Heritage Committee

Preserving Our History, Honouring Our SES Units and Volunteers

1. Purpose and Establishment

The SESVA Heritage Committee is an advisory body established to assist the SES Volunteers Association of Western Australia Incorporated (SESVA) in identifying, preserving, protecting, managing, documenting and promoting the history and heritage of the Association and the State Emergency Service (SES) in Western Australia.

The Committee recognises the important contribution that SES Volunteers, past and present, have made to the safety, resilience and wellbeing of Western Australian communities. It seeks to ensure that their experiences, achievements, sacrifices and contributions are recorded and preserved for the benefit of current and future generations.

The Committee provides advice and support to the SESVA Executive on heritage matters, assists in the development of heritage initiatives and encourages the involvement of SES Volunteers, former members, Units and the wider community in preserving the history of the SES.

Through its activities, the Committee aims to maintain a lasting record of the development of the SES and SESVA, celebrate the achievements of volunteers and promote a greater understanding of the Association’s and the SES’s contribution to Western Australia.

2. Objectives

The objectives of the SESVA Heritage Committee are to:

• Identify and document significant events, milestones, people and achievements in the history of the SES and SESVA in Western Australia.
• Preserve historical records, photographs, documents, artefacts and other material of historical significance.
• Encourage SES Volunteers, former volunteers and their families to contribute to the preservation of SES history.
• Promote public awareness and appreciation of the history, traditions and achievements of the SES and SESVA.
• Support the development of a sustainable and accessible heritage collection and historical archive.
• Encourage the sharing of knowledge and historical information between SES Units, volunteers and the community.
• Provide advice to the SESVA Executive on heritage priorities, projects and opportunities.

3. Roles and Responsibilities

3.1 Advisory and Strategic Functions

The Committee will provide advice and recommendations to the SESVA Executive on matters relating to the preservation, management and promotion of SES and SESVA history and heritage.

Its responsibilities include:

• Identifying heritage priorities and recommending appropriate conservation and preservation strategies.
• Assisting in the development of heritage policies, procedures and plans.
• Advising on the acquisition, preservation, storage and display of historical material.
• Identifying significant historical events, anniversaries and milestones that should be recognised.
• Recommending projects that support the long-term preservation of SES and SESVA heritage.
• Providing advice on opportunities to collaborate with DFES, SES Units, historical organisations, museums and other relevant agencies.

3.2 Heritage Identification and Preservation

The Committee will assist the SESVA in identifying and preserving material that demonstrates the history and development of the SES and SESVA.

This may include:

• Historical photographs, documents, newsletters, publications and correspondence.
• Uniforms, equipment, badges, medals, memorabilia and other artefacts.
• Records of significant operations, emergencies, community activities and training exercises.
• Historical records relating to the establishment and development of SES Units.
• Material documenting the establishment, development and achievements of the SESVA.
• Personal records and memorabilia contributed by former and current SES Volunteers.

The Committee will encourage the identification of historically significant material before it is lost, discarded or damaged.

Where appropriate, the Committee may recommend that significant items be preserved by the SESVA, transferred to a suitable archival institution or made available through an approved heritage collection.

3.3 Collection and Archive Management

The Committee will assist in the development and maintenance of an organised heritage collection and archive that preserves the historical records of the SESVA and the SES in Western Australia.

Responsibilities may include:

• Developing and maintaining an inventory of historical material held by the SESVA.
• Establishing appropriate procedures for the receipt, recording, storage and preservation of donated material.
• Recommending suitable storage and conservation arrangements to protect documents, photographs and artefacts from deterioration.
• Encouraging the digitisation of historical records to improve preservation and accessibility.
• Maintaining accurate descriptions, dates, locations and background information relating to collection items.
• Identifying material that may be suitable for public display, exhibitions, publications or online presentation.
• Recommending appropriate access arrangements, taking into account privacy, copyright, ownership and any confidentiality requirements.

The Committee will seek to ensure that historical material is managed responsibly and that the Association retains appropriate records of donations, ownership and any conditions attached to the use of donated items.

3.4 Oral History and Volunteer Recollections

The Committee will encourage and support oral history programs to record the personal experiences and recollections of current and former SES Volunteers.

