Illustration – SES Volunteer's Association of Western Australia Incorporated

10/06/2025 – Collie Emergency Services Cadets

10/06/2025 No Comments

Collie SES Youth Emergency Services Cadet Program

In September 2024 Collie SES initiated a vision to establish a Youth in Emergency Services (YES) program in the South West region. The program was born from a commitment to empower local youth, strengthen future emergency response capabilities and foster greater understanding and collaboration across multiple emergency services.

Those other services include Marine Rescue Bunbury, St. John Ambulance Collie Branch, local Bushfire brigades and the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA). Each agency will contribute to the delivery of training sessions, demonstrations and real world exposure to their specific areas of emergency response.

Following months of dedicated planning, community consultation and inter-agency support, the Collie YES program was officially launched on 30 April 2025 with 16 cadets enrolled and participating in two foundation training sessions. The focus of the foundation sessions was on Unit Familiarisation, the Code of Conduct and Unit Rules.

Cadets were warmly welcomed and given a comprehensive introduction to the program, the facility and expectations. Community engagement is a strong element of the program, so a dedicated parent and caregiver information session was held alongside the cadet program to provide families with an understanding of the YES Cadet initiative.

A multi-agency training calendar that includes the following modules has already been developed:
• Introduction to YES Cadets and Code of Conduct
• Introduction to Communications
• Introduction to Search
• Equipment familiarisation
• Team Building and Communication Exercises
• Introduction to Basic General Rescue (BGR)
The YES Program is not just a youth initiative –it’s an invest-ment in the community’s future. Benefits include:
• Future Ready Volunteers
• Increased Community Resilience
• Stronger Local Networks
• Skill Development and
• Youth Engagement

With the enthusiastic involvement of cadets and the strong support of their families, Collie SES—together with the other participating agencies—is confident the program will continue to grow in both strength and impact. They look forward to the program’s next stages and remain committed to supporting cadets as they begin their meaningful journey in emergency services and community leadership.
Strong expressions of interest continue to be received from young people keen to join.

10/06/2025 – Volunteer Training Advisory Group Update

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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

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

20/05/2025 – State Awards 2025

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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

SES Volunteer's Association of Western Australia Incorporated

“Together we can; Together we will”

SES Volunteer's Association of Western Australia Incorporated

10/06/2025 – Collie Emergency Services Cadets

Collie SES Youth Emergency Services Cadet Program

10/06/2025 – Volunteer Training Advisory Group Update