taylor (Forensic Manager for the Bayden-Clay Homicide Investigation).
Join us for our Annual General Meeting followed by a branch presentation by Senior Sgt Ewen Taylor.
Senior Sergeant Ewen Taylor, Officer in Charge, Hendra Scenes of Crime, was the Forensic manager for the Bayden-Clay Investigation involving the homicide of Allison Bayden-Clay in 2012. Senior Sergeant Taylor has previously performed duties in the role of Inspector, Forensic Coordinator primarily for North Brisbane, and for shorter periods on the Sunshine and Gold Coasts.
He also performed 12 months in the role of Inspector InCharge of the DNA Management Section, and for a shorter period of time as the Inspector, State Scenes of Crime Coordinator. In the role of Forensic Coordinator, his duties involve the coordination and management of major crime scenes.
Please note, due to the sensitive nature of this presentation, it will NOT be recorded or available to view remotely. Recordings of any kind will be prohibited. Thank you for understanding.
For bookings: https://members.anzfss.org/booking.php?id=24
Thursday 12th October 2023 at 6pm at QPS headquarters, 200 Roma Street, Brisbane.
Members: Free; Non-Members: $10; Student Non-Members: $5
We look forward to seeing you on the 12th October.
The 2023 AGM report can be found here:
Qld Branch Committee Nomination and Proxy forms can be found here:

ANZFSS NSW Branch - Investigating Sex Crimes
2023-10-12 17:30 - 20:00 (Australia/Sydney) | NSW State Coroner’s Court, 1A Main Ave, Lidcombe, NSW, 2141, Australia
ANZFSS NSW will hold their next presentation on the 12th of October. This presentation will cover the investigation of sexual assault and other sex crimes and will be given by Dr Ellie Freedman and DSC Monique Jackson. As this presentation will be discussing sexual assault, we encourage discretion for anyone who may have a related trigger.
Ellie Freedman is the medical forensic staff specialist at the NSW Education Centre against Violence (ECAV), and works as a medical forensic examiner at Northern Sydney Sexual Assault Service. She has a clinical background working in women’s health and sexual health services for over 20 years. Ellie has extensive clinical experience in the VAN (violence abuse and neglect) sector in NSW, working with adult and adolescent survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence. She works in a state-wide role providing training, workforce and clinical advice to VAN clinical services, and has published several peer reviewed articles on primary care management of sexual assault and domestic violence.
Monique Jackson is a Detective Senior Constable currently positioned within the Investigations Team at the NSW Police Force Sex Crimes Squad. Monique graduated from the NSW Police Academy in 2008 and holds an Associate degree in Policing Practice and Advanced Diploma in Public Safety (Police Investigations). Following her graduation she was stationed at Cabramatta Police Station where she served for 8 years, obtaining her designation as Detective while there. In 2016 Monique was successful at winning a position at the State Crime Command Sex Crimes Squad and she has remained there since.
Doors Open: 5:30 PM
Presentation Starts: 6:30 PM
Location: NSW State Coroner’s Court, Forensic & Analytical Science Service. 1A Main Ave, Lidcombe
Ticket Costs:
Current ANZFSS Members: Free
Non-Members: $10
Catering will be provided by the Piccolo Me Cafe

WA Seminar: Developing New Techniques to Aid Cold Case Sexual Assault Investigations
2023-09-28 18:00 - 19:00 (Australia/Sydney) | Exhibition Space, Curtin University Building 500, Level 1, Building 500, Curtin University, Kent St, Western Australia, Australia
Five years ago, the #MeToo movement on social media drew a public light to sexual abuse and harassment faced by millions of people every year.
Join us on Thursday 28th August to hear from Colby Hymus and Fiona Baxter, who work in the Research & Development and Reporting Teams respectively at PathWest Forensic Biology (PWFB). They will share details of a case study where the in-house development and verification of a simple method to recover DNA from historic microscopy slides resulted in a conviction and resolution of a historic cold case sexual assault investigation. This will highlight the strong link between R&D work and real-world utility in a forensic setting.
This event will be held face-to-face at the Exhibition Space of Curtin University Building 500. The presentation will start at 6 pm, with refreshments & mingling from 5:30 pm. Please register by Monday 25th September for catering purposes.

