ANZFSS

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

NZFSS NSW Branch February Event - Eric Murray celebration and networking night
2023-02-24 18:00 - 21:00 (Australia/Sydney) | Western Australia
Dear ANZFSS NSW Branch,
ANZFSS NSW invites you to our first event of 2023, a celebration of our life member Eric Murray. This event will be an in-person networking night where students can meet and talk with industry professionals; something that Eric was extremely passionate about supporting. We will also be featuring short presentations to celebrate Eric’s life and his support of the careers of emerging forensic professionals. ANZFSS NSW will use the proceeds of the event to make a donation to the Australian Cancer Research Foundation. Drinks and nibbles will be provided on the night.
When: 24th February 6pm
Where: Croydon Park Club; 55 Seymour St Croydon Park
Cost: $10 for members and students; $20 for non-members
Register here: https://members.anzfss.org/booking.php?id=3
Please see attached flyer for more information.
Kind regards,
ANZFSS NSW Branch | nswanzfss@outlook.com | anzfss.org

Forensic Science Against Gender-Based Violence
2022-11-28 10:00 - 12:00 (Australia/Perth) | Western Australia
Violence against women and girls is a serious issue across Australia. For this reason, the ANZFSS (WA Branch) is pleased to be partnering with WA Museum Boola Bardip (WAM) to support the “16 Days in WA” 2022 campaign against gender-based violence.

The Branch is participating in the campaign by hosting a showcase of the contributions of forensic science in Western Australia to tackling gender-based violence. This coincides with the ‘Red Shoes‘ exhibit to be installed at WAM, in which citizens of Perth will be asked to donate red pairs of shoes filled in with messages of hope, solidarity, or testimonies.
Join us at from 10 am – 12 pm, Monday 28th November at WAM Woodside Learning Studios to hear first-hand about the current forensic research and practices in Western Australia helping to combat violence against women, and become part of the movement for change. The event will feature short presentations from several local forensic practitioners, researchers and police, followed by a Q&A panel.
Places for this event are strictly limited. Registration includes a catered morning tea sponsored by the ANZFSS WA Branch. All ticket fees from this event will be donated to the Sexual Assault Resource Centre to further support action against gender-based violence.
Register your place at https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/472277453577.

If this topic has raised issues and you need to speak with someone, help is available by calling 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732). This is a 24-hour national counselling line for any Australian who has experienced or is at risk of family and domestic violence and/or sexual assault. If you are experiencing emotional distress including suicidal thoughts, you can also contact Lifeline (13 11 14).

WA Branch AGM + Sundowner
2022-11-17 18:00 - 20:00 (Australia/Perth) | Western Australia
The WA Branch Committee invites all local members to our AGM + Sundowner event, to be held at Manning Memorial Bowling Club on Thursday 17th November 2022. The AGM will start at 6 pm, with the rest of the evening free to chat, eat, or even try a hand at bowls!
All committee positions will be open for nomination, so we hope to see some new faces joining us for 2023. For those unable to attend, we ask that you submit your proxy form (circulated via email) before the meeting.
Registrations will open shortly for catering purposes.

Qld Branch Symposium Award winner's presenatations
2022-11-17 17:00 - 19:00 (Australia/Brisbane) | 39 Kessels Road, Coopers Plains, 39 Kessels Road, Coopers Plains, Brisbane, 4108, Australia
Please join us in celebrating the Qld Branch Symposium Award winners who will be presenting either their research and/or experiences from the recent Symposium.
Georgia Teese: Developing a method for the detection, sampling, and Human DNA profiling of blood-stained soil
Eden Whittaker: Evaluation of crime scene scanning and mapping tools
Dr. Jasmine Connell: Evaluating the suitability of current mitochondrial DNA interpretation guidelines for multigenerational whole mitochondrial genome comparisons
Dr. William Gee: Assessing HFE-7100 of all-in-one iodine naphthoflavone finger-mark developers
Brendan Miller: 3,4-Dimethyl-5-phenyl-2-oxazolidinone: Artefact or intermediate?
A/Prof. Sarah Cresswell: Discipline Chair: Education and Training
Dr. Peter Culshaw: Discipline Chair: Illicit Drugs and Clandestine laboratories
QHFSS Conference Theatre – 39 Kessels Road, Coopers Plains from 5.15 pm (Please allow 10 minutes to sign in with security)
Please book at: https://members.anzfss.org/booking.php?id=245

