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SES Volunteers Association of Western Australia Incorporated

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SES Volunteers Association of Western Australia Incorporated

21/05/2026 – DFES 2026 Annual Volunteer Satisfaction Survey

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The SESVA strongly encourages  SES volunteers to respond to this survey using the link below.  This is an opportunity to have your voice heard.  Your Comments, opinions, and ideas are important. This is an opportunity not to be missed and will help shape the future of Volunteering.

You may have received the email request from DFES.  The SESVA is promoting this opportunity for you as an SES Volunteer to provide feedback to DFES.

The 2026 Annual Volunteer Satisfaction Survey is now open.

As part of our ongoing commitment to supporting and strengthening the volunteer workforce, our Strategic Volunteer and Youth Programs team at DFES is proud to launch this year’s survey during National Volunteer Week.

The survey is a key initiative under the Volunteer Sustainability Strategy 2023–2026: A Vital Future, giving emergency services volunteers the opportunity to share their experiences, highlight what’s working well, and identify areas for improvement.

Your feedback is important. The insights you provide will help shape future initiatives and identify opportunities to make volunteering across DFES more rewarding, sustainable and better supported for all volunteers.

Whether you’ve been with us for months or years… your voice matters.

START SURVEY

Why your feedback is important

  • Have your say – Share honest feedback about your volunteer experience.
  • Help shape the future – Contribute to improvements in training, support, and communication.
  • Strengthen volunteer networks – Highlight what helps you feel connected and valued.
  • Support sustainability – Ensure future volunteers have a positive and meaningful journey.

Strategic Volunteer and Youth Programs

Our team’s role is to work with volunteers, volunteer managers, and staff to design and deliver resources and programs that help you get the most out of your volunteering in emergency services.

Our work is guided by the Volunteer Sustainability Strategy.  Would you like to know more about the Volunteer Sustainability Strategy? Visit the Volunteer Hub to find out more.  

 

12/05/2026 – SES Assets Update

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Update on Fleet, Equipment and Uniforms

The SES Volunteers Association (SESVA) has begun discussions with the DFES Asset Management Division to improve collaboration and outcomes for volunteers. Encouraging progress is underway across fleet, uniforms and equipment, with DFES responding to the volunteer feedback received to date (per DFES General Circular 60/2026). 

The following information is drawn from a report by Lilian Oh, SESVA Metro North Coastal region representative.

Fleet Improvements

Since January 2025, SES units have received:

  • 38 General Rescue Units (GRUs)
  • 3 General Rescue Trucks (GRTs)
    • Two additional GRTs expected later this year
    • Three additional truck chassis ordered

In response to feedback from the Natural Hazards Fleet Project Advisory Team (PAT), a trial logistics trailer has been built and delivered to SES Bridgetown and SES Moora for testing. Feedback from these units will inform the final design prior to full production.

A trial rescue trailer is due to be completed this month, and potential changes to GRT configurations are under consideration. The Natural Hazards PAT is scheduled to meet again by June to review feedback and discuss next steps.

New Volunteer Website

The new DFES volunteer website will include:

  • A new online feedback form for Fleet, Equipment and Facilities (including uniforms)
  • Measurement guides for Personal Protective Clothing (PPC) and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
  • Fitting and care instructions (initially for boots and helmets)
  • Simplified access to DFES Doctrine, including Directives, SAPs and SOPs

Planned future enhancements include:

  • QR codes on all uniforms linking directly to care instructions
  • Expanded fitting and care guidance for PPC and uniforms
  • Videos and photos to support ordering systems and training

Uniforms and PPC Updates

DFES will review the quality and suitability of boot options before the current supplier contract expires.

A Women’s Project Advisory Team continues to provide feedback on women’s uniforms, PPC and PPE.

Following SESVA queries regarding sizing of blue shirts and lightweight PPC, Stuart and Heaton have confirmed they will honour refunds for new, unused items even if slightly outside the standard 30-day refund period.

Current ordering options:

  • Standard sizes
  • Custom preset options (e.g. long‑fit pants)
  • Made‑to‑measure items

Where these options remain unsuitable, units may request alterations to existing garments through DFES regional management.

Other Equipment Updates

Feedback regarding poor‑quality knee pads was attributed to a temporary material shortage. DFES has advised that the original knee pads are now back in stock.

New navy wide‑brim floppy (search) hats are now available. These are the same design and fabric used by other volunteer services, are foldable, and will not shrivel or pucker when washed. They are available to order online by Stores Officers.

Providing Feedback

DFES welcomes further feedback from volunteers. Providing detailed descriptions, photos and supporting evidence will assist in improving fleet, equipment and uniform outcomes.

Feedback can be submitted via www.dfes.wa.gov.au/ppc or by or using the QR code or by contacting ord@dfes.wa.gov.au for information on Project Advisory Teams.

 

SESVA will continue working with Asset Management and provide regular updates. Units are encouraged to share this information widely, particularly with Stores Officers.

12/05/2026 – Expression of Interest SESVA Secretary

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Secretary – SES Volunteers Association of Western Australia Incorporated (SESVA)

Voluntary Executive Council Role

 SESVA is seeking a motivated and organised individual to join the Executive Council as Secretary. This key governance role supports Association communications, meetings, records management, newsletters, and the supervision of one paid staff member.

The Secretary works closely with the President and Executive Council to support and represent members of the SESVA.