ANZFSS NSW - 2023 Annual General Meeting - Proteomics in Forensic Science: From Basic to Applications
2023-09-15 18:00 - 20:00 (Australia/Sydney) | Henry Carmichael Theatre, Sydney Mechanics School of Arts, 280 Pitt St Sydney, 280 Pitt Street, Sydney, NSW, 2000, Australia
Proteins in their most basic form are a linear chain of amino acids linked together by peptide bonds. They are the workhorse macromolecules of the cell with a diverse array of structures and functions. Proteomics refers to the large-scale study of proteomes (the entire set of proteins that are or can be produced by a cell, tissue or organism) with the aim of identifying and quantifying proteoform abundance changes between samples (or over time) or investigating the involvement of specific proteoforms in metabolic pathways. It is important to note that the proteome, similar to the metabolome, is extremely dynamic and differs from cell to cell and varies over time, which poses challenges in the experimental design. Analytical advances in mass spectrometric techniques in recent years have led to the development of a multitude of proteomics workflows, which have also been incorporated into forensic science research. Most commonly, so called “bottom-up” experiments are conducted, where during sample preparation the proteoforms are broken down into smaller peptides by means of an enzyme (e.g. trypsin)
The resulting peptide fragments can then be readily analysed using targeted or untargeted liquidchromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Current examples of forensic applications utilising proteomics workflows include (but are not limited to) body fluid and tissue identification, proteomic genotyping, sex and age estimation, estimation of the postmortem interval as well as estimation of the age of a deposited blood sample. While proteomic analytical approaches have the potential to support and improve forensic casework practices in the future, most studies are still in the discovery phase and require thorough validation before implementation.
All are welcome to join, please see below for details!
This event will also host a short Annual General Meeting for the NSW Branch, please come along to influence the ongoing prosperity of the branch. Refreshments will be provided.
Doors Open: 6:00 PM
AGM starts: 6:45 PM (Zoom video broadcast will commence at this time for online attendees).
Presentation Starts: After AGM ~7:00-7:15 PM
Location: Henry Carmichael Theatre, Sydney Mechanics School of Arts 280 Pitt St Sydney
Ticket Costs:
Current ANZFSS Members: Free
Non-Members: $20
Zoom Video Link Only: Free

Qld Branch - Forensics in the Pharmaceutical Industry - The key to unlocking product integrity and patient safety
2023-09-14 18:30 - 19:30 (Australia/Brisbane)
We are thrilled to announce that our next presentation will be by Dr. Adrian De Grazia, who has kindly agreed to present to the Qld branch following a fantastic event in NSW. If you were unable to attend the NSW presentation, here is another chance.
Forensics in the pharmaceutical industry – The key to unlocking product integrity and patient safety
The scale of the counterfeit medicine market knows no bounds; no disease area, country or patient is completely immune to the threat. From online sales to the infiltration of legitimate supply chains, the illegal business of counterfeit medicine is a lucrative and ruthless crime, often funding organised criminal groups and endangering patients globally. Over the past 18 years, more than 302 million doses of counterfeit Pfizer medications have been seized. An average of more than 16.5 million doses a year.
This talk will provide awareness of Pfizer’s Product Integrity for Patient Safety (PIPS) program and the anatomy of a bust – including the development of our in-house artificial intelligence trawling tool and the investigative process from detection to interdiction, including forensic analysis at our in-house laboratories. The talk will also include advice on how to report suspected counterfeit medicines and detail how Pfizer Global Security works with internal and external stakeholders to ensure patient safety.
A little about Dr. Adrian De Grazia
Adrian is a Global Intelligence Lead in the Strategic Intelligence Planning and Analytics group, part of Pfizer Global Security. Adrian has a role in driving the Product Integrity for Patient Safety (PIPS) program, working with internal and external stakeholders to detect, disrupt and deter the sale of counterfeit Pfizer medicines globally.
After 10 years in the Australian Federal Police Forensic Drug Intelligence team, Adrian made the shift to a patient centric role within Pfizer, applying Forensic Intelligence and Chemistry principles to support Pfizer’s purpose of breakthroughs that change patients’ lives. Adrian has a PhD and Bachelor’s degree with honours in Forensic Chemistry from the University of Technology Sydney.
When: Thursday 14th September 2023 at 6.30pm
Please note: This presentation is only available online. A link will be sent on the presentation day to all registered attendees. Thank you.
Please register here: https://members.anzfss.org/booking.php?id=26

