From the SESVA President
Hi to you as we all recover from the festive time of year. Yes, it’s even back-to-school time. Your WA SES Volunteers Association and its business has been traveling, listening, and shaping up for a busy 2025.
Firstly, I would like to acknowledge in our newsletter the recent passing of Julian Yates. For members who have been in the SES service a little longer, we remember Julian as a past Executive Director of the WASES when it was its own organisation. Julian still had orange in his heart serving as an SES Volunteer in the ACT. He passed from a heart attack whilst recreationally hiking. RIP.
As a statewide emergency service, SES Volunteers pack up and travel great distances to help our communities. I was privileged to recently welcome a deployment flying into Port Hedland heading on their way to assist the Marble Bar community from a storm event. I know we spun a little humour in saying we arrived just to welcome everyone, but it was pure luck that three SESVA committee members were at the Port Hedland SES unit doing a unit visit and hosting a unit BBQ for members that evening. It gave us an opportunity for some banter and I trust all were in good spirits and ready for the task.
2025 is going to be a busy one for the SESVA. New legislation is coming and the WA state and national elections are both in the first half of the year.
Also, note the WAFES / AFAC Conference is in the last week of August this year with the WAFES Awards Dinner on Friday night not Saturday as done in past years. Nominations are now open for the WAFES Awards. Please recognise your outstanding unit colleagues by nominating them across the three categories:
• The individual member – the Prestigious Peter Keillor Award
• Team Award for the best positive contribution to the SES and community
• Young Person Award, changed by DFES from the Youth Award. Think about our mutual future and recognise the fine efforts of those aged between 18 and 30.
Let’s knock our socks off with an avalanche of great nominations, it is after all another way to say thanks.
Just to reinforce the SES message; all Units are open 24 hours, 7 days a week. We are here to help our communities when things get dangerous, and hardship is felt. I still get blown away by how much you contribute to your communities and still, I don’t think you recognise the leadership you provide. The power of one is still great. Stay Safe.
Greg Cook President, SES Volunteers Association
