Executive Committee Members
Greg has been a proud SES volunteer since 1996 commencing at the Northam SES Unit.
During his time in the Midland’s Region, Greg was able to assist other volunteers by being the region SES Consultative Committee and VA Representative. As well as his activities at the Northam Unit, time was spent as the acting Local Manager, York SES Unit and the Training Manager at the Trayning SES Unit.
After relaxing in the Midlands for 8 years, Greg departed for a period of service as a FESA DM working out of Port Hedland and serving local FESA VES and SES Units.
Since returning to Perth, Greg served as the Section Leader Regional Operations Section (the Belmont Bunker).
More recently he has firmly placed some antennas and a satellite dish on his head. Showing that level of instability, he has been entrusted with being the Local Manager of the Communication Support Unit. Being a person that is challenged by technology, he could not resist the opportunity for personal development. All CSU members are currently hoping that learning will take place one day, preferably soon.
He also holds many SES and National Emergency Management qualifications. Outside of the SES, Greg is a Senior Risk Consultant working in the public and private sectors. His functions include developing solutions for community-based emergency management issues and managing emergencies in facilities planning and training.
President Duties
The President shall:
Consult with the Secretary regarding the business to be conducted at each committee meeting and each general meeting.
Conduct all duties for convening and presiding at each committee meeting and each general meeting provided for in the Association rules.
Be the official spokesperson on all Association matters.
Ensure that the minutes of each committee meeting and each general meeting are reviewed and signed as correct
Regions:
South East, South West, South Coastal, Great Southern, Upper Great Southern, Lower South West
Alan Hawke has been a member of the SES since 2011, serving with the Bayswater SES Unit where he has functioned in the roles of team leader, operations officer, certified trainer assessor, deputy local manager and acting local manager. He has also been involved in several local government and DFES working groups and committees.
He began his professional career as a bank officer before changing to public accounting, qualifying as a Certified Practicing Account in 1993 and operating his own practice.
Alan expanded his professional qualifications graduating as Bachelor of Business (Accounting and Business Law), Master of Taxation and Bachelor of Laws.
Since 2016 Alan has been a committee member of the SESVA. He has held the position of Vice President from 2016 to 2018 and 2021 to the present.
Vice President Duties
One of the Vice Presidents, in the absence of the President, shall act as the Chairperson at any meeting that the President is absent from; and
The Vice Presidents carry out other duties as appointed by the Executive Council from time to time
I joined the SES Canine Unit 15 years ago. During that time I have trained two search dogs and held various positions in the unit, treasurer, manager, deputy manager and currently administration officer. I am also the subject matter expert and senior trainer/assessor. I am looking forward to my role in the Volunteers Association.
Regions:
Pilbara, Kimberley, Midwest/Gascoyne, Goldfields/Midlands, North East and North Coastal
Vice President Duties
One of the Vice Presidents, in the absence of the President, shall act as the Chairperson at any meeting that the President is absent from; and
The Vice Presidents carry out other duties as appointed by the Executive Council from time to time
Ross has been a dedicated SES volunteer in Western Australia since 1987, beginning as a cadet with Mandurah SES and serving across multiple SES units statewide. Alongside a 38-year career with WA Police, Ross has held key SES leadership roles including Team Leader, Trainer, Rescue Section Leader, and is currently Local Manager, Geraldton-Greenough SES. He has actively contributed to committees and advisory groups, advocating for volunteer representation and improved SES infrastructure. Ross aims to enhance communication between SES units and stakeholders, promote SES training and resources, and strengthen SES’s command structure within DFES to better support volunteers across metropolitan and regional areas.
Allen joined the Western Australia State Emergency Service (WASES) as a volunteer in 1970 at Northam where he completed 19 years of service. He joined the WASES career staff in 1989 and retired in 2020 as a Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) District Officer after 31 years service.
His predominant role over 50 years of service to the WA community has been supporting volunteers and empowering resilient communities across Western Australia, having held a variety of volunteer roles in the SES including Team Leader, Section Leader, Training Manager, Deputy Local Manager and Unit Manager.
As a career officer Allen’s roles included WASES Training Officer, Fire and Emergency Service (FESA) District Manager, FESA Media Liaison Officer and DFES-SES Change Manager. Considerable experience was gained at incidents and exercises relating the DFES-SES Hazard Management Agency roles and Combat roles including Land Search, Cliff Rescue, Road Crash Rescue, Air Search, Volunteer Call Centre and Bushfire Support.
Allen has served on the SES Volunteer Advisory Committee and also as a member of various club committees in the Secretary, Treasurer and President roles. In 2007 he gained a Masters in Business Leadership from Curtin Graduate School of Business and his distinguished service was recognised in the Australia Day Honours list of 2021, where he was awarded the Emergency Services Medal.
