KEY INTEREST ITEMS FROM THE 7th DECEMBER 2023 MEETING OF THE SESVA MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
LEGISLATION WORKING GROUP—SUBMISSION TO GOVERNMENT
Following consultation with SES units and other stakeholders, the SESVA has prepared a Position Paper for the WA Government to consider when drafting the proposed Emergency Services Act 2024. The Position Paper will be distributed to SES units as soon as final layout and formatting is completed. The SESVA believes the Community will be in a stronger position to respond to and recover from natural hazards if the recommendations in the Position Paper are implemented.
NATIONAL SESVA RAFFLE
West Australian residents can now participate in a fundraising raffle to support the community-based SES units and the volunteers. Additional funding from the raffle will provide the opportunity for the SES Volunteer’s Association in WA (SESVA) to development programs, provide welfare support and expanded advocacy services for hundreds of SES volunteers in WA each year. By purchasing a $2 ticket, supporters receive a chance to win a $5,000 Harvey Norman gift card; to be drawn on 2nd February 2024.
SWORD SES LOGISTICS— moving from South East region to South Coastal region
The South East (Metro) Management Committee member represents seven (7) SES units while the South Coastal (Metro) Management Committee member represents four (4) SES units. The meeting agreed that the SWORD SES Logistics units will now be represented by South Coastal (Metro) Management Committee member.
RENAMING THE SES TEAM AWARD
A proposal was discussed in relation to changing the name of the annual SES Team Member Award which is presented at the WAFES Gala Dinner and Awards function. Further consultation and consideration will be given before a recommendation is put to DFES.
SES 65th ANNIVERSARY 2024
The SES in WA was first established in 1959. A proposal was discussed to acknowledge the 65th anniversary in 2024. A working group will be established, and a feasibility study commenced in relation to proposed events.
CAPITAL REPLACEMENT PROGRAMME AND LGGS
The replacement of SES vehicles and buildings is impacting the capability of SES units. The current system is not working for the SES. We will work with our member units in 2024 to gather information through our Management Committee mem- bers then submit our findings to DFES.
JOINT ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT’S MEETING—PTSD Presumptive Legislation
The Presidents of all five Volunteer Emergency Services Associations met again in November. An invitation has been sent to the Honourable Minister Stephen Dawson to meet with the Presidents to address the crucial issue of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and to communicate the deep disappointment and concerns volunteers have regarding the presumptive legislation which was not amended to include volunteers.
