Media and Public Relations Strategy Sub-Committee
- Purpose
The purpose of the SES Volunteers Association of Western Australia Incorporated (SESVA) Media and Public Relations Strategy Sub-Committee, referred to as the Media and PR Strategy Team, is to develop, coordinate and support effective communication and public relations activities on behalf of the Association and its member Units.
The Team aims to ensure that information about SESVA, the State Emergency Service (SES), and its volunteers is accurate, timely, relevant and accessible to the public, media organisations, government representatives, partner agencies and other stakeholders.
Its primary focus is on communication during normal, non-emergency operations, including promoting the work and achievements of SES volunteers, communicating issues affecting volunteers, and strengthening public awareness and understanding of the SES.
By exception, and where appropriate, the Team may also assist with communications during major emergency situations involving SES volunteers and their response to community needs. Such activities must be undertaken in consultation with the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) and in accordance with relevant operational communication protocols, ensuring that the Team’s activities complement, rather than interfere with, official emergency communications.
- Key Objectives
The Media and PR Strategy Team seeks to achieve the following objectives:
2.1 Communication and Public Awareness
Develop and coordinate communication initiatives that raise awareness of SESVA, its purpose, activities and advocacy on behalf of SES volunteers throughout Western Australia.
Promote a greater understanding of the important role SES volunteers play in protecting and supporting communities before, during and after emergencies.
2.2 Media Relations and Public Relations
Establish and maintain positive relationships with media outlets, community organisations, government representatives and other relevant stakeholders.
Support the preparation and distribution of media releases, news articles, newsletters, website content, social media posts and other communication materials that highlight the work, contributions and achievements of SES volunteers.
Ensure that public statements and published information are consistent with SESVA’s objectives, values and approved communication arrangements.
2.3 Promotion of SES Units and Volunteers
Provide opportunities to promote the activities, achievements, training, community involvement and significant contributions of SES Units and their volunteers across Western Australia.
Encourage the sharing of positive stories that demonstrate the professionalism, dedication, skills and community spirit of SES volunteers.
Where appropriate, support member Units in recognising significant milestones, anniversaries, awards, individual achievements and team accomplishments.
2.4 Protection of Reputation and Public Confidence
Contribute to building and maintaining a positive public image of SESVA and the SES volunteer network.
Promote accurate information about the role of SES volunteers and address misunderstandings through appropriate, factual and constructive communication.
Support consistent messaging that strengthens community confidence in SES volunteers and recognises their contribution to community safety and resilience.
2.5 Preservation of SES History and Heritage
Support the identification, collection, preservation and promotion of the history and heritage of the SES in Western Australia.
Encourage the recording of historical information, photographs, documents, publications and personal accounts that reflect the development of the SES and the experiences of its volunteers.
Promote oral history projects, volunteer interviews, historical articles and other initiatives that preserve the knowledge and experiences of past and present volunteers for future generations.
Work collaboratively with relevant SESVA committees, member Units, volunteers and other organisations to support the long-term preservation of SES history.
2.6 Recognition of Past and Present Volunteers
Promote the achievements, service and contributions of current and former SES volunteers.
Encourage the recognition of long-serving volunteers, significant service milestones, awards, retirements and other notable contributions to the SES and the community.
Help ensure that the dedication and experiences of volunteers are acknowledged, valued and preserved as an important part of the SES’s history and identity.
2.7 Digital Communication and Information Management
Support the effective use of the SESVA website, social media platforms, newsletters and other digital communication channels to distribute information and engage with volunteers and the wider community.
Encourage the timely publication of relevant news, updates, announcements and resources that support member Units and keep volunteers informed about matters affecting them.
Promote responsible communication practices, including accuracy, appropriate approvals, privacy, copyright awareness and the protection of SESVA’s online presence and reputation.
- Benefits to SESVA Member Units
The Media and PR Strategy Team provides a coordinated approach to communication that benefits SESVA and its member Units by:
- Increasing public awareness of the work undertaken by SES volunteers throughout Western Australia.
- Providing opportunities for Units to share their achievements, activities, events and community contributions.
- Strengthening relationships between SESVA, its member Units, the media and the wider community.
- Supporting consistent and accurate communication about issues affecting SES volunteers.
- Promoting the recognition of volunteers and their contribution to community safety.
- Preserving the history, heritage and collective experiences of past and present SES volunteers.
- Providing communication resources and guidance to assist Units in promoting their activities.
- Strengthening the profile, reputation and public understanding of the SES volunteer network.
- Working Relationships and Communication Protocols
The Media and PR Strategy Team will work collaboratively with the SESVA Executive Management Team, the Association’s committees and regional representatives, member Units, DFES and other relevant stakeholders.
The Team will ensure that its activities are consistent with SESVA’s objectives and any applicable communication policies or approval requirements.
Communications relating to operational incidents, major emergencies or matters managed by DFES must respect established operational arrangements and the authority of designated spokespeople. The Team will not independently issue operational information or comment on an active emergency without appropriate authorisation.
The Team will also seek to ensure that published material is factual, respectful, appropriately authorised and consistent with the Association’s responsibilities.
- Overall Contribution
Through its communication, public relations, historical preservation and volunteer recognition activities, the Media and PR Strategy Team plays an important role in advancing the objectives of the SES Volunteers Association of Western Australia.
Its work helps ensure that the efforts and achievements of SES volunteers are visible, their contributions are recognised, their history is preserved, and the issues affecting them receive appropriate attention.
Ultimately, the Team supports SESVA’s commitment to representing and supporting SES volunteers by strengthening public awareness, fostering positive relationships and ensuring that the important contribution of volunteers to Western Australian communities is understood and valued.