Allen is currently an active Volunteer Fire and Emergency Service member based at the DFES Education and Heritage Centre in Murray St Perth. He has a keen interest in volunteerism and the preservation of community based local emergency services; in particular that of SES volunteers and the long history of the SES in WA that grew from the Civil Defence era of the 1940s, 50s and 60’s.
Secretary Duties
The Secretary shall:
Deal with the Association’s correspondence.
Consult with the President regarding the business to be conducted at each committee meeting and general meeting.
Prepare the notices required for meetings and for the business to be conducted at meetings.
Maintain an up-to-date copy of the Association’s constitution and by-laws.
Maintain an up-to-date register of members.
Record and maintain minutes of all committee and executive council meetings;
Maintain the Association’s record of committee members and other persons authorised to act on behalf of the Association with their nominated personal, business or email address.
Ensure the safe custody of the Association’s Books other than the financial records,
financial statements and financial reports, as applicable to the Association; and
Perform such other duties as are imposed by this Constitution on the Secretary.
Robbie joined Mundaring SES in 1997.
He has held many positions in the Unit including Local Manager, Deputy Local Manager, Treasurer, Admin Officer and currently holds the position of Training Manager.
Robbie currently holds Trainer Assessor qualifications in Storm Damage, AIIMS Awareness, Navigate to an Incident, BGR, USAR cat 1, Radio Communications. Operational Experience includes Searches across the state, running storm damage operations and Bush Fire support.
Treasurer Duties
The Treasurer shall:
Ensure the safe custody of the Association’s financial records, financial statements and financial reports, as applicable to the Association.
Ensure any amounts payable to the Association are collected and receipts issued for those amounts in the Association’s name.
Ensure any amounts paid to the Association are credited to the appropriate account of the Association, as directed by the committee.
Ensure any payments to be made by the Association that have been authorised by the committee or at a general meeting are made on time.
Ensure the Association complies with the relevant account keeping requirements of Part 5 of the Act.
Ensure that the Association conducts matters of finance as per Section 47;
Assist the reviewer or auditor (if any) in performing their functions; and
Perform such other duties as are imposed by this Constitution on the Treasurer
Administration and Support Services
Administrative officer’s duties include but not limited to:
- Supporting the Executive team for the efficient operation of the Association
- Preparing the Association newsletter and media reports
- Receiving orders, distributing Association Merchandise and maintaining stock
- Managing office supplies: Ensuring there are enough supplies, ordering more, and negotiating prices
- Maintaining records: Updating databases, filing systems, and calendars
- Scheduling and arranging meetings, taking and transcribing minutes, appointments, and travel bookings and itineraries
- Communicating: Answering questions, providing volunteer service, and distributing reports and memos
- Preparing documents: Formatting reports, presentations, and correspondence
John has been a volunteer member of the SES for 39 years and originally joined the Wanneroo SES unit. John held a number of positions in the Wanneroo unit including six years as Local Manager.
In recent years John has focused his service to the SES Volunteer Association. John was the inaugural Association President and then held the position of Vice President and Treasurer. John served on the FESA Board for twelve years as the SES Volunteer representative.
John has the responsibly of managing the Associations Media and publications which include the website, App, twitter and Facebook.
Regional Representatives
- To contact your Regional Representative call the SESVA Duty Officer on +61499619287 or email
- sesva.northeast@ses-wa.asn.au
Units:
Belmont-Victoria Park SES, Bassendean SES, Swan SES and Mundaring SES
- To contact your Regional Representative, call the SESVA Duty Officer on+61499619287 or email
- sesva.pilbara@ses-wa.asn.au
Barry Harrison ESM is a highly experienced emergency services leader with over a decade of service across NSW and WA. He led Marine Rescue NSW (Merimbula) for seven years before joining Dampier VMR and later Karratha SES, where he served as Media Manager during major cyclone responses. Since 2022, he’s been Deputy Manager at Port Hedland SES, continuing media duties and supporting operations during Cyclones Ilsa and Zelia. Barry also contributes to sector advocacy through the Minister’s Volunteer Advisory Committee. Outside emergency services, he supports Indigenous communities as Engagement & Facility Manager at Mirnutharntu Maya Aboriginal Hostel, focusing on education, employment, and housing programs.
