A proposal was submitted in October 2025 requesting a Premier’s Citation to formally recognise all personnel who contributed to the 2021 Tropical Cyclone Seroja response. The idea followed unsuccessful attempts to secure the National Emergency Medal and was inspired by the NSW Premier’s Flood Emergency Citation, which demonstrated that state-based recognition is possible.
The proposed citation would have included a Premier-signed appreciation letter, commemorative pin, and certificate of recognition, administered through DFES.
DFES reviewed the proposal and acknowledged the strong intent to honour Seroja responders. However, Commissioner Klemm advised on 30 January that DFES will not introduce a Premier’s Citation at this time, noting that no other Australian state (apart from NSW) operates a similar scheme. The Commissioner also pointed out that
existing honours and awards systems already provide recognition pathways.
DFES has expressed appreciation for the efforts of all who served during Tropical Cyclone Seroja and encourages the use of current awards, including:
• DFES Meritorious Service Awards
• WAFES Awards
• Australian Honours, including the National Emergency Medal, AFSM, and ESM
While the Premier’s Citation will not proceed, the proposal has reinforced the value volunteers place on meaningful recognition. The SESVA will again be raising the matter of the awarding of the National Emergency Medal to responders, which had previously been unsuccessful.