From the President
A warm welcome to you all and where has the year 2023 gone?
We are nearly into our traditional Christmas Festivities and of course, the season brings some higher community risks with it. A hot start to November has highlighted the state’s fire vulnerability but with pride, I also acknowledge the SES Volunteers who turned out to support the firefighters in their suppression aims whilst still preparing for severe weather and many other incidents that require an immediate community response.
The Association has long been looking for other ways to support the community-based SES units and the volunteers, having now reached an agreement with the National SES Volunteers Association to participate in continuous fundraising raffles. It is indeed very good news to soon to be able to fund beneficial activities for SES volunteers in WA by offering some rewards, some activities, and creating new opportunities.
The Association is asking all SES volunteers and the West Australian community to support the raffles ensuring all that this is no scam.
SES Units across the state of Western Australia are now commencing winding back some of their training activities in December to ensure they are prepared to respond to community needs. Whilst training goes into recess over the Christ- mas holiday period, we in the community can be assured that Unit members are ready to respond to emergencies in WA and in the east of Australia.
The Association continues its quest through this period to create a platform of Skills, Equipment, and Support equity for volunteers. Recently, all emergency services Volunteers Associations have joined together to convince the WA Government to recognise the value of presumptive legislation for PTSD that should be extended to our Volunteers. A reproduced version of the letter signed by the Association Presidents jointly expressing their profound disappointment is in the November Newsletter. This is only the start, and we will hear more in the coming days and months.
Once again, I encourage you all to be prepared, create an environment for continuous learning, and apply these lessons to better respond to impact reduction in our homes, businesses, and communities. Take care and remain alert.
Kind Regards, Greg Cook, President