Units:
Hedland SES, Karratha SES, Exmouth SES, Tom Price SES, Newman SES & Roebourne -Wickham SES
- To contact your Regional Representative call the SESVA Duty Officer on +61499619287 or email
- sesva.northcoastal@ses-wa.asn.au
Lilian is a committed and hands-on member of the SES, with solid experience in strategic emergency management. She’s actively involved in operations and works closely with other agencies to manage a wide range of hazards. Her career shows a strong dedication to public service, accountability and continuous improvement.
She’s currently the Deputy Local Manager at Bayswater SES. Before that, she worked at the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES), where she led change management projects, delivered a functional review of DFES, and developed a strategic capability framework as Manager of Strategic Advisory Services. She later became Executive Manager, leading the team that supported WA’s Strategic Emergency Management Committee.
Lilian has been deployed to major events such as Tropical Cyclone Seroja and served as Unit Leader in DFES’ Pre-Formed Teams during high-threat periods. In her most recent role as a Director in the WA Government, she focused on public sector strategy, governance, integrity and reform. She’s also worked across government roles in Queensland, Victoria and the Commonwealth.
Outside of work, Lilian has a long history of volunteering. She’s been a board member and executive for human rights organisations, a union delegate, a supporter of people experiencing homelessness, a specialised animal foster carer and trainer, a festival organiser and a professional mentor. She’s currently the Deputy Chairperson of Community Legal WA, the peak body for community legal services in the state.
Units:
Northshore SES, Stirling SES, Bayswater SES, Wanneroo – Joondalup SES and Two Rocks SES
- To contact your Regional Representative, call the SESVA Duty Officer on +61499619287 or email
- sesva.southeast@ses-wa.asn.au
Andrew joined the Canning/South Perth SES Unit in February 1998 and has since responded to numerous callouts, including storm and water damage, ceiling collapses, vehicle-versus-building incidents, land and air searches, and bushfire support operations.
Throughout his service, he has held various leadership and administrative roles, including Team Leader, Training Manager, Deputy Manager, and served for seven years as Local Manager. He currently serves as Section Leader for Stores and Transport.
Andrew is also a qualified Trainer and Assessor in Land Search Team Member, USAR (Category 1), Field Radio Operator, and Net Control Operator.
Units:
Armadale SES, Kalamunda SES, Gosnells SES, Canning-South Perth SES, &Serpentine-Jarrahdale SES
- To contact your Regional Representative call the SESVA Duty Officer on +61419935497 or email
- sesva.kimberley@ses-wa.asn.au
Units:
Broome SES, Kununurra SES, and Derby SES
- To contact your Regional Representative call the SESVA Duty Officer on +61499619287 or email
- sesva.southcoastal@ses-wa.asn.au
Units:
Rockingham-Kwinana SES, Melville SES Cockburn SES, Mandurah & SWORD SES Logistics
- To contact your Regional Representative call the SESVA Duty Officer on +61499619287 or email
- sesva.goldfieldsmidlands@ses-wa.asn.au
I am a married man with a wonderful wife and the proud father of three beautiful daughters. I have worked in the transport and mining industries for approximately 20 years.
I have been a member of the SES for two years and remain strongly committed to the organisation. I currently serve as the Training and Transport Manager at Kalgoorlie-Boulder SES.
SES has become a significant part of my life over the past few years. Witnessing the positive impact we have on individuals and their families during times of need is deeply rewarding. I actively promote volunteering for the SES at all of our community engagements.
Recently, I coordinated the successful retrofit of one of our older trailers in partnership with a local mine site, enhancing our capability to assist the community more efficiently and effectively.
I will continue to dedicate my time to supporting those facing difficult circumstances. I am proud to be part of such a valuable and compassionate community of people.
Units:
Kalgoorlie/Boulder SES, Merredin SES, Northam SES and Toodyay SES
- To contact your Regional Representative call the SESVA Duty Officer on +61499619287 or email
- sesva.midwestgascoyne@ses-wa.asn.au
Hugh has lived and worked in the Moora shire all his life, apart from working away for a short time in the Kimberley in the 1980’s before returning home to raise a family with his wife Leonie.
He joined the Moora SES in 1983 and was appointed Local Coordinator of the unit in 1995. Hugh was thrown in the deep end in March 1999 following Tropical Cyclone Elaine when Moora flooded in March and again in May and one more time in August of the same year. In 2003 Hugh worked tirelessly towards having a new purpose-built headquarters being established for the unit with a sand pad being built up a further 1500mm to ensure in wouldn’t flood.
Hugh has attended many incidents, training activities and exercises throughout the Midwest-Gascoyne, Goldfields-Midlands and Metropolitan regions over his 40 plus years of service. He is well known by SES and DFES personnel, not to mention Police, Local Government and other officials that he has collaborated with in his various work and volunteer roles.
