Mike Wassing AFSM

Mike Wassing (AFSM) is a highly experienced and decorated fire
and emergency management leader with a commendable career
spanning over three decades. He has held various senior executive
roles within the State governments of Queensland and Victoria, demonstrating exceptional
leadership and management skills across a broad range of responsibilities.

Starting his journey in 1990, Mike began as a career firefighter with the Country Fire
Authority (CFA) after serving as a volunteer firefighter. This early period of his career saw
him engaged in frontline roles, community engagement, risk management, and project
leadership. Mike’s dedication to service became evident through his efforts in enhancing
community safety and implementing key emergency management initiatives.

Mike’s demonstrated commitment led him further into pivotal roles such as the Assistant
Emergency Services Commissioner and A/Deputy Emergency Services Commissioner for
Victoria. He played a critical role during the Black Saturday fire events, where he directed
significant disaster management reviews and contributed substantially to emergency
management changes in Victoria.

His expertise was sought in Queensland as well, where he acted as the Director
General/Commissioner for the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) during times
of organizational crisis such as the 2019 Black Summer bushfires.

Mike has also been recognized for his steadfast commitment to volunteer support and
management, having served as the Chief Officer for both the Rural Fire Service and the State
Emergency Service in Queensland, as well as the Fire Rescue Service.

Wassing has been acknowledged with the prestigious Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM)
for his exemplary leadership qualities and for fostering inclusive and positive organizational
change. Furthermore, he has been awarded the National Emergency Medal for his
contributions during the 2009 Black Saturday fires, Tropical Cyclone Debbie in 2017, the
Northern Queensland Monsoonal event in 2019, and the Black Summer Bushfires of
2019/20.

He recently served as the Deputy Commissioner and Deputy State Recovery Coordinator for
the Queensland Reconstruction Authority, fortifying his legacy as a leader dedicated to
fostering capabilities, driving innovation, and solidifying collaborative service delivery
outcomes.

Mike commenced as NSW SES Commissioner in December 2024