Recognition of Tropical Cyclone Seroja Responders
Feedback and recommendations sought
The Association President is writing to all SES units in WA seeking feedback and recommendations regarding the most appropriate way to pursue formal recognition for eligible volunteers, emergency services personnel and support agency personnel who responded to Tropical Cyclone Seroja in April 2021.
Since 2022, SESVA has undertaken several initiatives to secure formal recognition for those who participated in the Tropical Cyclone Seroja response.
DFES supported SESVA’s request for National Emergency Medal recognition by preparing a submission for TC Seroja to be declared a national emergency event. The National Committee did not approve the submission meaning the awarding of the National Emergency Medal is not permitted.
A submission by the SESVA for the awarding of a WA Premier’s Citation was not supported by both DFES and the WA State Government.
SES Unit feedback
The SESVA is seeking feedback from WA SES Units – what further actions could be taken to allow for the acknowledgment of the outstanding commitment delivered to Western Australian communities in times of need?
SES volunteers deserve to be recognised.
The response to Tropical Cyclone Seroja involved thousands of hours of service by volunteers, emergency services personnel and support agencies under challenging circumstances. The SESVA believes it is important that the contribution of these individuals continues to be appropriately recognised and recorded.
How to proceed?
SES units are urged to respond to the letter when received so the WA SESVA can consider how to proceed, if that is what member units want.