During the 65th Anniversary celebrations at Jarrahdale on 12 October, President Greg Cook, on behalf of the SESVA Management Committee, took great pride in announcing a new programme named after SES stalwart Bernie McNamara (dec.) to provide opportunities for young SES volunteers.
The Bernie McNamara SES Young Emerging Leaders (YEL) Programme has been established to support the development of young SES volunteers in Western Australia and is aligned with the NATIONAL SES Volunteers Association Young Emerging Leaders programme.
While in Canberra the young volunteers participate in the AFAC National Memorial Service which is held at the National Emergency Services Memorial to honour the courage and sacrifice of those who have died in the line of duty.
Young Emergency Leaders from WA
The programme gives an opportunity for up to two volunteers from every Australian jurisdiction to travel to Canberra each year. Selection of the two young SES volunteers from Western Australia is based on their achievements.
- Selection of one young SES volunteer annually. Managed by the SES Volunteers Association of WA. The Canberra return travel costs to be funded by the SESVA of WA. Other costs while in Canberra to be funded by the National SESVA.
- Winner of the annual WA Fire and Emergency Services – SES Youth Achievement Award. The Canberra return travel costs to be funded by DFES. Other costs while in Canberra to be funded by the National SESVA.
More details about the selection process will be shared with member SES units and posted on the SESVA website in the near future.
Bernard “Bernie” McNamara
Bernie was a respected role model with a flair for mentoring volunteers and staff. As a long serving SES volunteer, a WASES staff member and SESVA Management Committee member, he recognised the importance of supporting the younger generations to take up volunteering and encourage leadership development opportunities.
Bernie’s wife Lauris, daughter Louise, son a David and David’s wife Heather were at Jarrahdale to witness the announcement which memorialises Bernie’s contribution to community and his extraordinary service with the SES in WA.
Speaking on behalf of the McNamara family, Heather stated that it was an honour to be representing the family.
“Bernie McNamara was a surveyor by trade, and after the 1961 Dwellingup bushfire, along with other survivors, he re-surveyed that town,” Heather pointed out.
“Bernie was also heavily involved in community activities and volunteered with many organisations, such as Lions, Rostrum and St Johns Ambulance”.
“His career with the SES commenced in 1970 as Local Coordinator of the Carnarvon SES, and later as Regional Coordinator where he was responsible for training and equipping the volunteer units at Carnarvon, Coral Bay, Exmouth and Shark Bay,” she said.
“In 1988 the family moved to Perth and here Bernie became Regional Coordinator for Metro South with a wider responsibility and many more units to coordinate and support.”
Bernie a founding member of the SES Peer Support team in WA. He was awarded the Emergency Services Medal in 2009 among his many achievements.
Heather expressed on behalf of the family that they are humbled and honoured that the SES Young Emerging Leaders Programme for WA has been named after Bernie.
“For our young volunteers who are attending Canberra through this programme; take in all you can and enjoy the moment.”
