During National Volunteer Week, DFES takes a moment to acknowledge the remarkable dedication of our volunteers and is excited to reveal the finalists for this year’s WAFES Awards.
A panel of judges carefully selected 45 finalists from the 15 award categories following a record number of nominations.
Congratulations to all the volunteers and teams who have been recognised as 2025 WAFES Awards finalists.
Every finalist has a unique story, a journey filled with challenges, achievements and countless hours of dedication.
The winners of the awards, including the DFES staff award categories, will be announced at the WAFES Awards gala dinner on Friday 29 August 2025 at Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre.
If you would like to attend the gala dinner make sure you complete an online nomination by Friday 23 June.
More information on attending the awards can be found on the WAFES Conference website.
Individual awards
Marine Rescue Individual Achievement Award
- David Skene, Marine Rescue Exmouth
- Owen Rouse, Marine Rescue Derby
- Scott Williams, Marine Rescue Dampier
Murray Lang Bush Fire Service Award
- Jeff McDougall, Gelorup Bush Fire Brigade
- Paul Blight, Yallingup Coastal Bush Fire Brigade
- Xavier White, Ballaying Bush Fire Brigade
Peter Keillor Award ( SES Volunteer of the Year)
- Amy Drage, Geraldton-Greenough State Emergency Service
- Connie Reed, Newman State Emergency Service
- Leslie Hayter, Margaret River State Emergency Service
Volunteer Fire and Emergency Services Individual Achievement Award
- Carlos Veldscholte, Wyndham Volunteer Fire and Emergency Services
- Jayson Lindsay, Cervantes Volunteer Fire and Emergency Services
- Peter Buckenara, Bremer Bay Volunteer Fire and Emergency Services
Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service Individual Achievement Award
- Amelia Fitzgerald, Esperance Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service
- Jamie Copeland, Pemberton Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service
- Natalie Marley, Port Hedland Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service
Career Fire and Rescue Individual Achievement Award
- Dain Hutton, Firefighter, Rockingham Fire Station
- Sam Collins, Firefighter, Belmont Fire Station
- Tod Bergersen, Station Officer, Cardup Fire Station
DFES Corporate Staff Individual Achievement Award
- Aaron Kain, Bushfire Risk Management Officer
- David Windsor, Cultural Fire and Partnerships Coordinator
- Tayissa Sweetlove, Principal Project Consultant
DFES Operational Staff Individual Achievement Award
- Ian Anderson, Academy Instructor
- Renee Klein, Marine Services Officer
- Stephen Petersen, District Officer Esperance
Team awards
Firefighting Team Achievement Award
- Karratha Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service
- Mandurah Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service
- Northcliffe Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service and Northcliffe Bush Fire Brigade
Marine Rescue Team Achievement Award
- Marine Rescue Carnarvon
- Marine Rescue East Kimberley
- Marine Rescue Esperance
SES Team Achievement Award
- Esperance State Emergency Service
- Kununurra State Emergency Service
- Tom Price State Emergency Service
DFES Staff Team Achievement Award
- Public Information Team
- Bushfire Centre of Excellence
- State Operational Support Fleet Team
Youth awards
Firefighting Young Person of the Year Award
- Dylan Goldup, Kununurra Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service
- Lachlan Bormolini, Bedfordale Bush Fire Brigade
- Riley Mole, Karratha Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service
Marine Rescue Young Person of the Year Award
- Fraser Boulter, Marine Rescue Fremantle
- Lachlan Field, Marine Rescue Port Hedland
- Owen Wells, Marine Rescue Port Hedland
SES Young Person of the Year Award
- Joshua Yates, Margaret River State Emergency Service
- Lucas Fraser, Communications Support State Emergency Service
- Riley Symington, Mandurah State Emergency Service