Qld AGM + Branch Presentation
2022-10-27 18:00 - 20:00 (Australia/Sydney) | QPS Headquarters, 200 Roma Street Brisbane, 200 Roma Street, Brisbane, Qld, 4000, Australia
The 2022 Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held on 27th October 2022 at Queensland Police Service (QPS) headquarters from 6pm. This year we also have Senior Sergeant Gerard Simpfendorfer, the Deputy State Disaster Victim Identification Squad Coordinator for QPS, presenting some notable events he was deployed to.
Presentation: This will be a 90-minute presentation by Snr Sgt Gerard Simpfendorfer’s deployment to both the 2019 Christchurch Mosque Shootings and Whakaari/White Island Volcano Eruption. The presentation will focus on the Disaster Victim Identification process. The Christchurch Mosque Shooting section covers the DVI timeline from the date of the incident till the final identifications were presented to the coroner. It covers briefly all the DVI phases with a focus on the Reconciliation Phase were Gerard worked. The Whakaari/White Island Volcano eruption section will be an overview of the incident and will focus on some individual identifications that were presented to the coroner which highlighted difficulties encountered during the process. Several images contained within this presentation depict sudden death scenes and may be disturbing to some people.
Gerard is currently the Senior Sergeant, Senior Business Analyst with the Queensland Police. Before joining the Police 1992 he was a registered nurse who completed his Diploma of Health Science (Nursing) at Charles Sturt University in Wagga whilst working in rural NSW. He then moved to Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane for a few years before joining the Police. Gerard joined the Queensland Police Disaster Victim Identification Squad in 1999 and his first operational deployment was the Childers Backpackers Hostel Fire in 2000. Gerard completed 2 tours of Bali after the 2002 bombing, 1 tour of Thailand after the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, 1 tour of Christchurch after the 2019 Mosque Shootings and 1 tour of Auckland after the 2019 Whakaari/White Island Volcano Eruption. He has been involved in over 30 Disaster Victim Identification operations in his time with the Squad. During this time, he spent several years as both the Ante Mortem and Reconciliation Coordinator for the Queensland Police, a dual role he performed for the Slacks Creek House Fire in 2011. Gerard is currently the Deputy State Disaster Victim Identification Squad Coordinator for Queensland Police. Gerard’s most recent DVI deployment was the Banks Creek Plane Crash near Fernvale in August 2022.

Please note this presentation is Copyrighted by the QPS DVI under the following conditions:
Copyright © QLD DVI SQUAD (QPS) 2022
As an attendee viewing this presentation, you are required to abide by the following conditions:

Recording, photography, copying and/or sharing of this information is prohibited by the information owner without prior approval.

For in-person attendance registration: https://members.anzfss.org/booking.php?id=240
For online attendance registration (via Teams): https://members.anzfss.org/booking.php?id=241 (Please note a QPS, Qld Health or selected Government email address is required. This is a security feature at QPS where this presentation is taking place and is beyond our control. For qualifying attendees, please kindly register by noon October 27th. An email with the presentation link will be sent shortly after.

WA Campfire Forensics
2022-10-25 18:00 - 20:00 (Australia/Perth) | Western Australia
After two years being predominantly online, we’re delighted to introduce a new in-person event: Campfire Forensics! Come along to enjoy some nibbles & drinks while learning or sharing your thoughts on various forensic topics, such as:

What career challenges exist in academia vs. industry for forensic science?
How can we best translate forensic research into day-to-day forensic operations?
What are the current or emerging techniques for ‘virtual forensics’?

Our first ‘campfire’ session will be held Tuesday 25th October, 6 – 8 pm at Lake Karrinyup Country Club. Places for this event are strictly limited – registrations close Thursday 20th October.
For more information, email the Branch at wabranch@anzfss.org, or follow our social media pages (Facebook: ANZFSS.WA; Twitter: @ANZFSS_WA).

