01/07/2013 - Kalbarri SES Rescue Operation

June 30, 2013, 8:51 pm

≫ Next: 02/07/2013 - News from Kalbbarri SES for June 2013

≪ Previous: 28/06/2013 - Fitroy Crossing Flood Rescue

Sunday 30th June 2013

Mac Holt Deputy Manager Kalbarri SES reports , With a big ocean swell a small boat was overturned with two people on board, in the ‘washing machine’ which is the Kalbarri river mouth. One person was rescued by VMR with their jet ski and received medical attention from an ‘off-duty’ ambulance officer. On the reef the other person, received prolonged resuscitation and expert medical attention but could not be revived.

The SES flood boat proved to be the ideal vessel as the crew were able to maneuver themselves alongside the reef on the estuary side in a ‘walk-on-walk-off’ position. This enabled efficient recovery of the deceased and shipment with medical personnel back to the waiting ambulance at the jetty. The flood boat returned to the scene and working with a local cray boat, recovered the overturned boat, and all debris. The rescue and recovery operation was performed by a combination of local emergency services - working together - Police, VMR, SES, St Johns Ambulance, Doctors, and local boat people.

Thu, 25/07/2013

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02/07/2013 - News from Kalbbarri SES for June 2013

July 1, 2013, 5:42 pm

≫ Next: 06/07/2013 - SES assist at Beechboro Incident

≪ Previous: 01/07/2013 - Kalbarri SES Rescue Operation

Mac Holt from Kalbarri SES reports its been an interesting month - community support at the Kalbarri Canoe and Cray Carnival, local training and members attendance at a regional Search Team Members course in Shark Bay, Unit support and 'out-bush' catering for a state-wide 5 day Vertical Rescue Team Leaders course and a rescue/recovery in the Kalbarri 'washing-machine' river mouth. Never boring - always challenging and interesting.

View the full report====>Kalbarri-SES-Report-2013-07.pdf

Kalbarri-SES-Report-2013-07.pdf

Thu, 25/07/2013

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06/07/2013 - SES assist at Beechboro Incident

July 6, 2013, 2:04 am

≫ Next: 09/07/2013 - Changed Compensation for SES in SA

≪ Previous: 02/07/2013 - News from Kalbbarri SES for June 2013

Beechboro Incident (Friday Night )

About 11:15pm Police were called to a residence in Niger Place, Beechboro in relation to a silver Holden Commodore sedan that had hit the front of a house. Officers attended and located the vehicle. It is believed to be the same vehicle involved in the earlier hit and run incident. The occupants of the vehicle had fled the scene. The investigation will also look at reports the vehicle was being driven recklessly prior to entering Niger Place. State Emergency Service volunteers attended the address to secure the premises and check on the structural integrity of the wall.

Thu, 18/07/2013

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09/07/2013 - Changed Compensation for SES in SA

July 8, 2013, 5:43 pm

≫ Next: 15/07/2013 - Take action with bad weather between Busselton and Albany

≪ Previous: 06/07/2013 - SES assist at Beechboro Incident

Changed compensation rules for SES and Marine Rescue volunteers in South Australia

In an earlier blog post I pointed out an anomaly in South Australian law where volunteers with the Country Fire Service were deemed employees of the State, and so entitled to workers compensation if they were injured in the course of their CFS duties, but volunteers with the SES were not (see Compensation for South Australian SES volunteers, August 6 2012). In that post I said “The situation could be easily rectified by ‘prescribing’ SES volunteers for the purposes of the Workers Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1986 (SA) s 103A.”

