Bernie McNamara SES Young Emerging Leaders Programme
The Bernie McNamara SES Young Emerging Leaders (YEL) Program is run by the WA SESVA to develop young volunteers in WA.
It is directly aligned with the National SESVA YEL Program and provides an opportunity for two young WA volunteers to participate in the national memorial service and leadership events in Canberra. One spot is automatically awarded to the winner of the annual WA Fire and Emergency Services SES Youth Achievement Award. The other is selected via an application process overseen by a panel from the SESVA of WA.
SES volunteers aged 18 to 30 years are invited to apply by 30 November
Read what the 2024 SES Youth Achievement Award winner, Jack Watson of the Tom Price SES, had to say aer returning from Canberra in May 2025:
Just got back from an unforgettable trip to Canberra as part of the Young Emerging Leaders (YEL) program. We had the absolute honour of forming a guard of honour at the AFAC National Memorial Service — an incredibly moving experience… but the absolute highlight? Connecting with other YELs from across the country. Hearing everyone’s stories, learning about the differences in how we operate across states and territories, and have real, open discussions about the challenges we face — it was inspiring, eye-opening, and genuinely one of the best experiences I’ve had.
Program activities
The specific schedule of activities varies each year, but typically includes:
- Participate in the AFAC National Memorial Service in Canberra.
- A chance to meet the Governor General and the Commissioners of emergency services from other areas.
- Tours of key national organisations, such as Parliament House, Geoscience Australia, and the National
- Emergency Management Agency.
Application process
To be considered, an applicant must:
- be a registered SES volunteer in WA aged between 18 and 30 years as at 30 November 2025.
- submit a supporting reference from the Local Manager of the applicant’s SES unit.
- submit a completed application form to the SESVA Secretary, providing information about themselves on the form, including community and leadership involvement, as well as leadership aspirations and how they see themself as a leader in 5 years. The form can also be requested by email sesva.office@ses-wa.asn.au
Selection Process
The selection panel is made up of independent people, chaired by a SESVA committee member.
Timing
- 30 November 2025: closing date for applications.
- 15 December 2025: announcement of the selected candidate(s) for the YEL program 2026.
- 2026: 4 or 5 days at the end of April/start of May—AFAC