ACT AGM + Branch Event
2022-10-24 18:00 - 20:00 (Australia/Sydney)
The Australian and New Zealand Forensic Science Society (ANZFSS) ACT Branch Committee invites all members to the Annual General Meeting (AGM) 6pm Monday 24 October 2022. The AGM will be held virtually over MS Teams with no in-person meeting. Details for joining the meeting have been emailed to members.
Nil RSVP required. Refer to email for all relevant documentation including Committee Nomination and proxy forms (due to actbranch@anzfss.org by COB 17 October).
Questions, concerns, and ideas from members welcome. We have achieved a lot in 2021/2022 to reinvigorate the ACT Branch and look forward to even more engagement, interesting branch meetings and member support into 2023 – another busy Symposium year!
The AGM will be followed by a presentation from special guest speaker, Heidi Yates, the ACT Victims of Crime Commissioner (stay online via the same MS Teams link, nil pre-registration required).
6pm – 7pm: AGM
7pm – 8pm: Presentation by Heidi Yates
Guest Speaker: Heidi Yates, ACT Victims of Crime Commissioner
A 2022 Bill Harris Executive Leadership Award winner and trailblazer in gender-related law reform, ACT Victims of Crime Commissioner Heidi Yates is a lawyer and leading advocate for family violence reform in the ACT. She has advocated for the development and funding of free legal services across Australia, and for more inclusive laws here in the ACT.
As the ACT Victims of Crime Commissioner, Heidi has the challenging and important role of promoting and protecting the rights of people who experience crime, and ensuring they can access the support they need.
Heidi will present on her career as a Human Rights Lawyer, the functions of the ACT Victims of Crime Commissioner, and her role overseeing the daily operations of Victim Support ACT, which works with over 3,000 Canberrans each year. Heidi has great insight into how victims can be failed by the system particularly in sexual assault and family violence cases, and also in the variety of support services (including financial assistance) available.
Heidi will share case studies from her work with the criminal justice system and expert witnesses, inform us about the different kinds of support available to victim-survivors of crime, and speak to how victims of crime perceive forensic evidence.

Drugs in wastewater - Whose idea was that?! - Zoom + in-person in Christchurch
2022-10-20 18:00 - 19:30 (Pacific/Auckland) | Western Australia
Presenter: Andrew Chappell (ESR)
Date: Thursday, October 20
Time:

NZ: 6pm
AEDT: 4pm
ACDT: 3.30pm
AEST: 3pm
ACST: 2:30pm
ACWST: 2pm
AWST: 1pm

Event type: Zoom + in-person in Christchurch
On Zoom: Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84310498733?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 843 1049 8733
Passcode: [REDACTED]
One tap mobile
+61731853730,,84310498733#,,,,*[REDACTED]# Australia
+61861193900,,84310498733#,,,,*[REDACTED]# Australia
Dial by your location
+61 7 3185 3730 Australia
+61 8 6119 3900 Australia
+61 8 7150 1149 Australia
+61 2 8015 6011 Australia
+61 3 7018 2005 Australia
+64 4 886 0026 New Zealand
+64 9 884 6780 New Zealand
+64 3 659 0603 New Zealand
Meeting ID: 843 1049 8733
Passcode: [REDACTED]
In person in Christchurch:
Where: Media Room B130 at the Police Central, 40 Lichfield St, Christchurch NZ
When: 5:30-6:00: speed networking with pizza, 6-7pm: presentation
Registration: please register with Vica Papp at viktoria.papp@mbie.govt.nz to ensure we have enough pizza / seats
Logistics: please arrive at the main doors of the Police station from 5:30pm onwards. To be allowed on site, you will need be issued with a visitor’s pass by our NZ Police member. Police staff attending the presentation can make their way directly to Media Room B130. Please bring exact change to cover the entrance fee or show evidence of bank transfer to 02-0800-0875171-000. Some change will be available but limited.
Entry: NZFSS Members: $5, Non-members: $8, Students: koha.
Bio: Andrew Chappell is a senior scientist at ESR with over 20 years’ experience in environmental and food chemistry. His professional passion is analytical chemistry, and for the last six years he has been leading the Drugs in Wastewater programme. In 2016 he worked with Police to develop the methodology and undertake a trial to prove the concept in New Zealand, and it has grown from there.
Abstract: After growing from small beginnings, New Zealand now has the most comprehensive Drugs in Wastewater (DIWW) monitoring programme in the world, based on population coverage. With over four years of data covering much of the country, this presentation will share

how the technique works,
some interesting trends,
one off events we have detected,
how do we compare,
what else can we look for,
as well as deal with the most important question: “so what?”

WA Webinar: Experimental Approaches to Human Decomposition
2022-10-04 19:00 - 20:00 (Australia/Perth) | Western Australia
The WA Branch invites you to join us for our final webinar of the year! Our speaker is Dr Agathe Ribéreau-Gayon, a postdoctoral fellow at the Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, who will discuss her research on surface taphonomy in cold continental climates.
This webinar will be held via Zoom from 7:00 pm AWST (UTC+8) on Tuesday 4th October 2022. To register, go to https://members.anzfss.org/booking.php?id=244.
If you have any questions or encounter any issues with registration, please contact the committee at wabranch@anzfss.org.
We look forward to seeing you online!

