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SES Volunteer's Association of Western Australia Incorporated

10/06/2025 – Volunteer Training Advisory Group Update

10/06/2025 No Comments

Training Matters

“If people are to perform their job to the highest possible standard, they must be effectively and efficiently trained”

VOLUNTEER TRAINING ADVISORY GROUP UPDATE

The Volunteer Training Advisory Group (VTAG) was formed by DFES to provide a forum to communicate, raise and re-solve matters between DFES and Volunteers of DFES (SES, VFES, VFRS and Marine Rescue) and Bushfire (BFB) Services, relating to all aspects of volunteer training. Membership includes nine DFES staff and 10 volunteers (two from each of the Associations including the Bushfire Volunteers Association).  Vice President Alan Hawke and Committee Member Les Hayter represent the SESVA on the VTAG which should meet every six months. From the meeting held on 10th May 2025, we report the following:

New Training Centre

DFES has identified the site of a new all hazards training centre. Project development is pending State Government funding, so completion is a long way off.

Course Development

Training curriculum development for SES and Marine Rescue (MR) is delayed because of DFES staffing. We can only hope that DFES provides the necessary funding to meet its commitments.

Course Improvement Recommendations

Training courses cannot improve without your input using the Initiation and  improvement Recommendation (IIR) reports.  You can find more information about improving training by submitting your suggestions online via the Volunteer Hub (How to recommend training improvements). This process is the training primary means of communication for changes to training products. We are assured that DFES Training Development Support & Compliance looks at every IIR.  In the past, there was no feedback on IIRs, which is believed to have resulted in a reduction in feedback. The Academy is working on creating a dashboard to remedy the lack of feedback for those who lodge IIRs. This will be a dynamic dashboard and will include historical IIRs. DFES reports that evaluation of the dashboard is in progress. Access is also planned through the Volunteer Hub.

Working at Height Project

The project (Working at height ) is progressing to rolling out doctrine and equipment from sometime later in 2025 with completing in 2026. Changes are being brought on by the need to limit (eliminate!) the risk of injury to staff and volunteers. Judging from the feedback received from all services, volunteers will not be happy with the changes. DFES is being influenced by WorkSafe WA and industry standards.

Leadership Training

We can anticipate changes In the near future to leadership training. The starting point will be an online course, Introduction to Leadership. This will be a 10 minute course in modules. To progress to any leadership role, volunteers will then need to complete Leadership 1. This will be a two day course that replaces Leadership Fundamentals. New
topics are expected to include mentoring and coaching. For volunteers in more senior leadership roles, there will be a Leadership 2 course. District officers and above will progress to Leadership 3 and GradCert Leadership.

Nationally Recognised Training

After research and consultation with SES units, the overwhelming view of volunteers is the desire for volunteers to be credited with nationally recognised training, such as Certificate II and III (SES Operations). The Association is working with DFES to enable funding to support this proposal.

Submitted by SESVA VP South, Alan Hawke.

09/06/2025 – From the SESVA President June 2025

09/06/2025 No Comments

From the SESVA President

Dear SES Volunteers,

Following on from National Volunteer Week and WOW Day, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible contributions each of you makes to our communities through your dedication and service. This year, DFES had some exciting events planned to celebrate our volunteers and the vital work you do.

During the National Volunteer Week celebrations, SES Units along with DFES hosted a series of events to honour our volunteers. These celebrations included recognition ceremonies, community engagement activities, and opportunities for volunteers to share their experiences and stories. We encouraged all units to participate and showcase the amazing work being done across the State Emergency Service.

On the 21st of May we celebrated Wear Orange Wednesday. WOW Day is the National day of celebration for the SES and is dedicated to recognising the outstanding efforts of SES volunteers and the impact they have on our communities. SES Units and DFES organised various activities, including community outreach programs and social media campaigns to highlight the incredible work of our SES members. WOW Day is a memorable day for SES Units and volunteers!

Several SES Units took the opportunity to celebrate important milestones. Whether it was a significant anniversary, completing key training programs, or successfully responding to emergencies, these accomplishments were deservedly recognised and celebrated.

Please share your unit’s milestones with us so we can highlight them in our upcoming communications.

Thank you for your unwavering commitment and service. Together, we make a difference in the lives of those we serve. Let’s celebrate our achievements and continue to inspire one another.

