Australia Day Honours 2019 The President and Committee of the SES Volunteers Association congratulates all Australia Day Honours recipients. In this year’s Honours List one of the WA recipients is an SES Volunteer.
A well-deserved honour for Ken Dewhirst
Please see below a short outline of Ken Dewhirst’s history Gordon Hall ESM President - SESVA
Ken has been a member of the State Emergency Service (SES) since 1978, where he was a founding member of the Northam SES Unit. From this day he has been highly committed to the organisation, its members and the community. He always made himself available for any job, task or training, and quickly gained a range of valuable skills. He is a highly respected and trusted member who works tirelessly to do whatever he can across the state including incidents, training and mentoring. Due to his dedication to the Northam unit, they awarded him a life membership in 1984, and later received recognition from the Lord Mayor. Ken moved to Perth in 1984 and joined the Wanneroo Joondalup SES. Ken is well known for his training abilities, which he started developing in the late eighties when he quickly gathered instructor competencies. He is a passionate trainer and loves to share his knowledge and experience. He has always taken the opportunity to travel to impart his knowledge, specific situations to note was in the late nineties where he travelled all over the Midland’s region, and then in 2000 when he went to Cocos Island and Christmas Island. In 1998 and 1999, Ken travelled with two other trainers throughout the Midlands country region, training units whom due to their remoteness didn’t have access to local trainers. Ken and the team provided training in a range of skills, from Storm Damage, Driving, Rescue and Chainsaw Operations. Well done and well deserved This showed a great amount of commitment from Ken spending times away from home and proved a significant benefit to the service due to the increased capability in the region. During his time in SES he has run many preparedness exercises designed to test the emergency response and challenge agencies in preparation for a natural disaster. He has innovative ideas, which when paired with his enthusiasm and commitment he truly makes a difference in the SES. He has organised a large amount of varied and challenging exercises during his time. Throughout these 41 years as a Volunteer, Ken's dedication has been unquestioned, and with the support of Volunteers from many SES Units, he has put the needs of the community first to assist in their preparedness for the effects of any natural hazard.
It is that busy time of the year again, with Christmas parties, presentation nights and graduation ceremonies to attend, as well as the involvement in our own SES Units – all good fun.
This is also a time of the year to reflect on the past year and think about what matters most to us; our families, our friends, our emergency service colleagues, the many supporters and the communities that we serve. From an SES point of view, we have had a busy year on non-operational matters which culminated in a special forum at the Duxton for all SES Local Managers and senior Volunteers. At this forum they discussed some of the barriers preventing the SES going forward. The Minister and the Commissioner are to be acknowledged for their foresight in this area and it is hoped that we will see a number of changes in the coming year.
The SES experienced a quiet winter this year with a smaller number of requests for assistance. Further to this the Bureau of Meteorology expects that we will have a quiet season with an outlook of maybe two cyclones this summer.
Meanwhile the Emergency Services on the eastern seaboard are in full emergency response modes with a cyclone, floods and fires. We wish them all well in the response and assistance to their communities.
This summer the state could have a busy fire season and all services are in preparation to ensure all Volunteer and Staff Emergency Responders are ready if required.
We all know that there are often emergencies at this time of the year and even though the SES Volunteers have a reduced activity period (RAP) with limited training over the Christmas New Year period, they have a high level of preparedness and networks in place to respond immediately if an emergency event happens. I also acknowledge the role and support by the Volunteer Emergency Service Responders families, friends and many supporters that makes it all possible throughout the tough times of emergency events. In closing, and on behalf of the SES Volunteers Association Committee, I would like to extend our best wishes for the festive season, to all the Volunteers and Staff involved in the Emergency Services, your families and many supporters and to thank you for your continuing support to your community. Please have a safe and happy festive break.
Police and State Emergency Service (SES) Volunteers are continuing a land search in the Mount Trio area (approximately 90km north of Albany) for an 84 year old woman, Patricia BYRNE. It is believed that Ms BYRNE was walking on Mount Trio and was last seen around 11.30am yesterday morning, Thursday 13 December 2018, by a family member. Ms BYRNE is described as fair skinned, thin build, short grey hair and approximately 160cm tall, she was last seen wearing a dark blue New Zealand Cap, green and white polo shirt, grey 3/4 length pants and black runners. It is believed she has no food, water or mobile phone. Ms BYRNE’s family and police are concerned for her welfare.
The Search resumed at 7 am this morning with approximately 15 SES Volunteers and Police involved in the search.
Anyone who sees Patricia BYRNE, is asked to call Police immediately on 131 444
Department of Fire and Emergency Services Youth Programs Officer - Banksia Hill Salary: PSGO CSA GA 2017, Level 3, $69,896 - $75,717 (prorata) Position No: 6584 Work Type: Fixed Term - Part Time Division: Location: Cockburn Central Closing Date: 2019-01-13 4:00 PM
As part of our strategy to increase the diversity of our workforce, Aboriginal Australian people are strongly encouraged to apply for this job and applications will be primarily considered in accordance with Section 51 of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984.