WA Branch Seminar Series: Wild Mushroom Soup - What Not to Serve for Dinner
2023-08-30 18:00 - 19:00 (Australia/Perth) | Exhibition Space, Curtin University Building 500, Level 1, Building 500, Curtin University, Kent St, Western Australia, Australia
Recent news stories have reminded us that using wild mushrooms for culinary or psychoactive use is extremely dangerous, with wrong identification potentially leading to organ failure and death.
Join us on Wednesday 30th August to hear from Paul Sakrajda, a Chemist and Research Officer in the West Australian Police Toxicology team. He will share the story of a wild mushroom soup that caused eight people to become ill and two sent to hospital. He will give a chemist’s perspective of how the gastric contents, wine and food items implicated in the event were systematically analysed to lead to the source of the ‘poison’.
This event will be held face-to-face at the Exhibition Space of Curtin University Building 500. The presentation will start at 6 pm, with refreshments & mingling from 5:30 pm. Please register using the link below by Monday 28th August for catering purposes.
Registrations: https://members.anzfss.org/booking.php?id=25

Presentation: S/Const Chloe Holmes - Crash Investigator
2023-08-22 18:00 - 19:30 (Australia/Brisbane) | QPS Headquarters, 200 Roma Street Brisbane, 200 Roma Street, Brisbane, Qld, 4000, Australia
Chloe is a Crash Investigator with the Queensland Police Service Forensic Crash Unit (FCU) based in Boondall, north of Brisbane City, Queensland. She holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Queensland and has completed specialised training relevant to her role. Following the severe wet weather events experienced in Queensland in mid-2021 to early 2022, she was tasked to investigate the increase in drowning deaths due to vehicles entering flood water. Chloe has since been active with key stakeholders and overseas agencies and disseminated her findings to TMR, MAIC, QFES, council and disaster management authorities.
Chloe’s talk will cover an overview of her vehicle related flooding fatalities report and the role of FCU within the QPS.
In person attendance registration – Click here: https://members.anzfss.org/booking.php?id=19
Online attendance registration – Click here: https://members.anzfss.org/booking.php?id=17
Tuesday 22nd August, 2023 at 6 pm
QPS Headquarters, 200 Roma Street, Brisbane
Members: Free
Non-Members: $10; Student Non-Members: $5

ANZFSS NSW - Forensics in the Pharmaceutical Industry - The Key to Unlocking Product Integrity and Patient Safety
2023-08-10 18:00 - 21:00 (Australia/Sydney) | Western Sydney University – Parramatta South Campus, Building EB. Room EB.G.35. Cnr Railway St and Victoria Rd, Rydalmere, NSW, 2116, Australia
The next ANZFSS NSW Branch Meeting will feature a talk by Dr. Adrian De Grazia on forensics in the pharmaceutical industry.
The scale of the counterfeit medicine market knows no bounds; no disease area, country or patient is completely immune to the threat. From online sales to the infiltration of legitimate supply chains, the illegal business of counterfeit medicine is a lucrative and ruthless crime, often funding organised criminal groups and endangering patients globally. Over the past 18 years, more than 302 million doses of counterfeit Pfizer medications have been seized. An average of more than 16.5 million doses a year. This talk will provide awareness of Pfizer’s Product Integrity for Patient Safety (PIPS) program and the anatomy of a bust – including the development of our in-house artificial intelligence trawling tool and the investigative process from detection to interdiction, including forensic analysis at our in-house laboratories. The talk will also include advice on how to report suspected counterfeit medicines and detail how Pfizer Global Security works with internal and external stakeholders to ensure patient safety.
Doors Open: 6:00 PM
Presentation Starts: 7:00 PM (Zoom video broadcast will commence at this time for online attendees).
Location: Western Sydney University – Parramatta South Campus. Building EB, room EB.G.35. Cnr of Railway St and Victoria Rd, Rydalmere, NSW. Public Parking available – P5, P6 and P16 are the closest car parks.
Ticket Costs:
Current ANZFSS Members: Free
Non-Members: $10
Zoom Video Link Only: Free

Inaugural Student Night - Registrations are now closed.
2023-07-27 17:30 - 20:00 (Australia/Sydney) | Griffith University, Nathan Campus, 170 Kessels Road, Nathan, Brisbane, 4111, Australia
Registrations have now closed.
The ANZFSS Qld Branch and Griffith University Forensic Science Society presents a joint initiative – Our Inaugural Student Night – A chance to meet and hear about the career journeys from a wide range of practicing forensic experts, followed by a Q&A session and the chance to mingle afterwards.
This exciting event will be held on Thursday 27th July 2023 from 5.30 to 8pm at Griffith University (Nathan Campus), N79_2.03A/B (please note new room number!).
Expert Presenters:

