SESVA President Report November 2021
I do believe that the past and coming months have some cause for reflection for the State Emergency Service across Western Australia. For this outstanding volunteer workforce, which is raised, trained and equipped from our communities, are expected to carry an increasing workload without thought being given to the toll this may take on individuals.
Western Australia is becoming increasingly active in centralised emergency response management that may leave some regional communities underprepared despite warnings from Perth. The legacy of many centralised government services is a public belief that if something does happen, they will come and be there for you. So, the question must be asked at local level: what are we doing to ensure the time from impact to the time for external assistance arrival is effectively planned?
This year, as WA approaches what is called by DFES as the high threat period (Fire, Cyclone, Flood), we could be vulnerable simply because we may be tired for this period arrives. The impact of managing day to day business in a COVID free WA may not always be ‘business as usual’. The consistent management of the pandemic health emergency requires significant resourcing and energy.
What does this mean for local communities? Resilience at local level may be all important to relieve some of the pressures that may be felt by many throughout the Emergency Services. Local capacity and capability is very important during any emergency, inclusive of awareness that we are responsible for ourselves first. Simple maintenance around and in our homes and businesses is a first step, achievable for most.
Communities may need to assist some of those that cannot help themselves. Simple steps will not stop a Cyclone impacting an area, but it can reduce the impact on our homes and businesses.
Western Australia’s local SES Units train year round to help members of local communities when emergencies occur. Whether it is searching for missing people; storm damage to our homes; treating the effects of flooding; assisting health professionals managing COVID; staffing the 132 500 call line; managing scent dogs and mounted search teams; setting up emergency radio and IT support systems; and, working in local communities to raise awareness – the Volunteer SES members are ready to help with the knowledge that local communities need to help themselves as well.
I trust we can all help one another to stay a little safer.