Oral history is an important means of preserving information that may not be recorded in official documents or operational reports.

The Committee may:

• Develop an oral history program to capture the experiences of SES Volunteers across Western Australia.
• Work with SES Units to identify volunteers with significant historical knowledge or experiences.
• Conduct or coordinate interviews with former and current volunteers, Unit members and other people associated with the SES.
• Record recollections of significant emergencies, operations, training activities, Unit development and volunteer experiences.
• Encourage the recording of personal stories relating to the establishment and development of the SES and SESVA.
• Preserve interview recordings, transcripts, photographs and associated historical information.
• Obtain appropriate consent and establish clear arrangements for the storage, use and publication of recorded material.

The Committee will seek to ensure that the experiences of volunteers from metropolitan, regional and remote communities are represented in the Association’s historical records.

3.5 Heritage Promotion and Public Awareness

The Committee will assist the SESVA in promoting the history, achievements and heritage of the SES and SESVA to volunteers, the community and other interested organisations.

Activities may include:

• Preparing historical articles and features for the SESVA website and newsletter.
• Developing historical displays and exhibitions for conferences, community events and SES Unit activities.
• Supporting commemorative events, anniversaries and significant SES milestones.
• Promoting the achievements and contributions of past and present SES Volunteers.
• Sharing historical photographs, stories and information through approved communication channels.
• Supporting educational activities that increase understanding of the history and development of the SES in Western Australia.
• Encouraging SES Units to preserve and promote their own local histories.

The Committee will work with the SESVA communications and website representatives to ensure that historical information is presented accurately, consistently and in a manner that reflects the Association’s values.

3.6 Grants, Funding and Sponsorship

The Committee will assist the SESVA in identifying opportunities to obtain financial and other support for heritage preservation and historical projects.

This may include:

• Identifying suitable heritage grants, community funding programs and sponsorship opportunities.
• Assisting with the preparation of grant applications and supporting documentation.
• Developing proposals for historical exhibitions, publications, digitisation projects and oral history programs.
• Identifying potential partnerships with historical societies, museums, libraries and other organisations.
• Recommending opportunities for donations of historical material, equipment or services.

Any grant application, sponsorship arrangement or financial commitment must be referred to the SESVA Executive for consideration and approval in accordance with the Association’s financial and governance requirements.

3.7 Research, Publications and Historical Projects

The Committee may undertake or coordinate research into significant aspects of SES and SESVA history.

Projects may include:

• Documenting the establishment and development of the SES in Western Australia.
• Recording the history of the SESVA and its role in representing SES Volunteers.
• Researching the history of individual SES Units and their contributions to local communities.
• Preparing historical timelines, biographies, commemorative publications and anniversary material.
• Supporting research into significant operations, emergencies, training developments and changes in volunteer services.
• Establishing links with historical organisations and researchers who may hold relevant records or information.

Historical publications and material prepared on behalf of the SESVA should be reviewed for accuracy and approved through the Association’s appropriate processes before publication.

4. Membership and Operational Structure

4.1 Membership

The SESVA Heritage Committee will normally comprise SESVA Committee members and SES Volunteers who have an interest in, or relevant experience relating to, history, heritage, archives, research, photography, records management or historical preservation.

Membership may include:

• SESVA Executive or Committee representatives.
• Current and former SES Volunteers.
• Representatives of SES Units with an interest in preserving their local history.
• Individuals with relevant heritage, archival, research or historical expertise.
• Other persons invited to contribute specialist knowledge or assistance.

The Committee should seek to encourage participation from volunteers across Western Australia, recognising the importance of preserving the history of both metropolitan and regional SES Units.

4.2 Appointment and Participation

Committee membership and any changes to its composition will be subject to the approval of the SESVA Executive or the Association’s applicable governance arrangements.

The Committee may invite individuals or representatives of relevant organisations to attend meetings or contribute to specific projects where their knowledge or experience would be beneficial.

Such participation does not automatically confer membership or voting rights.

4.3 Meetings

The Committee may meet regularly, as determined by its members and the requirements of its work program.

