SESVA FAQs

The SES Volunteers Association of Western Australia Incorporated (SESVA) is an organisation established to represent and support the interests of SES Volunteers throughout Western Australia.  SESVA provides a voice for volunteers and works to ensure their views, concerns and contributions are recognised

The SESVA has learnt that volunteer recruitment and retention issues are not just our problem.

It is a problem that is common across the whole of Australian emergency services. We are working with:

• DFES for a coordinated approach to assist with these issues. 

The SESVA has a website, Facebook page and twitter feed. There is also an App that can be downloaded from the Apple store or the Play store, or scan the QR code below.

All State Emergency Service Units are eligible to be members of the SESVA. Our constitution explains more about life and associate members. DFES staff are not eligible. A copy of the constitution is available from the SESVA office and on this website “see constitution page.

The SESVA was involved in past and future SES legislation through:

• Contribution of ideas/topics to be included in legislation
• The Association has projected a high profile during the review process and  conducts workshops and other activities to obtain volunteers’ opinions.

SES Volunteers who are liaising with or have casual involvement with the SESVA are considered normal SES activity and are covered by DFES Risk Cover Insurance. If you decide to serve or are elected as a committee person, the SESVA holds a separate insurance policy to cover committee members for all Association activities.

SES is the Emergency Service within DFES. SESVA is the independent SES Volunteers Association of Western Australia , which represents and advocates for the interests if SES Volunteers 

SESVA represents the interests of SES Volunteers to State, Federal and Local Government representatives, DFES and other relevant organisations.

Its activities include:

• Representing volunteer interests and concerns.
• Promoting the recognition and appreciation of SES Volunteers.
• Supporting volunteer welfare and wellbeing.
• Keeping volunteers informed about relevant issues and developments.
• Promoting SES history and heritage.
• Providing opportunities for volunteers to have their voices heard.

No. SESVA is an incorporated volunteer association. The State Emergency Service (SES) is a division of the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES).  SESVA operates independently to represent the interests of SES Volunteers. DFES does provide funding to enable the SESVA to operate and support the SESVA.

Yes. SES Volunteers are encouraged to contact SESVA if they have an issue, concern or suggestion relating to volunteer interests and welfare.  SESVA can consider the matter and determine whether it is appropriate for the Association to raise it with relevant organisations

SESVA supports volunteers by:

• Advocating for volunteer interests.
• Promoting recognition of volunteer service.
• Sharing information about assistance and support programs.
• Raising issues affecting volunteer welfare.
• Promoting opportunities for volunteer development.
• Keeping volunteers informed about important developments.

SESVA can provide information about relevant assistance programs, including the Emergency Services Volunteers Hardship Assistance Scheme.  Eligibility and assistance are determined under the relevant scheme guidelines.

Yes. Donations and bequests help SESVA continue its work supporting and representing SES Volunteers in Western Australia.

Visit our donations page:
https://www.givenow.com.au/ses-waasnausesvadonations-and-bequests

You can keep informed through:

• The SESVA website.
• The SESVA monthly newsletter.
• SESVA Facebook communications (Members only)
• Information distributed through SES Units.
• SESVA announcements and updates.