Illicit Drugs – Karen Blakey, A/Supervising Chemist, Illicit Drug Group, FSQ
Clandestine Laboratories – Helen Eldridge, Senior and Lead Field Chemist, Clandestine Laboratory Group, FSQ
Biology/DNA – Natasha Mitchell, Manager Biology Group, FSQ
Odontology – Dr. Annu Nangia, Forensic Odontologist, QHFSS
Crime Scene Investigation – S/Con Renee Torok, Scientific Section, Forensic Services Group, QPS
Criminalistics – Tony Peter, Supervising Chemist, Physical Evidence Group, FSQ
Criminalistics – Lucy Maxwell, Acting Principal Forensic Scientist, Analytical Services Unit, QPS
Ballistics – Sgt Carl Streeting, Forensic Scientist, Ballistics Unit, Forensic Services Group, QPS

Thank you to our amazing speakers and for generously donating their time. We are incredibly appreciative.

ANZFSS ACT Branch - Crime-mas in Brew-ly Trivia Night
2023-07-21 18:00 (Australia/Sydney) | Cypher Brewing, 3/35 Hinder St, Gungahlin, ACT, Australia
ANZFSS ACT is hosting a Christmas in July trivia night at Cypher Brewing at 6pm on 21 July! Details below
Members and their guests welcome. Form teams of 6 and get ready to battle it out for some great prizes!
Looking forward to seeing you all there!

ANZFSS WA Event: Humanitarian Forensics: Application Examples of an Evolving Discipline
2023-07-19 18:00 - 19:00 (Australia/Perth) | Exhibition Space, Curtin University Building 500, Level 1, Building 500, Curtin University, Kent St, Western Australia, Australia
The field of Humanitarian Forensic Action (HFA) has seen continuing evolution since the early 1980s, and now includes a range of activities framed by International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights Law that aim to alleviate human suffering and protect the dignity of those affected by natural or artificial catastrophic events.
Join us on Wednesday 19th July to hear from Edda Guareschi MD, who will highlight examples of how modern humanitarian forensics is applied to build a sustainable future for humanity through the promotion of historical truth and social progress.
This event will be held face-to-face at the Exhibition Space of Curtin University Building 500. The presentation will start at 6 pm, with refreshments & mingling from 5:30 pm. Please register by Friday 15th July for catering purposes.
Registration Link: https://members.anzfss.org/booking.php?id=14

ANZFSS NSW Branch - Unprecedented: The Investigation of the Lin Family Homicides
2023-07-06 18:00 - 22:00 (Australia/Sydney) | The Green Theatre – UTS, 67 Thomas St, Broadway, NSW, 2007, Australia
On the 18th of July, 2009, five members of the Lin family were found brutally murdered in their home in Sydney’s northern suburbs. A complicated and protracted investigation followed, leading to one of the longest single-defendant murder trials in NSW history.
The case is unique in that while no identifying evidence was ever located placing the offender at the crime scene, forensic evidence nevertheless formed a significant part of the case at trial. Three members of the forensic response to the investigation will present the case from the perspective of the complexities in cross-discipline analysis. The presentation will focus on how bloodstain pattern analysis, DNA evidence, and shoe mark evidence became critical in establishing a defined sequence of events. Casework-based research was undertaken to investigate multiple hypotheses. It was also one of the first cases in NSW to utilise complex DNA mixture interpretation and 3D reconstructive evidence.
The presentation will highlight the considerations and benefits of a holistic approach to interpreting forensic evidence in complex casework.
Guest Speakers will include Detective Sergeant Shawn Harkins, Clayton Walton, and Dr Jennifer Raymond.
Doors Open: 6:00 PM
Presentation Starts: 7:00 PM (Zoom video broadcast will commence at this time for online attendees).
Location: The Green Theatre (Building 7), University of Technology Sydney
Ticket Costs:
Current ANZFSS Members: Free
Non-Members: $20
Non-Members (Students): $10
Zoom Video Link Only: Free
Further Information: Lin Family Homicide Investigation Presentation

ANZFSS ACT Branch - Q&A Evening with Prof Hugh Selby
2023-06-13 18:00 - 20:00 (Australia/Sydney) | Green Couch Room, Peter Baume Building 42a, Australian National University
ANZFSS ACT branch is pleased to share with you a special Q&A evening with Professor Hugh Selby – barrister, law academic, expert witness trainer, and author.
13 June 2023 @ 6PM
FREE for members, $5 non-members. Guests welcome
Location: ANU Green Couch Room (Details below)

