Bayswater SES 50th Anniversary
On Saturday 22 May 2021, Bayswater State Emergency Service Inc celebrated the 50th anniversary of its formation with a street parade and reception at the City of Bayswater Civic Centre, followed by a celebratory party at the Unit premises in Bayswater.
This event was also the first time the Bayswater SES Unit exercised its “right and privilege to pass through the City of Bayswater in full regalia [well orange PPC anyway!], trucks, equipment and bands playing” since this right and privilege was first granted to the Bayswater SES and exercised in 2000. Bayswater SES is still the only emergency services organisation in Western Australia to be granted this right and privilege.
The event was conceived, planned and executed by the volunteers. Bayswater SES acknowledges the support of DFES, City of Bayswater, WA Fire and Emergency Service Band and Salvation Army Emergency Services. Success of this event required detailed planning and coordination, with eight separate organisations required to act in concert, as well as navigating through ministerial, DFES and local government protocols and approvals processes.
Special thanks also to Mr Allen Gale ESM, who provided valuable guidance in the lead up to the event. Allen was also to be our Master of Ceremonies (MC), by fell ill the day before and could not attend. However, Mr Martin Hale stepped in at the last minute and provided an equally natural and dignified air to the MC role. This was one of the many challenges to overcome to bring this event to fruition. We were blessed that, on a day forecast for thunderstorms, the rain held off until the very end of parade. How good is that?
The event also coincided with Wear Orange Wednesday and Volunteer Week.
In attendance were the Hon. Reece Whitby MLA, Minister for Emergency Services, Mayor Dan Bull, Acting DFES Commissioner Craig Waters AFSM, Acting Deputy Police Commissioner Kylie Whiteley APM and Mr Greg Cook, president of the SES Volunteers Association. Others in attendance were local councillors, life members of Bayswater SES, past local managers, metro SES local managers, and families and friends.
With roads and lane closures in place, Bayswater SES marched to the City of Bayswater Civic Centre where the Unit, marching to the stirring music of the WAFES band, and followed by all the unit vehicles and trailers, was ceremonially challenged by Acting Deputy Police Commissioner Whiteley and Mayor Dan Bull. With the right of entry confirmed, the Bayswater SES continued its march onto the lawn in front of the Civic Centre. After the national anthem, a Welcome to Country was delivered by Mrs May McGuire. The volunteers were then inspected by Acting DFES Commissioner Waters AFSM. The parade was addressed by Minister Whitby, Mayor Bull before a reply and thanks was delivered by Acting Local Manager Alan Hawke.