Networking & brainstorming session
2022-09-22 18:00 - 19:30 (Pacific/Auckland) | Western Australia
Tēnā tātou,
We would like to invite you all to our next in-person-only networking and brainstorming session to be held at the Media Room at the Police central on Thursday, Sept 22.
WHAT: Networking & brainstorming session
As the country is slowly moving past the Covid era, the Society would like to reconnect the community of forensic and operational staff. People have arrived, people have relocated, and we all haven’t had a face to face kōrero in ages. This session is for you if you
WHERE: B130 Media Room at Police Central at 40 Lichfield St
WHEN: Thursday, Sept 22, 6-7:30pm
Please arrive at the main doors of the Police station, 40 Lichfield Street from 5:45pm onwards for informal networking and pizza, with the the structured networking event starting at 6pm sharp.
RSVP: Registration, however tentative, is essential for catering purposes. Please email Vica Papp at viktoria.papp@mbie.govt.nz by 12 noon on Sept 22.
HOW MUCH: NZFSS Members: $5, Non-members: $8, Students: koha. Please bring exact change or show evidence of bank transfer to 02-0800-0875171-000.
Nāku noa, nā
Vica (Viktória) Papp, PhD, MSc, MA (they / them)
Christchurch branch chair of NZFSS

Zoom and in-person: The Power of Investigative Genetic Genealogy to Solve Violent Crime
2022-09-14 08:00 - 17:00 (Australia/Sydney) | Western Australia
ANZFSS NSW Presents: The Power of Investigative Genetic Genealogy to Solve Violent Crime – The Golden State Killer Investigation with Anne Marie Schubert
Friday September 16th, 6:00 pm for a 7:00pm start AEST (Sydney)
UTS Broadway Corner, Thomas and Jones Street Ultimo, Green Lecture Theatre
$10 for members and $20 for non-members
See attached flyer for registration details (Zoom and in-person options)

ANZFSS Symposium
2022-09-11 - 2022-09-15 | Western Australia
The 25th International Symposium of the ANZFSS will be held at the Hilton Brisbane Hotel between the 11th and 15th September 2022. The theme for the Brisbane symposium is “Forensics: Designing the Future”. The ANZFSS 2022 program will include a four-day scientific program, several social events, and for the first time to an ANZFSS symposium, a wellness program.
The scientific program is being designed as a face-to-face event, however virtual and hybrid options are being considered should these formats be needed. After years of virtual conferences, we are confident that the ANZFSS 2022 Brisbane Symposium will again be a face-to-face event, just like the Perth symposium four years ago in 2018.
Supporting the scientific program, are many members of the greater ANZFSS and forensic community who have agreed to act as discipline chairs or contribute to the discipline subcommittees. The contribution from these members is invaluable and appreciated by the organising committee. The full list of the discipline chairs can be found @ www.anzfss2022.com/discipline-chairs.
Also supporting the scientific program are our plenary speakers, whose breadth of knowledge and experience traverses many disciplines within the forensic sciences. Our plenary speakers include Dr Christina Baxter, Professor Shari Forbes, Mr Alan Grimmer, Mr Troy O’Malley, Dr Michael Taylor, and Dr Angela Williamson. The biographies for each of these amazing speakers can be found @ www.anzfss2022.com/speakers.
The social program will include several functions during the symposium, all of which are included in the registration fees. These events include the pre-symposium Welcome drinks on the Sunday evening (11th Sept 2022) at the Hilton Brisbane Hotel; followed by a Theme night on the Tuesday evening (13th Sept) with the theme and venue to be announced; and the grand finale to the symposium is the Gala dinner on the Thursday evening (15th Sept). The Gala dinner will be held at the Main Auditorium at the Brisbane City Hall.
The Wellness program will offer delegates the opportunity to attend daily pre-symposium activities around Brisbane City with a professional fitness trainer or attend one of the local gymnasiums and their selection of group fitness classes. The wellness program will also have opportunities for delegates to attend mindfulness sessions during the day.
Around town in Brisbane whilst the symposium is underway, the Brisbane Festival will be playing at various venues across the City and the Southbank Precinct. The Brisbane Festival is a city-wide festival that runs for three weeks (2-24 Sept 2022) that celebrates art, music and theatre culminating in a firework spectacular on the last night known as Riverfire. If you want to experience more of this Brisbane cultural festival during your visit to our city, then have a look at www.brisbanefestival.com.au. For more information about all things Brisbane, check out www.visitbrisbane.com.au to help plan your trip to the River City next year.
Important dates to keep in mind:
The Call for Abstracts are now closed.
The Call for Workshops are now open, with the submission deadline also closing soon. Check out www.anzfss2022.com/call-for-workshops for more information.
Super early bird registrations ARE OPEN and offered to the first 150 full registrations at the 2018 price of $1300.
Author notification of abstract submission/s will be advised in April 2022.
For all symposium details and updates, check out our official event webpage at www.anzfss2022.com or follow us at: www.facebook/ANZFSS2022/
For all enquires, including sponsorship or exhibitor packages, please contact the organising committee or event organiser @anzfss2022 @encanta.com.au