Research in Forensic Science, Presented by ANZFSS WA Student Representative Group
2023-05-15 18:00 - 20:00 (Australia/Perth) | The State Library of Western Australia, Great Southern Room, 25 Francis St, Perth, WA, 6000, Australia
Are you a student interested in forensic research, but not sure which pathway is right for you? Then you won’t want to miss this showcase event by students, for students!
ANZFSS WA student representatives Maddison Bourke (University of Western Australia), Lilijana Nicholls (Murdoch University) and Aaron Horrocks (Curtin University) will be presenting an overview of the forensic research carried out at each of their institutions, along with an overview of their personal research projects – ranging from toxicology to explosives!
This is a great chance to get a behind-the-scenes glimpse of current research in action, as well as potential pathways for forensic science research from a student’s perspective.
This event will be held from 6 – 8 pm on Monday 15th May at the Great Southern Room, State Library of Western Australia. Catering will be provided and there will be plenty of opportunity to mix and mingle.
Places are strictly limited due to venue capacity. Please book your places by Friday 12th May at the link below.
https://members.anzfss.org/booking.php?id=8

WA Seminar: Fire & Explosions Investigation
2023-03-22 18:00 - 19:00 (Australia/Sydney) | Exhibition Space, Curtin University Building 500, Level 1, Building 500, Curtin University, Kent St, Western Australia, Australia
In a welcome return to face-to-face events, the WA Branch invites you to join us for our first education evening of 2023! This seminar will be hosted in the Building 500 Exhibition Space at Curtin University. Enjoy mingling over food and drink from 5:30 pm, with a seminar start at 6:00 pm.
To celebrate our return to in-person events, this seminar will be free for both members and non-members. Please book your places for catering purposes by Monday 20th March. Registrations at https://members.anzfss.org/booking.php?id=4

Fire & Explosion Investigation – The Private Sector Perspective
Investigations of fires and explosions is critical not only for criminal justice, but for public safety. James (Jim) Munday and Keith Murray are Senior Fire Investigators at Fire Forensics; leading experts in fire and explosion investigation in Australia and abroad. In this presentation, they will provide an insight into the fundamentals of fire investigation.
About the Speakers:
Jim Munday began his career in forensic science in 1972, having since examined around 4,000 fire and explosion scenes. He is one of only a few specialists worldwide in the interpretation of thermal damage and injury distribution to injured and deceased victims of fire.
Keith Murray’s professional career includes 30 years within the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and Staffordshire Fire Service, before joining the private sector in 2018. He has conducted investigations in USA, Poland, France and the UK.
ANZFSS Webinar Flyer_MundayMurray

ANZFSS ACT Branch Meeting - Dr Melissa Humphries
2023-03-21 18:00 - 20:00 (Australia/Sydney) | Green Couch Room, Peter Baume Building 42a, Australian National University
The ACT Branch is kicking off 2023 branch meetings featuring special guest speaker from University of Adelaide, Statistician Dr Melissa Humphries who will share with use her passion for statistics and its applications to forensic science.
See the flyer sent by email for more information.

From Crime Scenes to Clean Spaces: Investigating Trace DNA Analysis and Self-Cleaning Substrates - Dr Dan Bonsu
2023-03-14 17:30 - 19:30 (Australia/Brisbane) | 39 Kessels Road, Coopers Plains, 39 Kessels Road, Coopers Plains, Brisbane, 4108, Australia
We are thrilled to announce our first presentation of 2023 – From Crime Scenes to Clean Spaces: Investigating Trace DNA Analysis and Self-Cleaning Substrates by Dr Dan Bonsu (Chemistry and Forensic Sciences, Griffith University)
Dan holds a PhD from the University of Adelaide and has recently joined the Griffith Sciences group from Forensic Science Queensland. With research interests in biometrics, genetics, and analytical chemistry, Dan is currently focused on streamlining workflows for analysing trace DNA samples and sexual assault evidence, as well as developing new methods for recovering trace DNA from metal substrates found at crime scenes.
Locard’s principle assumes that, apart from anthropological activities or natural (environmental) occurrences, trace biomaterial resulting from human contact with items may persist, potentially becoming evidence with probative value, for example, in a criminal investigation. While this principle has been “tried and tested,” its applicability to substrates that have a mechanism to self-clean by breaking down organic material on their surfaces has not been investigated.
This presentation explores the persistence, recovery, and amplification of trace DNA from self-cleaning surfaces and its implications for investigative forensics.
Tuesday 14th March, QHFSS Conference Theatre – 39 Kessels Road, Coopers Plains, 5.45 pm (door will open at 5.30 pm. Please allow 10 minutes to check in with the security desk which is adjacent to the conference theatre).
Please Book via: https://members.anzfss.org/booking.php?id=5