Thu, 18/07/2013

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15/07/2013 - Take action with bad weather between Busselton and Albany

July 14, 2013, 8:41 pm

≫ Next: 16/07/2013 - SES Volunteers Road Crash Rescue Training

≪ Previous: 09/07/2013 - Changed Compensation for SES in SA

Take action with bad weather between Busselton and Albany - Time of issue: 11.30am Date of issue: 15 July 2013

Wed, 17/07/2013

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16/07/2013 - SES Volunteers Road Crash Rescue Training

July 15, 2013, 5:46 pm

≫ Next: 17/07/2013 - SES Volunteers Assist with Storm Damage

≪ Previous: 15/07/2013 - Take action with bad weather between Busselton and Albany

SES Volunteers undertake Road Crash Rescue Traning

ByPhillip Petersen ESM

In some remote areas of Western Australia SES volunteers undertake the vital role Road Crash Rescue (RCR). This past weekend was the training and assessment of two RCR team leaders, one team member trainer/assessor under assessment and five Team members from Coastal Districts (Eneabba) and Morawa SES units, 12-14 July 2013.

These volunteers gave time to commit themselves to this special role. Whilst the Police are the HMA for road accidents and Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) career and volunteers undertake the role of rescue. In small country towns, this maybe very confronting as the chance of rescuing someone you know is very high. This can put enormous stress on volunteers.

Wed, 31/07/2013

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17/07/2013 - SES Volunteers Assist with Storm Damage

July 16, 2013, 9:18 pm

≫ Next: 18/07/2013- Storm Thankyou Stirling Unit

≪ Previous: 16/07/2013 - SES Volunteers Road Crash Rescue Training

SES Volunteers Assit with storm Damage

Wed, 31/07/2013

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18/07/2013- Storm Thankyou Stirling Unit

July 17, 2013, 5:25 pm

≫ Next: 18/07/2013 - Storm Thankyou Wanneroo/ Joondalup Unit

≪ Previous: 17/07/2013 - SES Volunteers Assist with Storm Damage

Thankyou Letter - Stirling Unit

I would like to portray my gratitude and thanks to the wonderful SES team that came to my home last night to attend to temporary repairs on my roof as a result of the storm. I live Hamersley and from the moment I placed my call of help, the SES were in touch with me until they arrived at my front door. Then they were hard at work making sure everything was secure and safe. This put my mind at ease and I was so relieved to have them there. And they’re volunteers to boot! Just shows the wonderful community spirit they possess. It is a great service to have available.

I don’t know them by name but I’d like to thank each one of them sincerely for their great work as it was definitely very much appreciated. I hope they managed to get a well-earned rest after a relentless day.

Thank you - Carol

Wed, 31/07/2013

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18/07/2013 - Storm Thankyou Wanneroo/ Joondalup Unit

July 17, 2013, 5:29 pm

≫ Next: 18/07/2013 - Over Night Incident Mandurah

≪ Previous: 18/07/2013- Storm Thankyou Stirling Unit

Thankyou - Wanneroo/ Joondalup SES

I just wanted to send this email to thank the guys from the SES in Joondalup/Wanneroo. We had our car port roof ripped away last night taking out our electricity wires and it ended up going through the roof into the rear bedroom. The 4 gentlemen who attended and put plastic over the gaping hole in the roof were so polite and professional, I offered them a cuppa but they said they had other jobs to attend to.

Your organisation is just the best and our family thank you so much for your help and understanding.

Wed, 31/07/2013

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18/07/2013 - Over Night Incident Mandurah

July 17, 2013, 7:34 pm

≫ Next: 22/07/2013 - RFA Belmont SES Car V House

≪ Previous: 18/07/2013 - Storm Thankyou Wanneroo/ Joondalup Unit

Car v House – Mandurah

Wed, 31/07/2013

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22/07/2013 - RFA Belmont SES Car V House

July 21, 2013, 9:47 pm

≫ Next: 27/07/2013 - DFES Conference- Don't Miss out

≪ Previous: 18/07/2013 - Over Night Incident Mandurah

SES Volunteers from the Belmont SES Unit were activated on Sunday Night to provide assistance after a car ploughed through a house in Belmont. An elderly man was knocked from his bed when a car crashed into his home in. The 77-year-old was lying in bed at his Keymer Street unit when a car smashed into the property about 7.50pm.