About the Role
Department of Fire and Emergency Services have partnered with Department of Justice to develop a pilot Youth in Emergency Services (YES) program at Banksia Hill Detention Centre, Canning Vale. The program will provide participants with an awareness of the emergency services, allowing them to use this information to support, and positively reintegrate into, their community once released from the detention centre.
The Youth Programs Officer supports the Youth Programs Coordinator by delivering and coordinating the YES Program at Banksia Hill Detention Centre. The successful candidate will:
Assist with the planning, development, coordination and evaluation of the program.
Take the lead in coordinating stakeholders involved in program delivery, including volunteers, DFES staff and activity suppliers.
Deliver select program components to the participants in the custodial facility.
Assist in developing networks with a through-care component with DFES youth programs.
Other tasks as outlined in the attached Job Description Form.
It is envisaged the successful applicant will commence work in March 2019. The position will be 1 day per week, conducted at both DFES Emergency Services Complex, Cockburn, and Banksia Hill Detention Centre, Canning Vale. There is some flexibility as to the days and hours worked for out of program sessions.
About You
We are looking for someone who:
is proactive and self-motivated;
has excellent organisational skills with an ability to manage complex logistics and last minute changes;
has excellent interpersonal skills to positively engage with key stakeholders, including volunteers, DFES and Banksia Hill staff, and activity suppliers;
has good awareness of process and procedure; and
has experience and interest in working with young people, with an ability to adjust communication styles to suit cultural and developmental needs of young people.
Application Instructions
Applying is easy. All applications are to be submitted online. Simply select ‘Apply for Job’, located at either the top or bottom of this screen and follow the instructions.
As part of your application, you will need to submit:
a CV or resume (in Word or PDF format) which outlines your relevant work history, experience and skills.
the details of two referees who can attest to your suitability for the role.
a summary of up to 1 page (cover letter format is fine) to answer the following two questions:
Q1. Please provide examples of your experience in working with young people, and how you would engage with complex young people from diverse cultural backgrounds. Q2. Please provide examples demonstrating when you were required to manage complex logistics and deal with changes when engaging with multiple groups of people.
A statement addressing each selection criteria is not required.
Selection Process
All applications will be reviewed and shortlisted candidates will be requested to attend an interview at DFES. Candidates may be required to attend a site visit at Banksia Hill Detention Centre.
Any contact with DFES or Banksia Hill Detention Centre during the selection process will form part of the applicant assessment.
Integrity Requirements
DFES staff are engaged in positions of trust and responsibility. DFES requires the successful applicant to obtain the following, prior to confirmation of appointment:
Police Clearance
National Criminal History Record Check
Working with Children’s Check
Criminal Records
A criminal record will not automatically disqualify an applicant from the selection process. Generally, single non-recent petty offences do not disqualify an applicant. Multiple offences, sex offences, violence, dishonesty and habitual theft may disqualify an applicant. If rejection of an applicant is considered purely because of a criminal record, they will be given the opportunity to discuss the matter before a final decision is made.
Investigations, Suspensions and Pending Criminal Charges
Applicants will be required to provide information as to whether they are under investigation for any matter or are suspended from employment. Applicants will similarly be required to provide information as to whether they have had any legal proceedings against them or whether they are subject to any pending criminal charges. It is important to note that if an applicant was subject to a disciplinary investigation with the WA public sector and either leaves the sector or is employed by another agency, the investigation may continue and this may impact on future employment.
Declarations associated with the above will not automatically disqualify an applicant from the selection process. If rejection of an applicant is considered appropriate on the basis of the information provided in a declaration, they will be given the opportunity to discuss the matter before a final decision is made.
Further Information
For further information about the position, please contact Lynelle Fozard, Youth Programs Coordinator, on (08) 9395 9716 (not to be contacted for assistance with lodging your application).
If you are having issues with your application please contact Big Red Sky on 1300 733 056 or email ramshelpdesk@bigredsky.com.
Commencement Date: 1 March 2019 (flexible) Cessation Date: 30 January 2020 (flexible)
All applications are submitted online. Simply select ‘Apply for Job’, located at either the top or bottom of this screen and follow the instructions.
Please note: Please do not leave your application until the last moment as lodgement is system generated and any submission on or after 16:00 (WST) will be rejected.
Ajana Land Search Operation Police were alerted to this situation about 2:30pm this afternoon, Monday 10 December 2018. Northampton Police, Kalbarri Police and Geraldton Police are involved in the search operation. A search plane has been organised, and it will have two State Emergency Service volunteers on board as Air Observers. Further State Emergency Service volunteers are currently travelling to the search area to assist with the land search operation.
Update
The missing 9-year-old boy Tye was located in bushland near Ajana. At 7.00 pm, Monday 10 December 2018, a local search plane with SES Air Observers on board, sighted Tye in an isolated area near a river bed in close proximity to North West Coastal Highway.
