USAR – SES Volunteer's Association of Western Australia Incorporated

21/05/2025 – WOW day 2025

21/05/2025 No Comments

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

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

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.

14/05/2025 – Upcoming Events National and Local

14/05/2025 No Comments

Thank a First Responder Day

Thank a First Responder Day 11th June Thank a First Responder Day recognises the commitment and dedication of over 370,000 volunteer and paid first responders across the nation.

The initiative is in its 6th year and raises awareness of the sacrifices first responders and their families make in their service to the community, while also raising funds to support Fortem’s work providing mental health, wellbeing programs and services for first responders and their families.

Local schools, childcare centres, councils and businesses across Australia are being encouraged to get behind their local first responders on 11th June. The VA would love to see your people involved in local events and activities.

More information can be found at TAFRD—Fortem Australia

Swan SES Open Day

Swan SES—Storm Ready Open Day 25th May Is being held at the Swan SES facility for the community to attend between 1100 and 1400, to provide a one-stop shop for storm preparedness information as we move into the upcoming season. Members of the public can:

• Discuss how SES prioritise requests for assistance
• Have a go on the radio and explore prowords
• Ask questions and gain information on the new Emergency WA App and learn about watch zones and the new warning system.
• Learn what to include in an emergency kit.
• Watch demonstrations on sub-pumps and roof safety systems.
• Get hands-on experiences for kids with mini sandbags, dress-ups and photo opportunities.
• Enjoy a sausage sizzle & much more!

12/05/2025 – SES Training Matters

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DFES Training Courses on Emergency Management & Disaster Recovery

Now open for Expressions of Interest

These awareness level courses have been tailored to provide a firm foundation for state government agencies and service providers working in emergency management and disaster recovery in WA.

The no-cost training modules are being delivered between June and October 2025 and include:
1. Introduction to Emergency Management
2. Introduction to Disaster Recovery
3. Working in Disaster Recovery
4. Engaging the Community in Disaster Recovery

For further details on course content, access to online resources, and to register your
interest in attending an in-person training session, please click here: Training Catalogue

09/05/2025 – 2025 W-AFAC Conference – Nominations Closing Friday 23 May

09/05/2025 No Comments

A reminder to all SES volunteers to get your nomination in for your chance to attend the 2025 W-AFAC Conference.

Nominations close on Friday 23 May, so there’s still time to register your interest here and put your hand up to attend this incredible conference program designed especially for volunteers.

From the evening of Tuesday 26 August through to Friday 29 August volunteers will be treated to a comprehensive conference program featuring:

Exhibition opening and welcome event (6pm to 8pm)
Two day AFAC Conference program
DFES tours
WAFES Awards gala dinner

The conference is for volunteers starting their volunteering journey through to seasoned volunteers – and everyone in between – there is something for everyone.

You can self-nominate or chat with your Unit leader who can also nominate volunteers.

Places are limited but don’t let that deter you, put your hat in the ring for a chance to attend the 2025 W-AFAC Conference. To ensure attendance is fair and equitable, priority will be given to volunteers who have not attended an AFAC or WAFES conference before.

For further information about the conference, including all the latest on the DFES Tours visit the Volunteer Hub

SES Volunteer's Association of Western Australia Incorporated

“Together we can; Together we will”