SES volunteers were called to the property to make temporary repairs and support the structure and eliminate hazards. The damage, to the property was described as substantial. St John Ambulance paramedics took the elderly resident to Royal Perth Hospital as a precaution. It is understood his injuries were minor.

Wed, 31/07/2013

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27/07/2013 - DFES Conference- Don't Miss out

July 27, 2013, 2:42 am

≫ Next: 29/07/2013 - SESVA Funding

≪ Previous: 22/07/2013 - RFA Belmont SES Car V House

FIRE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES CONFERENCE – An event not to be missed?

This years conference is being held over the weekend of 20 – 22 September 2013 at the Perth Convention Centre. There is a fantastic range of service specific sessions, general interest topics as well as a great display pavilion and live demonstrations. Subsidised tickets are still available. These tickets cover Travel, Accommodation, (most) Meals and the Conference Registration.

There are a large number of SES Units that have not responded to the offer of subsidized tickets for the 2013 Fire and Emergency Services Conference.
Our records indicate that we have not received nominations from the following Units:

Fri, 02/08/2013

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29/07/2013 - SESVA Funding

July 28, 2013, 11:43 pm

≫ Next: 01/08/2013 - SES Awards Finalist Announced

≪ Previous: 27/07/2013 - DFES Conference- Don't Miss out

Funding Arrangements for the State Emergency Service Volunteers Association

In the late 80's the then WA Association for Volunteer Emergency Services (WAVES) was formed to assist the SES Volunteers in having a voice at different levels of Government. Out of this the first SES Consultative Committee was formed to assist the parent organisation in ensuring the most well informed decisions were made where the SES Volunteers were or could be affected.

In the early 2000s the then FESA decided to set up ESAMC (Emergency Services Associations Management Committee) to provide support to some of the Associations (SESVA is one of those)and also provide a conduit for FESA/DFES communication and assistance to the Volunteers. This was covered by a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Volunteer Associations and FESA/DFES. For more than a year now DFES has been advising that they will cease the MOU and have now advised the Association that they will withdraw the staff in December 2013.

SESVA Treasurer John Capes and myself, have researched the funding for the new models proposed by DFES, and with assistance from the ESAMC staff, were able to determine the approximate costs in setting up a new support base and secretariat. For the SESVA this could be in a partnership with the Association of Volunteer Bush Fire Brigades.

At a special meeting of ESAMC (27July) the SESVA, ESVA and the AVBFB met with DFES (Commissioner Gregson and Executive Manager Wilks) to discuss the future.
As a result of this meeting there has been some positive outcomes which will see the SESVA work with DFES and ESAMC to migrate to an independent based support secretariat. The final outcome of this is expected to see DFES no longer having staff dedicated in this area however, they will provide direct financial funding to ensure the secretariat is set up effectively and allowing the SESVA to more effectively serve their membership.

The migration to this model will take 6 to 12 months however it must be in place before the end of the 2013/14 financial year. Please direct any enquiries either to myself or John Capes.

Gordon Hall
SESVA Secretary

Thu, 15/08/2013

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01/08/2013 - SES Awards Finalist Announced

July 31, 2013, 6:43 pm

≫ Next: 06/08/2013 - News from Kalbarri SES (PDF now OK)

≪ Previous: 29/07/2013 - SESVA Funding

SES Awards Finalist Announced

Sat, 31/08/2013

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06/08/2013 - News from Kalbarri SES (PDF now OK)

August 5, 2013, 5:08 pm

≫ Next: 09/08/2013 - AC Steve Fewster visit SJ SES Unit

≪ Previous: 01/08/2013 - SES Awards Finalist Announced

Mac Holt from Kalbarri SES reports, when you deploy to search for an 80 year old lady who has been missing all night in cold conditions you prepare yourself for the worst. Then when it all turns good as she is found safe and appears unfazed by the ordeal you feel relief and happiness for the person and their loved ones. What a great outcome after previously less satisfying experiences this year. The month was busy with two deployments, training and a visit by DFES commissioner Wayne Gregson, when we learnt the character of the man at the top after discussions/resolutions of SES unit vehicle and WAERN radio issues.