Kind Regards,
Greg Cook President, SES Volunteers Association of Western Australia Incorporated

greg Cook SESVA President

07/06/2025 – SESVA Newsletter June 2025

07/06/2025 No Comments
Open Newsletter as a PDF

Articles in this Month's Edition

Click the Newsletter button above to read these articles

In this months newsletter you will find interesting and informative news items including:

  • From the SESVA President
  • Margaret River: Joint ES Exercise
  • SES Award Finalists
  • Esperance Marks 60 Years of Service
  • Kununurra SES Search for Missing Man
  • SES Gosnells Celebrates 45 Years
  • Budgeting for Natural Disasters
  • Tom Price SES Gorge Rescue
  • Position Vacancy: Administration Officer
  • Collie SES Youth in ES Cadet Program
  • Bayswater SES Awards Night
  • SES Assist in Mount Hallowell Rescue
  • Birth of the SES ‘Trauma Teddy’
  • Thank a First Responder Day
  • Training Matters: VTAG Update
  • and many more interesting articles
Please take the time to open the full newsletter and read all the interesting and informative articles or download it and place it on your Unit notice borad

21/05/2025 – WOW day 2025

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WOW day 2025

May 21 is Wear Orange Wednesday, otherwise known as WOW Day. It’s an opportunity to recognise the integral role you play as a volunteer for the State Emergency Service in Western Australia. 

The orange army is best known for helping during cyclones, storms and floods, but your efforts span far beyond these hazards. You also assist with land and air searches, undertake vertical rescues, attend road crashes and provide critical logistical and communications support during emergencies. 

There are 1,874 SES Volunteers in 64 units across the State who generously give up their time to serve in the community.

For your dedication, your hard work, and your commitment, the Department of Fire and Emergency Services and the people of Western Australia say “Thank you”

 

Some quotes on the day

Emergency Services Minister Paul Papalia

Spoke about WOW Day being about recognising the valuable contribution that SES volunteers make to WA communities.  He said “They deserve recognition every day of the year, not just today.”

“We should thank them every day of the year for the fantastic work they do and thank them for everything that they contribute to the community.”

Melissa Pexton DFES Acting Commissioner
Spoke about what WOW Day means to her.  “WOW Day is an incredible opportunity for us to say thank you to SES volunteers and bring recognition to these amazing community members who dedicate so much time to helping our department to deliver such an amazing service to Western Australia.”

“SES volunteers are every day people from all walks of life, young and older, who want to support their community in ways great or small.  “It is generally a really good reflection of the community that we are all here to serve.”

Lauren Bailey:
Spoke of her experiences over her 16 years of volunteering since going as a cadet member in Mandurah.  I feel so privileged that I been given opportunities to develop skills through volunteering activities that I can transfer to my daily life.”  These skills I would use the moment I get out of bed at home with my family and my friends which is another contribution that I can make.

“There’s roles for most people that usually are based on what they do best and they can serve the community in times of need.   “I encourage everyone to volunteer and not to be anxious about registering their interest. You don’t just give; you also receive, so just put your name down to volunteer.

“You’d be surprised the amount of people around you that are involved in volunteering in some way…..I love it. I love it,” said Lauren

Emergency Services Minister Paul Papalia speaking with SES Volunteers from Belmont-Victoria Park and Canning -South Perth SES Units who performed a flood boat demonstration
DFES Acting Commissioner Melissa Pexton, Emergency Services Minister Paul Papalia and Mandurah SES volunteer Lauren Bailey
Mandurah SES volunteer Lauren Bailey

20/05/2025 – State Awards 2025

20/05/2025 No Comments

During National Volunteer Week, DFES takes a moment to acknowledge the remarkable dedication of our volunteers and is excited to reveal the finalists for this year’s WAFES Awards.

A panel of judges carefully selected 45 finalists from the 15 award categories following a record number of nominations.

Congratulations to all the volunteers and teams who have been recognised as 2025 WAFES Awards finalists.

Every finalist has a unique story, a journey filled with challenges, achievements and countless hours of dedication.

The winners of the awards, including the DFES staff award categories, will be announced at the WAFES Awards gala dinner on Friday 29 August 2025 at Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre. 

If you would like to attend the gala dinner make sure you complete an online nomination by Friday 23 June. 

More information on attending the awards can be found on the WAFES Conference website.

Individual awards

Marine Rescue Individual Achievement Award

  • David Skene, Marine Rescue Exmouth
  • Owen Rouse, Marine Rescue Derby
  • Scott Williams, Marine Rescue Dampier

Murray Lang Bush Fire Service Award

  • Jeff McDougall, Gelorup Bush Fire Brigade
  • Paul Blight, Yallingup Coastal Bush Fire Brigade
  • Xavier White, Ballaying Bush Fire Brigade 

Peter Keillor Award ( SES Volunteer of the Year)

  • Amy Drage, Geraldton-Greenough State Emergency Service
  • Connie Reed, Newman State Emergency Service
  • Leslie Hayter, Margaret River State Emergency Service