Meetings may be conducted in person or through electronic communication to facilitate participation by members throughout Western Australia.

The Committee may:

• Review progress on current heritage projects.
• Discuss heritage issues and preservation priorities.
• Consider proposals for new initiatives.
• Review relevant policies and procedures.
• Identify opportunities for collaboration and funding.
• Prepare recommendations for consideration by the SESVA Executive.

Meeting records should be maintained, including decisions, recommendations, actions and matters requiring referral to the Executive.

4.4 Chairperson and Coordination

The Committee will have a Chairperson appointed or endorsed in accordance with the SESVA’s governance arrangements.

The Chairperson will coordinate the Committee’s activities, facilitate meetings, oversee the preparation of recommendations and act as the principal liaison with the SESVA Executive.

The Committee may nominate members to coordinate particular projects, such as oral history, archives, research, publications or heritage displays, subject to appropriate approval.

5. Authority and Decision-Making

The SESVA Heritage Committee is an advisory body and is authorised to provide advice, develop proposals and make recommendations to the SESVA Executive.

The Committee does not have independent authority to:

• Commit SESVA funds or enter into financial arrangements.
• Enter into contracts or sponsorship agreements on behalf of the Association.
• Dispose of, transfer or permanently loan Association-owned historical material.
• Make public statements or publish material on behalf of the SESVA without appropriate authorisation.
• Represent the SESVA in formal negotiations or agreements unless specifically authorised.

Any delegated authority must be clearly defined and approved by the SESVA Executive.

Recommendations requiring financial expenditure, external commitments, changes to Association policy or the transfer of ownership of historical material must be referred to the Executive for consideration and approval.

6. Work Program and Reporting

The Committee will develop a practical work program that identifies its heritage priorities, proposed activities and anticipated outcomes.

The work program may include:

• Establishing an inventory of existing SESVA historical records and artefacts.
• Identifying gaps in the historical record of the SES and SESVA.
• Developing an oral history and volunteer interview program.
• Collecting and preserving historical photographs and documents from SES Units.
• Preparing historical material for the SESVA website and newsletter.
• Supporting significant anniversaries and commemorative events.
• Identifying funding opportunities for heritage projects.

The Committee will provide periodic reports to the SESVA Executive outlining its activities, achievements, recommendations, outstanding issues and proposed future work.

7. Collaboration and Partnerships

The Committee will encourage cooperation with organisations and individuals who can assist in preserving and promoting SES and SESVA heritage.

Potential partners may include DFES, SES Units, former SES Volunteers, local historical societies, museums, libraries, archival institutions, local governments and other relevant community organisations.

Any formal partnership, agreement or commitment involving the SESVA must be referred to the Executive for approval.

8. Guiding Principles

In carrying out its responsibilities, the Committee will be guided by the following principles:

Preservation: Protecting historical material and personal recollections for future generations.

Accuracy: Ensuring that historical information is researched, verified and presented responsibly.

Respect: Recognising the contributions, experiences and service of SES Volunteers, past and present.

Accessibility: Encouraging appropriate access to historical material for volunteers, researchers and the wider community.

Inclusiveness: Recognising the diverse experiences of SES Units and volunteers throughout Western Australia.

Accountability: Managing historical material responsibly and operating within the governance and delegated authority of the SESVA.

Collaboration: Working constructively with volunteers, Units and relevant organisations to achieve shared heritage objectives.

9. Review

The Committee’s purpose, membership, responsibilities and operational arrangements should be reviewed periodically by the SESVA Executive to ensure that they remain appropriate to the needs and objectives of the Association.

Any proposed changes to the Committee’s terms of reference or delegated authority must be submitted to the SESVA Executive for approval.

Our Commitment to Preserving SES Heritage

The SESVA Heritage Committee recognises that the history of the SES is more than a collection of documents, photographs and artefacts. It is the story of the volunteers who have served their communities, the Units they have built, the challenges they have faced and the contribution they have made to Western Australia.

By preserving these stories and achievements, the Committee will help ensure that the legacy of SES Volunteers is recognised, respected and remembered by future generations.

SESVA – Supporting SES Volunteers in Western Australia.