View the full report from Kalbarri SES ====> Kalbarri-SES-Report-2013-08.pdf

Kalbarri-SES-Report-2013-08.pdf

Sat, 31/08/2013

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09/08/2013 - AC Steve Fewster visit SJ SES Unit

August 9, 2013, 12:43 am

≫ Next: 09/08/2013 - SESVA August Meeting Dot Points

≪ Previous: 06/08/2013 - News from Kalbarri SES (PDF now OK)

Deputy Commissioner Visits Serpentine- Jarrahdale SES Unit
Travelling via treacherous wet country roads, DFES Deputy Commissioner, Steve Fewster, called in on the SES volunteers at Serpentine- Jarrahdale SES Unit Wednesday evening 7 August 2013. He was accompanied by DFES District Officer, Will Blackshaw. Steve and Will updated the volunteers on the latest goings on in DFES and took some questions from the floor and informally over a cup tea/coffee. Also making it a visitors’ night were two representatives from the SES Volunteers Association, Secretary Gordon Hall and Representative Phillip Petersen. It was an opportunity to promote the forthcoming DFES Volunteers Conference and SESVA elections.

Phillip Petersen ESM

SESVA Committee Member

Sat, 31/08/2013

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09/08/2013 - SESVA August Meeting Dot Points

August 9, 2013, 12:47 am

≫ Next: 13/08/2013 - Leadership Course

≪ Previous: 09/08/2013 - AC Steve Fewster visit SJ SES Unit

Following is a brief summary of the SESVA meeting held 5 August 2013
In attendance were; David Price (President), Dave Beard (VP), Gordon Hall (Sec), John Capes (treasurer and editor), Phillip Petersen, Blue Renehan, Keith Squibb and Jan Welburn (teleconference line) Donna Morgan, (ESAMC Exo) Bella Scharfenstein (ESAMC Exec Support) plus a visitor (as an observer) Steve Bush.
The Official Minutes will be available when compiled and approved, however below are a number of dot points from the meeting
1.    The fund raising cheque from Woolworths has arrived
2.    The conference draft program is now completed with an SES stream included
3.    Conference numbers have not filled up and late applications may be possible
4.    The SESVA have met with DFES re the tardy rollout of the TRKs. The SESVA is not happy about the long delays and it is affecting the SES Volunteers. Even the documents for the Trainer/Assessor upgrades are completely fire focused
5.    The Lotteries Grant process for assistance to the Volunteers in attending the DFES conference was completed and approved
6.    The SESVA have met with DFES and other Associations to look at a new secretariat to assist the SESVA
7.    DFES has a number of new vehicles that have been waiting delivery for up to a year. DFES says they need to write TRKs and Familiarization documents for the vehicles before they can be delivered
8.    The SESVA now has a Volunteer on the Volunteer Vehicle and Equipment Advisory Committee
9.    David Price attended an OH&S Conference looking at change in safety culture
10.    The SESVA AGM is planned for Saturday 26 October - Notice of this will go on the Web site next week and be mailed to known addresses of SES Units
11.    Members of the SESVA will be attending the AFAC Conference in September
12.    It was reported that a Hi-Lux vehicle was sent to the Kimberley for the SES - No winch or bull bar and a notice to say they could not be fitted at any time!
13.    There is a new DO in the Kimberley - Paul Leiper
14.    SES Units who had not applied for a grant from the Woolies fund raising now have a second chance to place their interest. The SESVA Regional Rep for each region will be contacting their units to discuss the process
15.    There is a move by ACSES (Australian Council of SESs - a body chaired by a fire background person) to do away with National SES week and only have WOW day - The reasons put forward are flawed and the SESVA will take this up with DFES and Nationally
16.    The Association is waiting for a final letter from DFES so that the SES Advisory Committee can have its first meeting
17.    As the SES is a uniformed service the Association is considering the option for Committee members to wear browns with some Association logos and badges
18.    There are many questions regarding the LG merges and the Association is considering a workshop on this matter
19.    There will be an open forum of SES Volunteers (no staff) on the Sunday morning of the DFES Volunteer conference in September.