Hugh received a FESA Recognition Award following the Moora Floods and was awarded the second Clasp to the Australian National Medal which was presented in 2022. Hugh’s passion is about giving back to the community by volunteering and supporting others who want to give back to community in the same, worthwhile way.
Unit:
Carnarvon SES, Useless Loop SES, Shark Bay SES, Kalbarri SES, Meekatharra SES, Moora SES, Geraldton-Greenough SES & Coastal Districts (Eneabba)
- To contact your Regional Representative call the SESVA Duty Officer on +61499619287 or email
- sesva.uppergreatsouthern@ses-wa.asn.au
SERGIO (SARGE) BOTTACIN
Sarge returned to the Management Committee in 2024 after a twelve-month break. Sarge joined the Northam District SES unit in 1987 where he held positions of Team Member, Team Leader, Training Manager, Local Manager and currently the Training Manager of the Pingelly SES unit. In 2023 Sarge was awarded the 2nd Clasp to the National Medal having been initially awarded the Medal in 2002. Included in his long service with the WA State Emergency Service, Sarge was awarded the Peter Keillor Award by his peers in 2009.
Sarge Is passionate about imparting his knowledge to other SES Volunteers and making the community more prepared. He attended many incidents including the floods of Moora in 1999 after ex Tropical Cyclone Elaine dropped flooding rain in the Moore River catchment, in 2017 during the York/Northam Storms, more Flooding in Nungarin and Northam and a major tornado in Kellerberrin. Sarge also assisted in many major metro storms over more than 35 years.
Sarge was active with the SESVA from December 2017 when he was appointed as a sub-committee member. He was appointed as the Goldfields-Midlands Management Committee member in November 2019 until January 2023. Sarge brings with him extensive training knowledge and a relentless commitment to improving exercise management, along with his desire to capture the history of the SES and the Civil Defence organisation in WA, including building up a collection of information, images and equipment that could be accessed by volunteers and the public in the years ahead.
Units:
Pingelly SES, Narrogin SES, Wagin SES and Boddington SES
- To contact your Regional Representative call the SESVA Duty Officer on +61499619287 or email
- sesva.southwest@ses-wa.asn.au
Megan is a passionate and dedicated leader with seven years of service at Mandurah SES where she has served as Deputy Team Leader. During his time she also represented the North Coastal (Metro) units on the SESVA committee for almost two years. Her expertise spans search and rescue operations, complemented by her role as a Training Assessor for Land Search Team Member and USAR. Beyond SES, Megan leads Foodbank Peel Region, managing a dynamic team of over 50 volunteers and staff. She also contributes strategically as a Board member of the Peel Volunteer Resource Centre. A devoted mother of two, she actively engages in her children’s school community, all supported by her husband’s steadfast encourage
Units:
Australind SES, Bunbury SES, Collie SES, Harvey SES & Murray SES
- To contact your Regional Representative call the SESVA Duty Officer on +61499619287 or email
- sesva.lowersouthwest@ses-wa.asn.au
Les is an active SES member and current Training Manager for the Margaret River SES Unit. He is also undertaking support to a number of active TRK projects, namely the General Rescue Intermediate/Advanced training and the Training Manager TRK, so he is able to get good insight to what is happening with SES training and development.
Les is confident that his 13 years on staff in SES training roles with FESA/DFES and also his time as an active SES volunteer/trainer and leader in a number of SES Unit (Swan, Karratha and Margaret River) will be of considerable benefit to a core of dedicated volunteer members within the 12 regions across WA.
Les is well known to SES members having had extensive training involvement and exposure particularly with SES members who have been around for some time.
Les is looking forward to renewing connections with SES members in his role and hopeful of their support for his efforts.
Units:
Augusta/Margaret River SES, Nannup SES, Bridgetown SES, Busselton SES, Manjimup SES, Donnybrook SES and Walpole
- To contact your Regional Representative call the SESVA Duty Officer on +61499619287 or email
- sesva.greatsouthern@ses-wa.asn.au
“I joined the Mount Barker SES in 2009 and have been with the same unit ever since. I was looking for a way to get involved in my community, saw an ad in the newspaper, and the rest is history. My key interests as an SES member so far has been search and rescue, emergency preparedness, volunteer retention, and community engagement. I can often be found delivering community information sessions, running events to educate and engage our local community, and working towards making our SES unit as inclusive and supportive a team as possible.
I hope to bring my professional skills in advocacy, outreach, and service navigation to this Management Committee role, and representing our region to the best of my ability.”
Units:
Albany SES, Denmark SES, Gnowangerup SES, Mount Barker SES, Esperance SES and Ravensthorpe SES