WA Webinar: Chemical Analysis of Works of Art
2022-08-23 18:00 - 19:00 (Australia/Perth) | Western Australia
After a brief hiatus, the WA Branch are pleased to invite you to our next webinar! Our speaker is Dr Michelle Carlin, who will be presenting on “Chemical Analysis of Works of Art: Interesting Cases”.
This webinar will be held via Zoom from 6:00 pm AWST (UTC+8) on Tuesday 23rd August 2022. To register, go to https://members.anzfss.org/booking.php?id=235.
If you have any questions or encounter any issues with registration, please contact the committee at wabranch@anzfss.org.
We look forward to seeing you online!

The North Mackay Explosion - Sgt Darren Smith
2022-08-18 18:00 - 19:00 (Australia/Sydney) | QPS Headquarters, 200 Roma Street Brisbane, 200 Roma Street, Brisbane, Qld, 4000, Australia
An explosion occurs in the early morning hours in 2019 on a busy street in North Mackay. Shortly thereafter, an unidentified deceased male is located nearby. Initially treated as a potential bomb scene, it would take a multi-agency approach working together to determine the cause and origin of the explosion. Our next presentation will be by Sgt Darren Smith – Officer in Charge of the Gold Coast Scientific Section and Bomb Scene Examination Manager for Queensland.
Darren has been a police officer for 28 years and has been working in Forensics for 23 years. Darren’s professional qualifications as a Chemist and a Teacher has enabled him to impart his passion for fire science towards the training and development of Scientific and Scenes of Crime officers in the field. With over 300 fire scenes and thousands of examinations to his name, Darren is one of the most experienced Scientific officers in the state.
Thursday 18th August 2022 at 6 pm
We are offering both an in-person attendance and online streaming attendance option for this presentation.

For in-person attendance: QPS Headquarters, 200 Roma Street, Brisbane. Please register for attendance at: https://members.anzfss.org/booking.php?id=232. Please kindly note: In line with current health recommendations, we are strongly encouraging all in-person attendees to always wear a mask before, during and after the presentation. We appreciate your understanding. We will appropriately space out chairs for the safety of all attendees.

For online streaming attendance (via Teams): Available only for QPS, Qld health and other government department email addresses. We apologise if this causes any inconvenience. This is a security feature within QPS where this presentation is being streamed from and is beyond our control. Qualifying streaming attendees can register at https://members.anzfss.org/booking.php?id=233. Please kindly register by Midday 18th August. A link to the streaming event will be emailed to you that day.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.

From Fossils to Forensics
2022-08-17 18:00 - 19:00 (Pacific/Auckland) | Western Australia
From Fossils to Forensics: the many and varied applications of trace and environmental DNA
kia ora koutou
You are invited to a Zoom meeting.
When: Aug 17, 2022 6 PM New Zealand
Professor Mike Bunce of ESR will present the talk “ From Fossils to Forensics: the many and varied applications of trace and environmental DNA.”
Please register in advance for this meeting:
https://auckland.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMqfuqorj8jGdK0I628hgYbvwEf4pEmp1Jx
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

NZ (NZST): 6pm
QLD / NSW / ACT / VIC / TAS (AEST): 4pm
SA / NT (ACST): 3.30pm
WA (AWST): 2pm

On behalf of the NZFSS branch of ANZFSS

The Life and Careers of Forensic Experts Seminar
2022-08-03 18:00 - 20:00 (Pacific/Auckland) | https://anzfss.org.au/event/the-life-and-careers-of-forensic-experts-seminar/
Kia ora koutou kātoa! Nau mai, haere mai ki te takunetanga tuatahi o te tau tuarua haurua.
Kia ora everyone. Welcome to the first event of the second half of the year.
We invite you to attend the next NZ Forensic Science Society Ōtepoti Branch seminar event:

The Life and Careers of Forensic Experts

Wednesday 3rd August 2022

6PM, in G.03 Kauri Seminar Room, Ground Floor, Walsh Building or Live-Streamed

Have you ever wondered what a forensic expert does?

