The SESVA has the pleasure of welcoming two new Management Committee regional representatives.
Ceridwen Fitzpatrick—Great Southern
Ceridwen has been a member of Mount Barker SES since 2009. Joining the SES enabled Ceridwen to become involved in her community. Her key interests as an SES member are search and rescue, emergency preparedness, volunteer retention, and community engagement. Ceridwen brings her considerable professional skills in advocacy, outreach and service navigation to the SESVA Management Committee role.
Ross Jones—Kimberley
Ross joined the SES as a Cadet in 1987 and later that year became a full-time member of Mandurah SES. He quickly became a team leader and trainer assessor in numerous SES skills. Ross has held various positions within several SES units across WA and has been the Local Manager of Geraldton-Greenough SES since 2021. Ross believes the future of the SES requires representation on behalf of the volunteers to maintain and improve standards in training, leadership and infrastructure.
SESVA MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE – 17 APRIL MEETING SUMMARY
SESVA Bus Replacement Project
The 8 SESVA buses funded by BHP in 2014 are due for replacement. A working group including interested SES unit leaders will consider replacement bus types and styles and commence a process of attracting a sponsor to fund the purchase and ongoing maintenance of the new buses.
McNamara Family donation for the Young Emerging Leaders Program. An annual contribution of $500 p/a for the next 5 years has generously been offered by the McNamara family to support the YEL Program.
SESVA Insurance Cover
DFES provides insurance coverage for volunteers, however, advises the Association is not covered and needs to continue arranging its own private insurance.
Committee Succession Planning
Committee members are to consider suitable future committee members. The Association will assist prospective members to step up into the role.
Annual General Meeting
The Association AGM will be held in the SESVA Belmont Conference Room on Saturday 13th September 2025 which is the weekend following the W-AFAC and WAFES Awards Gala Dinner
Constitution Amendment
A notice of motion will be developed for the AGM to amend the SESVA Constitution to create a third VP position to improve management of the Association and spread the workload.
Strategic Planning
Member Units will be consulted on the Association’s draft Strategic Plan currently under development.
Training Discussion Paper
More feedback will be sought by direct contact with those Units that are yet to respond.
Wear Orange Wednesday—21st May
The Association has been liaising with DFES on alternative celebratory events and encourages Regional Offices to support WOW Day on its website and Facebook page. Tools and materials will be available for units to download from the SESVA website.
