Ms Collene Bremner has been announced as the Acting Commissioner of NT Fire and Emergency Services (NTFES), while current Commissioner Andrew Warton embarks on a sabbatical overseas.
Ms Bremner who has served as the Executive Director of Bushfires NT since 2016, brings over 20 years of experience in the Northern Territory Public Service. Her extensive background in emergency management has seen her lead the response to numerous significant events locally and interstate.
Throughout her career, Ms Bremner has held numerous senior roles, including as Chair of the Australian and New Zealand Emergency Management Recovery Sub-Committee, the NT representative on the Australian and New Zealand Emergency Management Committee, and as a board member of the ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Aerial Firefighting Centre (NAFC). She is also a member of NAFC’s Strategic Committee under the Australian Fire Authorities Council (AFAC).
Ms Bremner will bring a wealth of knowledge to the role and is committed to leading the service and protecting Territorians during times of crisis. Chief Minister and Minister for Fire and Emergency Services, Lia Finocchiaro directly appointed Ms Bremner to act in the role from 15 February 2025.
Mr Warton is taking leave to embark on a once in a lifetime experience as Station Leader at Australia’s Casey Research Station in Antarctica. There he will lead a team of expeditioners and support crucial scientific research through the Antarctic winter.
Casey Station is one of three Australian research stations in Antarctica and the selection process is long and comprehensive with roles like Station Leader highly sought after and very competitive. Due to the length of the selection process and how far in advance applications are taken, this sabbatical was a known factor when Mr Warton was appointed Commissioner NT Fire and Emergency Services in 2024.
During his sabbatical, Mr Warton will remain in contact with NTFES staff and volunteers and will provide regular updates to his team during his time away.
Acting arrangements will remain in place until Commissioner Warton’s return later in the year. His return will depend on the logistics of accessing Casey Research Station, which becomes generally inaccessible during the Antarctic winter.
The recent formation of the NT Fire and Emergency Services, which combines the NT Fire and Rescue Service, NT Emergency Service, and Bushfires NT into one agency, enhances our ability to respond to emergencies while prioritising community resilience. For more information on the service, visit Welcome | NT Police, Fire & Emergency Services
For more information on Casey Research Station, visit Antarctic operations – Australian Antarctic Program
Quotes from Commissioner, Andrew Warton:
“Leading an emergency services organisation and an Antarctic station may seem worlds apart, but both rely on teamwork, resilience, recognition of community and a commitment to something bigger than ourselves. Whether facing emergencies or keeping a remote station running, success comes down to ordinary people doing extraordinary things. It is an honour to lead the Northern Territory Fire and Emergency Services and I’m grateful for the opportunity to undertake this short-term experience, and to bring new perspectives on leadership back to the Northern Territory.”
“I am pleased to announce Ms. Collene Bremner as Acting Commissioner of NTFES today. Collene’s leadership experience and involvement in both local and national emergency management efforts will ensure that the service continues to operate effectively. I am confident that NTFES staff and the community are in capable hands.
Quotes from Collene Bremner:
“I am honoured to have the opportunity to lead the NT Fire and Emergency Services. I have a long association with the operational arms of the Northern Territory Fire and Emergency Services and am excited to continue to lead the ongoing development of the new agency during Andrew’s time in Antarctica.”
Media contact:
Rickie Abraham
0400 814 524
