SES Volunteers recognised for services
The State’s most outstanding SES volunteers were recognised for their dedication and commitment to helping the community at the 2017 State Emergency Service Awards on Staurday night. Volunteers from the Mundaring, Esperance and Kalamunda units were acknowledged for their work on the frontline at emergencies and in maintaining the integrity and capability of the SES.
Department of Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Wayne Gregson presented the awards to the recipients and commended them on their contribution to Western Australia. “SES volunteers provide much needed support through emergency incidents and these awards are an important part in thanking individuals and units for their selfless acts,” Commissioner Gregson said. “The men and women recognised yesterday have proven themselves to be pillars of the Western Australian community and are very deserving of the recognition from their peers and DFES.
“It has been a busy year for the men and women in orange attending almost 470 incidents and committing almost 18,000 hours to land searches, rescues, fires and storm damage recovery in the past year.
“All of our SES volunteers are highly respected and admired individuals and I congratulate all of them on their services in keeping our State safe.”
Mundaring SES Training Manager Robert Palmer is the recipient of the Peter Keillor Award for his exceptional commitment to ensuring the unit and its members are prepared to serve the community.
The Team Achievement Award was won by the Esperance SES Unit whose expertise and skillset at severe flooding in the region earlier in the year was highly praised by other emergency response agencies.
Brayden Dilley from Kalamunda SES was presented the Youth Achievement Award for his dedication to duty beyond normal expectations, including contribution to the efficiency, effectiveness and development of the Kalamunda SES through inspiration and innovation.
The 2017 SES Award winners were presented across three categories:
Peter Keillor Award
Robert Palmer – Mundaring SES
An SES volunteer for nearly 20 years, Robert dedicates a large portion of his own time to ensuring the Mundaring SES runs effectively and provides support in a timely manner when needed. In the time Robert has served with the unit he has taken on the roles of Administration Officer, Deputy Local Manager and Local Manager. After retiring from the Local Manager role he now imparts his knowledge to other volunteers in the unit as the Training Manager ensuring they provide effective and timely support at all incidents.
Team Achievement Award
Esperance
The Esperance unit attended a number of emergency response incidents over the past year including missing person searches, bush fires, assisting at the scene of a fatal shark attack and rescues along the State’s coastline but it was their tireless efforts during severe flooding in the region in February 2017 that earned them the Team Achievement Award. Nominated by their counterparts at WA Police, Esperance conducted risk assessments and high risk search and rescues for people missing in the floodwaters. Their skills and knowledge enabled them to respond quickly in a courageous and dignified manner for the emergency response agencies and families involved.
Youth Achievement Award
Brayden Dilley – Kalamunda SES
Brayden’s willingness to share his experiences, guidance on best practise and sincere encouragement showed a maturity and astuteness beyond his years. The SES is committed to attracting more young people into their ranks and Brayden is a fine example of the volunteers that will continue to grow and advance the SES into the future. His devotion to the SES and enthusiasm for helping others has made him a much respected volunteer among his peers.