Volunteer Fire and Emergency Services Individual Achievement Award

  • Carlos Veldscholte, Wyndham Volunteer Fire and Emergency Services
  • Jayson Lindsay, Cervantes Volunteer Fire and Emergency Services
  • Peter Buckenara, Bremer Bay Volunteer Fire and Emergency Services

Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service Individual Achievement Award

  • Amelia Fitzgerald, Esperance Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service
  • Jamie Copeland, Pemberton Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service
  • Natalie Marley, Port Hedland Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service

Career Fire and Rescue Individual Achievement Award

  • Dain Hutton, Firefighter, Rockingham Fire Station
  • Sam Collins, Firefighter, Belmont Fire Station
  • Tod Bergersen, Station Officer, Cardup Fire Station

DFES Corporate Staff Individual Achievement Award

  • Aaron Kain, Bushfire Risk Management Officer
  • David Windsor, Cultural Fire and Partnerships Coordinator
  • Tayissa Sweetlove, Principal Project Consultant

DFES Operational Staff Individual Achievement Award

  • Ian Anderson, Academy Instructor
  • Renee Klein, Marine Services Officer
  • Stephen Petersen, District Officer Esperance

Team awards

Firefighting Team Achievement Award

  • Karratha Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service
  • Mandurah Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service
  • Northcliffe Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service and Northcliffe Bush Fire Brigade

Marine Rescue Team Achievement Award

  • Marine Rescue Carnarvon
  • Marine Rescue East Kimberley
  • Marine Rescue Esperance

SES Team Achievement Award

  • Esperance State Emergency Service
  • Kununurra State Emergency Service
  • Tom Price State Emergency Service

DFES Staff Team Achievement Award

  • Public Information Team
  • Bushfire Centre of Excellence
  • State Operational Support Fleet Team

Youth awards

Firefighting Young Person of the Year Award

  • Dylan Goldup, Kununurra Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service
  • Lachlan Bormolini, Bedfordale Bush Fire Brigade
  • Riley Mole, Karratha Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service

Marine Rescue Young Person of the Year Award

  • Fraser Boulter, Marine Rescue Fremantle
  • Lachlan Field, Marine Rescue Port Hedland
  • Owen Wells, Marine Rescue Port Hedland

SES Young Person of the Year Award

  • Joshua Yates, Margaret River State Emergency Service
  • Lucas Fraser, Communications Support State Emergency Service
  • Riley Symington, Mandurah State Emergency Service

 

15/05/2025 – In Memory of Craig Masarei

15/05/2025 No Comments
Craig Masarei 

Craig Masarei 

The SES Volunteers Association of WA Incorporated (SESVA) collectively mourns the passing of Craig Masarei, a highly respected legal professional, community leader, and generous volunteer. Craig gave freely of his time, wisdom, and integrity to support causes that mattered—most recently, through his work on the SESVA Legislation Sub-Committee from 2022 until his passing.

Craig’s expertise in law, governance, and public service brought immense value to the Sub-Committee during a critical time of anticipated legislative reform. His thoughtful and principled advice helped shape the SESVA’s position on the proposed changes to the Emergency Services Act in Western Australia. Through his insight, he provided a unique perspective that balanced the needs of volunteers with robust governance frameworks. Craig was instrumental in producing the SESVA’s key publications that communicated these complex issues clearly and effectively, leaving a lasting legacy on the direction of emergency services legislation.

Beyond his contributions to SESVA, Craig served as a Councillor for the Town of Cottesloe (North Ward) from 2019 to 2023, where he passionately advocated for sustainable community development. He and his wife raised their three children in Cottesloe over the past 27 years, calling the town their long-standing home.

Professionally, Craig graduated from the University of Western Australia with a law degree and practiced for 15 years before serving as Chief Legal Officer and Company Secretary at the Water Corporation for 22 years. He also chaired the Water Corporation Superannuation Plan and the Parkdale Investment & Equity Trust.

His commitment to the broader community was further exemplified through his 22 years of service on the board of Alzheimer’s WA Ltd, including 19 years as Chair. In recognition of his dedication, Craig was awarded Honorary Life Membership in 2020. He was an active member of several professional associations, including the Law Society of WA, the Law Council of Australia, and the Australian Superannuation Funds Association.

Craig will be remembered not only for his impressive professional achievements but also for his humility, generosity, and unwavering commitment to community and volunteer service. His contributions have left an indelible mark on the SESVA and the many communities he passionately served.

We honour Craig’s legacy with deep gratitude and extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and all who knew and respected him.

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Office Street Address: 91 Leake St Belmont 6104
SESVA Postal Address: PO Box 3218 BELMONT WA 6104
sesva.office@ses-wa.asn.au  or sesva.secretary@ses-wa.asn.au

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SES Volunteers Association of Western Australia Incorporated (SESVA) acknowledges the funding from the Department of Fire and Emergency Services that support the operation of the Association.