Safeguarding Western Sydney International Airport
Australia’s next major airport – Wormald at Western Sydney International Airport
As Australia prepares for the opening of Western Sydney International (Nancy-Baird Walton) Airport (WSI) in October 2026, Wormald is playing a leading role in protecting one of the nation’s most significant infrastructure projects.
The long-term fire protection services contract, which commenced on 1 July 2025, spans 6.5 years and positions the business at the centre of one of Australia’s most critical aviation developments. It reinforces established leadership in aviation fire protection and builds on an extensive New South Wales portfolio, including major airports in Sydney, Newcastle, Bankstown, and Camden.
Airports are among the most complex operational environments, highly regulated, high traffic and operating around the clock. WSI adds further complexity through integrated terminals, advanced digital systems, and a design focused on the future of aviation.
Wormald’s expertise is applied across its broad and critical footprint, including:
- The terminal complex
- Airport operations control centre
- Operations and maintenance facility
- Substations across the precinct
- Access gate facilities and water infrastructure
- Airside operational zones, including waste and transport areas
“This is one of the most important infrastructure projects in the country, and to be trusted with the fire protection scope is something we take very seriously,” said Eddy Zaccomer, Wormald NSW Regional General Manager.
“Our role is to ensure that as this airport comes to life, safety, resilience, and reliability are built into every component.”
As the airport expands, Wormald’s scope will continue to grow. The role extends well beyond installation, encompassing ongoing protection through preventative and corrective maintenance, annual fire safety certification, 24-hour emergency response, system monitoring, site audits, management of fire system isolations and impairment permits, and specialist consultancy. This end-to-end approach ensures systems remain compliant, reliable, and continuously optimised.
“From design coordination through to system oversight and modification management, every aspect of the work is focused on embedding fire safety from day one,” said Matt Shirriff, Wormald Service and Testing Manager.
“Maintenance, emergency response, and certification are delivered seamlessly, ensuring the airport can operate safely around the clock.”
In a constant operating environment, reliability and response time are critical. Fire protection is not only about prevention but also fundamental to maintaining operational continuity across a highly active, interconnected infrastructure.
Wormald’s appointment reflects deep experience in complex, high-security, and safety critical environments. Recent site visits by Wormald CEO Andrew Lee have highlighted the scale and sophistication of the project. Close collaboration with the airport’s asset management team ensures fire protection is embedded at every stage, supporting a seamless transition from construction to full operation.
As Australia invests in the future of aviation, this work ensures safety remains the foundation on which everything else is built, helping define the standard for safe, efficient, and future-ready infrastructure.