Skills sought:

Strong organisation and communication skills, Attention to detail and reliability

Interest in governance and volunteer advocacy. Meeting administration experience is desirable

✅ Make a real difference for SES volunteers

✅ Gain leadership and governance experience

To apply:

Submit a brief Expression of Interest outlining your skills and motivation.

Enquiries: SESVA President

📞 0418 403 960

📧  sesva.president@ses-wa.asn.au

12/05/2026 – SESVA Management Committee new Members

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Introducing our new SESVA Management Committee Members

New representatives – Kimberley region and North East region

North East (Metro) Representative – Melanie Crosbie

“I have been a member of Swan SES since May 2021, but my connection to SES spans my entire life, having grown up around the unit, so volunteering has always been a big part of my life.

In my time in SES, I have had the privilege to deploy to Fitzroy Crossing, Port Hedland and Exmouth. I have taken on several different roles within Swan SES, including Duty Officer, Team Leader, Community Engagement and the unit’s Historical Records Officer. I’m especially passionate about preserving the history and legacy of our units whilst strengthening connections with the community we serve.

I am a strong advocate for volunteers, their well-being, and making sure their voices are heard. For me, it’s not just about supporting current members, but advocating for an environment that future volunteers can step into with confidence, while honouring the legacy of those who paved the way before us.

I am committed to contributing to a culture where volunteers feel supported, respected and valued.”

Kimberley Representative – Nathan Donald

“I have been with SES in the Northwest for almost 15 years. I started my orange journey in Karratha, learning from some of the stalwarts of our generation before moving to Broome. From Vertical Rescue to Road Crash Rescue, I have done most things that we train for.

During my time in Broome, I worked my way from Team Member to Training Manager, then Deputy Local Manager and finally Local Manager. During my time as LM, I learnt how to manage issues that would arise in a professional manner. I also learnt that we need to be more active in the advocacy space. Firstly, with Local Government, and the community (believe it or not there are still community members out there that don’t know we are here to help!).

Since standing down from the LM role in December 2025, I have felt that we in the Kimberley need a voice to report on the issues that affect us as Volunteers (and since I’m free from the LM role, why not!)

I look forward to assisting and representing the Volunteers of the Kimberley Region in the issues that we face (there’s too few of us up here!).”

Melanie Crosbie SESVA Committee Member
Nathan Donald SESVA Committee Member

11/05/2026 – Important Notice to SES Units

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Portable Repeater & Battery Box Recall – Action Required

Units holding portable repeaters, battery boxes and Clark Masts are requested to check equipment, provide serial number photos, confirm storage locations, and nominate a contact to support recall and maintenance activities. 

DFES has advised that SIMOCO is recalling SIMOCO SRB250 VHF and UHF portable repeaters and SBB-250 battery boxes for internal modification and equipment general refresh. To support this recall, SES units are required to take action immediately, if they haven’t already done so.

What SES Units Need to Do – Action Required:

✅ Check all holdings for:

  • Yellow VHF and Black UHF portable repeaters (not trailers)
  • Orange battery boxes
  • Clark masts

✅ Photograph the silver serial number label on each item.

✅ Confirm the normal storage location of each item (e.g. RHQ or SES unit).

✅ Identify any known faults or issues with the equipment.

✅ Nominate a unit contact person (name, email, and phone number) to support recall coordination.

✅ Email the photos and details to Dave.Flint@dfes.wa.gov.au (photos

alone are sufficient to identify model and quantity).

This information is required to:

  • Assist with a speedy recall and return,
  • Support future preventative maintenance scheduling, and
  • Statewide communications resource mapping

 

 

 

 

08/05/2026 – WOW Day 2026

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What DFES and SESVA are doing to celebrate our SES volunteers

Wear Orange Wednesday (WOW Day) is our chance to shine a light on the incredible people who make the State Emergency Service what it is—our volunteers. 

It’s a simple idea with a big impact: wear orange, share a thank you, and help your local community recognise the commitment SES members bring before, during and after emergencies.

For WOW Day 2026, DFES and the SES Volunteers Association of Western Australia (SESVA) are backing a range of activities to help units and communities get involved across WA.

DFES activities and communications

 DFES is coordinating a mix of media, workplace and community-facing activations in the lead-up to, and on, WOW Day 2026. Activities currently planned include:

  • Proactive media across radio and print in regional WA in the lead up to WOW Day
  • Illuminating buildings and lighting displays in orange across Perth metropolitan and regional WA
  • Letter to newsrooms requesting presenters wear orange in their bulletins
  • Channel 10 live cross from Cockburn SES WOW Day Challenge
  • Raising flags at the DFES Cockburn Central office
  • Sharing WOW Day messages and ready-to-use digital content to help units spread the word and celebrate their people online.

SESVA activities and communications 

  • SESVA is sending ribbons, posters and information to all State politicians to encourage wider recognition of SES volunteers and the work you do for your communities.
  • A Campaign Information Pack and supporting resources you can use to promote WOW Day locally is available on our
  • WOW Day packs have been distributed to 20
  • SESVA Executive and Management Committee members will be out and about supporting activities hosted by SES units across the metro area and regions.

Events currently on the radar include:

  • Cockburn SES WOW Day Challenge 2026
  • Community engagement events in Australind, Mandurah and Melville
  • Unit events in Bassendean, Nannup, Serpentine-Jarrahdale and Kalamunda

Whether you’re part of an SES unit, a local business, a school or a member of the public, a simple gesture—wearing orange, sharing a message of thanks, or supporting a local unit event—helps highlight the vital role SES volunteers play across Western Australia.