SES Volunteers come from diverse backgrounds and professions. The main thing SES volunteers have in common is a desire to contribute to their community.
SES volunteers make themselves available to respond to emergencies when required, depending on their individual skills and training.
Volunteers receive comprehensive training to enable them to perform the tasks required. This training is competency-based and recognised.
The benefits of becoming an SES volunteer are immense. Volunteers have opportunities to develop new, skills, form new friendships, accept high levels of responsibility and enjoy the team spirit of a tightly knit group.
What do Volunteers Do?
Whether providing on-the-ground support or raising community awareness, the Western Australian State Emergency Service (SES) values people who can use their varied skills and experiences to act in a wide range of roles.
Operational roles
We rely on our volunteers to provide on-the-ground support in emergencies, from responding to natural disasters such as floods, storms, tropical cyclones, tsunami and earthquakes, to supporting other emergency services organisations.
Volunteering in an operational role may include:
- General rescue in response to flood, storm, tropical cyclone, earthquake and tsunami
- Rescue from road crashes
- Operating flood rescue boats
- Search and rescue in urban and other environments
- Managing and directing traffic during emergencies
- Using specialised rope rescue equipment
Non-operational roles
In addition to volunteering in operations and emergencies, SES has many support roles that assist Units and help you build professional skills.
Non-operational volunteering roles may include:
- Administration
- Fundraising
- Media and public relations
- Public and community education
How do I Join an SES Unit?
To become an SES Volunteer, contact your local SES Unit, which operates within Local Government areas.
For example, if you live in the City of Swan then you would contact the Swan SES Unit, or if you live in the Shire of Carnarvon, contact the Carnarvon SES Unit.
If you would like to learn more about how to become an SES volunteer, click the link ” SES Units” to find your closest Unit.
You can also find more about joining the SES as a volunteer at the DFES Volunteers website.
Why Volunteer?
It takes thousands of dedicated Western Australian State Emergency Service (SES) volunteers from across the state to provide emergency assistance 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Become a SES volunteer and join over 2000 people committed to keeping WA safe during emergencies.
Serve your community
Experience the rewarding sense of pride that comes from serving your community.
You will play a vital role in ensuring the safety of Western Australians through working with the community you live in.
Make lifelong friends
Meet new people within the community and make lifelong friends.
As an integral part of a highly trained volunteer unit, you will work closely with the other dedicated volunteers who make up the life of the organisation.
Personal and professional growth
The training and experience you will receive as a volunteer will help you develop skills in leadership, communication, problem solving, personal organisation and physical fitness.
Employers highly value these skills, along with SES membership, and offer comprehensive training programs. Dedicated emotional support is available to all volunteers and family members of volunteers.
Recognition of service
Volunteers are eligible for numerous honours and awards at a local, state and even national level.
Valuing the compassion and dedication of our volunteers and the sacrifices they make each day is a priority for the organisation.