This is your chance to ask your questions and get to know more about what a career in forensic science is really like.
All welcome! Including, students, budding researchers, and anyone interested in forensic science and police investigation to this informal social event.

Our guests include; Forensic Dentist, Professor Warwick Duncan; Forensic Anthropologist, Dr Angela Clark; MSc Student in Forensic Biochemistry, Nicole Guise; experts in Forensic Pathology/Mortuary Science, Analysts from the NZ Police Intelligence Bureau, and ESR Forensic Scientists.

In-person RSVP to forensic.science@otago.ac.nz
Gold Coin Pizzas and Drinks

LIVE STREAM LINK
https://otago.zoom.us/j/7297412458?pwd=[REDACTED]

Password: [REDACTED]

Facebook
https://fb.me/e/2FfWLc3cM

Event details and download eCal
https://www.otago.ac.nz/news/events/otago229937.html

Ngā mihi nui, nā

Dr Angela Clark (she/her)
Ōtepoti Dunedin Branch President

Ballistics - Hollywood vs. Science
2022-07-22 18:00 - 22:00 (Australia/Sydney) | Sydney Police Centre, 151-241 Goulburn St, Surry Hills, NSW, 2010, Australia
Forensic firearms examiners may be the dark horses of forensics – often last to the scene, they have a poke around, point at holes, look for shiny metal stuff, take some photos, ask crime scene for their measurements and then go grab a coffee. Even Forensic Ballistics, the common name for the discipline, is somewhat of a misnomer. It’s also one of the few forensic disciplines in which members of the public have been exposed to and will confidently display their ‘ballistics’ knowledge. This can be due to people who shoot recreationally or have ‘shot Grandpa’s gun once…’. Whilst not many people undertake document examination or fingerprint comparisons in their spare time, a lot of people have opinions about guns based on these experiences and stories from the media.
In reality, it is a discipline that requires the practitioners to dabble in physics, chemistry, metallurgy and biology, whilst having a solid understanding of a broad range of topics; from the constant stream of new ammunition and firearms on the market and their historical cousins, to manufacturing processes, microscopy, toolmarks, serial number restorations, wound and ‘pure’ ballistics, technology advances and of course presenting evidence in court…
Joel Waszczuk and Matthew Bolton will introduce you to the forensic firearms discipline and will then look at some well- known clips from Hollywood to discuss some of the ‘science’ behind these movie scenes. They hope you have an entertaining and informative evening of things that go ‘pew pew’.
Where: Sydney Police Centre, 151-241 Goulburn St Surry Hills
When: 6pm Friday 22nd July 2022, 7pm presentation commences
Cost: $10 members, $20 members.
Tickets: Registration is essential for admittance, tickets available here: https://members.anzfss.org/booking.php?id=224
(cut and paste the link into your browser if unable to directly click through)

Qld Branch Presentation - Snr Sgt Ritchie Callaghan AFTER, case studies and The Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) process
2022-07-21 18:00 (Australia/Sydney) | QPS Headquarters, 200 Roma Street Brisbane, 200 Roma Street, Brisbane, Qld, 4000, Australia
Our next exciting presentation is from Snr Sgt Callaghan, with this presentation initially planned for March 2020. Snr Sgt Callaghan has worked as a Scenes of Crime Officer for 25 years. Between 2003 -2004 he was the Lead Forensic Investigator in the Singh Children Homicides at Bridgeman Downs and assisted in the conviction of Massimo Sica in 2012. In 2015 he took over the State DVI Coordination role. Within this role he has written and assisted in the facilitation of the National DVI ADVIC funded training courses for the last five years, including Phase Coordinators, Commander level, and two Body Farm Practitioner courses.
Snr Sgt Callaghan will talk about the DVI process in Australia and internationally and will discuss collaboration and training with the AFP at the Body Farm, AFTER (Australian Facility for Taphonomic Experimental Research). He will talk about some of the larger incidents as case studies and the formulation of the Human Remains Retrieval Teams.
When: Thursday 21st July, 2022 at 6pm
Where: QPS Headquarters, 200 Roma Street, Brisbane
Please register at https://members.anzfss.org/booking.php?id=219
The presentation will be live streamed via teams to members with a Qld Police or Qld Health email domain address (police.qld.gov.au or health.qld.gov.au). For qualifying members, please register at https://members.anzfss.org/booking.php?id=225 by Wednesday 20th July at 5 pm AEST. Registered members will be sent a link to the meeting the morning of the presentation. Please note: ANY RECORDING OF THIS PRESENTATION IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED.
We look forward to welcoming you!

