Motivation – SES Volunteer's Association of Western Australia Incorporated

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

12/05/2025 No Comments

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

08/05/2025 – SESVA latest News May 2025

08/05/2025 No Comments

The SESVA has the pleasure of welcoming two new Management Committee regional representatives.

Ceridwen Fitzpatrick—Great Southern

Ceridwen has been a member of Mount Barker SES since 2009. Joining the SES enabled Ceridwen to become involved in her community. Her key interests as an SES member are search and rescue, emergency preparedness, volunteer retention, and community engagement. Ceridwen brings her considerable professional skills in advocacy, outreach and service navigation to the SESVA Management Committee role.

Ross Jones—Kimberley

Ross joined the SES as a Cadet in 1987 and later that year became a full-time member of Mandurah SES. He quickly became a team leader and trainer assessor in numerous SES skills. Ross has held various positions within several SES units across WA and has been the Local Manager of Geraldton-Greenough SES since 2021. Ross believes the future of the SES requires representation on behalf of the volunteers to maintain and improve standards in training, leadership and infrastructure.

SESVA MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE – 17 APRIL MEETING SUMMARY

SESVA Bus Replacement Project
The 8 SESVA buses funded by BHP in 2014 are due for replacement. A working group including interested SES unit leaders will consider replacement bus types and styles and commence a process of attracting a sponsor to fund the purchase and ongoing maintenance of the new buses.

McNamara Family donation for the Young Emerging Leaders Program. An annual contribution of $500 p/a for the next 5 years has generously been offered by the McNamara family to support the YEL Program.

SESVA Insurance Cover

DFES provides insurance coverage for volunteers, however, advises the Association is not covered and needs to continue arranging its own private insurance.

Committee Succession Planning

Committee members are to consider suitable future committee members. The Association will assist prospective members to step up into the role.

Annual General Meeting

The Association AGM will be held in the SESVA Belmont Conference Room on Saturday 13th September 2025 which is the weekend following the W-AFAC and WAFES Awards Gala Dinner

Constitution Amendment

A notice of motion will be developed for the AGM to amend the SESVA Constitution to create a third VP position to improve management of the Association and spread the workload.

Strategic Planning

Member Units will be consulted on the Association’s draft Strategic Plan currently under development.

Training Discussion Paper

More feedback will be sought by direct contact with those Units that are yet to respond.

Wear Orange Wednesday—21st May

The Association has been liaising with DFES on alternative celebratory events and encourages Regional Offices to support WOW Day on its website and Facebook page. Tools and materials will be available for units to download from the SESVA website.

07/05/2025 – AFAC 2925 National Memorial Service

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AFAC 2025 National Memorial Service

On Thursday 1st May, AFAC held the 11th memorial service at the Canberra National Emergency Services Memorial, which honours those emergency services workers from 34 services across Australia and New Zealand who lost their life in line of duty. Twenty five medallions were presented to the families of those who had passed.

The Roll of Honour commemorates all emergency services personnel in Australia and New Zealand who have lost their lives in the line of duty

These names are inscribed on the Emergency Services Memorial Wall in Canberra. You can search for a person using this link: Honour Roll SESVA President Greg Cook and Secretary Allen Gale ESM attended on behalf of the Association.

SES Young Emerging Leaders meet up in Canberra on1st of May Fourteen Young Emerging Leaders from SES units across Australia came together in Canberra as part of the National SES Volunteers Association’s Young Emerging Leaders Program.

Representing WA were Lilika Allum of Nannup SES and Jack Watson of Tom Price SES. The young SES Emerging Leaders group provided the Guard of Honour for the Emergency Management Minister, Senator the Hon Jenny McAllister at the AFAC Memorial Service on the banks of Lake Burley Griffin.

As part of the programme, the group met with the Commissioners from emergency services around the nation and toured Parliament House and emergency service facilities in Canberra.

SES Volunteer's Association of Western Australia Incorporated

“Together we can; Together we will”