Sat, 31/08/2013

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13/08/2013 - Leadership Course

August 13, 2013, 12:25 am

≫ Next: 15/09/2013 - SESVA AGM Notice & Nominations

≪ Previous: 09/08/2013 - SESVA August Meeting Dot Points

Leadership Course - North East Metropolitan

District Officer Stephen Summerton conducted a Leadership Course for SES Volunteers on 9/10/11 of August. Assisting DO Summerton were Trainer/Assessors Greg Cook and Gordon Hall, with Derek Fletcher and Graham Fixter assisting in the assessments on the Sunday. Course participants were Crystal and Kate (Swan SES) Nick, Vanessa and Mel (CSU SES), Kate, Luke and Jen (Canning SES), John and Scotty (Belmont SES). The practical exercises for the assessments went well with both a serious component and a little fun added in. Until the Training situation for TRKs is resolved participants can only receive a Record of Completion for this course, however it is good to see DFES staff still conducting training until these matters are resolved. All course participants will now be able to assimilate their training into the field.

Reported by Gordon Hall

Thu, 29/08/2013

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15/09/2013 - SESVA AGM Notice & Nominations

August 14, 2013, 6:19 pm

≫ Next: 19/08/2013 - RKSES AGM and Awards Night

≪ Previous: 13/08/2013 - Leadership Course

Notice to all SES Units and SES Volunteers

The information below has been posted and emailed today to all known addresses of all SES Units. The information includes the notice of the SESVA AGM, official call for agenda items for the AGM, notice of call for nominations for Committee positions and the associated nomination form .

All dates and times are also quoted in the document. Please direct any questions or requests for further information to SESVA President David Price or Secretary Gordon Hall.

Gordon Hall
Secretary
SES Volunteers Association (inc.)
Mob: 0427 002 702 (or 9524 8889)
SESVA: mail@ses-wa.asn.au
Email: sesva.secretary@gmail.com
Web: www.ses-wa.asn.au

View the full document ====> 2013 SESVA AGM Call for agenda items and nominations web.doc

2013 SESVA AGM Call for agenda items and nominations web.doc

Fri, 13/09/2013

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19/08/2013 - RKSES AGM and Awards Night

August 18, 2013, 5:55 pm

≫ Next: 20/08/2012 - Acronyms for SES Volunteers

≪ Previous: 15/09/2013 - SESVA AGM Notice & Nominations

The RKSES Unit held its AGM and Awards night on Friday 16 August

There were a number of guests including the Mayor of the Town of Kwinana, Carol Adams, Paul Papalia MLA, Roger Cook MLA, DFES Superintendant Michael Jose and District Officer William Blackshaw. The Master of Ceremonies for the night was Gordon Hall. Catering was organised by Dave Beard assisted by a number of unit members.

The AGM was conducted, new committee members appointed and the Unit Constitution updates passed by the membership.

During the evening the following persons received awards;

Section Leaders Award was presented to; Bridget Edwards, Christine Aunis, Lauren Parker-Brown with a special mention made of the input and work done at the unit by Laura Brabazon and Mark Booth.
5 year SES awards to; Jess Renton, Brad Jarick, Jared Stewart Roddis and Richard Peters
10 year SES Long Service Medal; Lynda Roedel, and Len Dryland
15 year SES Long Service Medal; David Catchlove
30 year SES Long Service Medal; Bob Polson
25 year 1st clasp to National Medal; David Price and Dave Beard
The George Earnshaw Award was presented to Bridget Edwards
Life Membership to the Rockingham - Kwinana SES was awarded to Lyn Meredith.
The "Oops" award went to Ian Renton for a developing a challenging situation between a vehicle, tree and a ladder!!!!

A good night was had by all and the pictures below show a number of the award recipients

Report By Gordon Hall

Some pictures taken on the night

Sat, 31/08/2013

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