For attendance in-person at QPS Headquarters: https://members.anzfss.org/booking.php?id=219
For attendance via Teams (live stream) to qualifying members: https://members.anzfss.org/booking.php?id=225

Vic Branch Dark Web Presentation
2022-07-18 12:51 (Australia/Sydney) | Western Australia
In late 2017, the Victoria Police Drug Task Force (DTF) received a referral for a fatal overdose of a Western Australian resident who took fentanyl tablets
purchased from the Darknet. The DTF contacted the
Cybercrime Division to assist with the investigation
in relation to availability of fentanyl on the Darknet.
Ten Darknet vendors residing in Australia were found
offering fentanyl for sale, one of which was identified
as a possible source of the fentanyl taken by the
WA resident. The DTF launched a strategy to buy
a number of samples of fentanyl from MissSauer5
funding the purchase with BitCoin as part of Operation
SUNPROOF. Once the drug was purchased on two
separate occasions a number of forensic services
were ustilised including drug analysis, DNA and
fingerprinting to assist in putting the puzzle pieces
together to lead the identification, arrest and successful
prosecution of the offender. Detective Sergeant
Achtypis will explain cryptocurrency and the Darknet,
along with how they are used before Detective Senior
Constable Rusmir takes the audience through the
details of Operation SUNPROOF.

Forgotten Boys of Burma: Corruption and Child Abuse in Thailand
2022-07-14 18:00 - 20:00 (Pacific/Auckland) | https://anzfss.org.au/event/forgotten-boys-of-burma-corruption-and-child-abuse-in-thailand/
Presenter: DS Daniel Isherwood (NZP)
Date: Thursday, July 14
Time:

NZ (NZST): 6pm
QLD / NSW / ACT / VIC / TAS (AEST): 4pm
SA / NT (ACST): 3.30pm
WA (AWST): 2pm

Event type: Zoom + in-person in Christchurch

On Zoom: Register in advance for this meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwocu6qqDMjHtWwwyoAVpoxUhGXOv542raq

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

In person:

Where: Media Room B130 at the Police Central, 40 Lichfield St
When: 5:30-6:00: speed networking with pizza, 6-7pm: presentation
Registration: please register with Vica Papp at viktoria.papp@mbie.govt.nz to ensure we have enough pizza
Logistics: please arrive at the main doors of the Police station from 5:30pm onwards. To be allowed on site, you will need be issued with a visitor’s pass by our NZ Police member. Police staff attending the presentation can make their way directly to Media Room B130. Please bring exact change to cover the entrance fee or show evidence of bank transfer to 02-0800-0875171-000. Some change will be available but limited.
Fees: NZFSS Members: $5, Non-members: $8, Students: koha.

Abstract: In this presentation Detective Sergeant Daniel Isherwood (NZ Police) will walk us through a case study involving an Australian National committing sexual offences against numerous boys, discussing the challenges involved when dealing with bribery of both the Police and Judiciary.
Bio: After much heartbreak as a failed aspiring golf professional, I joined Police in 1997 where I spent the first 9 years of my career in Counties Manukau. I joined the CIB in 2000 and transferred to Christchurch in 2006 where I took up a position within the Special Tactics Group (STG). I spent 9yrs at STG learning the fine art of blowing things up (slow learner) before moving back to investigations in 2015. During my time in CIB, I have worked on a variety of squads, with a particular interest in ASA (Adult Sexual Assault) CPT (Child Protection) and Organised Crime. My current role is as the Detective Sergeant overseeing North Canterbury CIB. I am married to Sofie and have three fantastic kids. Outside of work I cart children to what feels like every sport ever invented, coach basketball and spend time hunting when I can.