He responded by waving to the aircraft. The air crew where able to direct an SES ground crew to the location of the missing child, who is now being assessed by SJA paramedics. It is understood he was dehydrated, but otherwise in good health.
Information reguarding this operation was provided by Police Media.
The Minister advised the SES Volunteers Association that a forum of the SES would be conducted in December to address the SES issues Consequently, DFES invited all SES Local Managers and one of their leadership team, the SES Volunteers Association committee members and the SES Volunteer Advisory Committee members to a weekend forum to be held at the Duxton Hotel in Perth on 1 and 2 December.
One hundred and twenty SES Volunteers and DFES staff attended the forum. The Minister stated in his opening address that their will not be a Chief Officer of the SES. The Commissioner mentioned in his opening speech that many good things have been done by DFES to assist the SES Volunteers including the AEDs (donated by the RAC), the Operational Efficiency Payments and the Scout Badge. The Commissioner stated that “A line has been drawn in the sand” and we can look forward to a new future with “balanced cultures” under his leadership.
The consultant used a survey to produce five themes. These themes were discussed around the tables and many issues that are affecting the SES Volunteers and their units were tabled.
On the Sunday Chief Superintendent Craig Waters presented recent changes and planned fixes to SES training issues arising from the past five years. Following this training was discussed and a question and answer session were conducted.
As there was insufficient time on both days for many of the questions from SES Volunteers to be tabled, it was agreed on the last day, that a parking lot for questions would be established at the rear of the room for DFES to follow up.
The forum was an ideal opportunity for the senior staff to listen to the SES Volunteers about some of their concerns and the issues facing them in their roles of preparation and response in their communities.
It was acknowledged by DFES that there are training and other procedural issues. The Commissioner made a commitment that the report will be delivered to him by the end of January 2019 and that there will be timely feedback to the SES Volunteers about the future direction of the SES.
The SES Volunteers Association will be meeting with the Commissioner to discuss some of the feedback and how we can best assist the SES Volunteers on their issues. The SES Volunteers Association expect to be working with DFES on this report and its recommendations when delivered.
Printable copy of this update should you wish to place a copy on your Unit notice board. -
This Forum is your one chance to be able to say and air your concerns regarding the future of the State Emergency Service.
PLEASE DO NOT MISS THE OPPORTUNITY
At a meeting with the Minister for Emergency Services on 30 October, the SESVA were very strongly told that the SES were not getting a Chief Officer and were to be integrated in DFES. Of the eight jurisdictions in Australia, seven have a Chief Officer of the SES. Western Australia is the only jurisdiction in Australia without a Chief Officer.
The SES was integrated as a distinct Service and clear Division into FESA on 1 January 1 999. Over the past eight years the SES has gradually been eroded away to a Volunteer Service where DFES has a general responsibility by staff who in a number of cases have no understanding, no empathy and questionable interest of the role and requirements of the SES Volunteers. (this is evidenced by the continual issues that units and Volunteers request the SESVA to assist with). Since then the SES has gone into a marked decline – from 2500 Volunteers eight years ago to 1902 today.
We believe that for the forum to be successful, DFES must be Open and Honest and to genuinely listen to the concerns of the SES Volunteers and act to get the State Emergency Service back on track to be a vibrant and well respected service throughout Western Australian.
WA Police Force’s Emergency Operations Unit recently hosted a visit from volunteers attached to the DFES SWORD Communications Support Unit.
The visit included a tour of the Canine and Mounted Section where demonstrations of those capabilities, including public order, drug detection and general canine deployment were conducted. Those attending also explored the Emergency Operations Unit offices along with the Incident Control Vehicle and Forward Command Vehicles.
David Murphy, from DFES SWORD said the members of the Communications Support Unit greatly appreciated the opportunity to meet with the officers from the Emergency Operations Unit that they work with so frequently, in an environment that allowed for collaboration and enthusiastic discussion of potential ideas to improve interagency processes that are not usually possible during the time pressures of an active incident.
“Stories of the hospitality shown by WAPol and the demonstrations by the mounted section showing their range of capability from crowd control and riots through to land search, and by canine showing how the handlers work with their dog for both drug detection and general policing duties, quickly spread through SWORD, and other units that had not been able to come were disappointed when they learnt what they’d missed.
“Another hit with the team was the tour of the EOU offices giving us a peak behind the curtain of how an incident develops from a missing person to a land search, followed by some show and tell with the police FCV and ICV and the CSU truck and support vehicle. CSU on behalf of SWORD welcomes further collaboration between SWORD and WAPol and specifically EOU to ensure we are able to continue to deliver the high level of service to the West Australian community in their times of need.”
Senior Sergeant Steve Scott, OIC of the Emergency Operations Unit, said it was a pleasure to host the visit.
“When managing land search operations or other incidents involving DFES it is not normally possible to speak to all the volunteers present, beyond the normal briefings and debriefings that occur. A visit such as this allows us in a small way to directly express our gratitude and provide an informal setting in which we can discuss each other’s operations and our interoperability – conversations that are hard to have at the scene of an incident.
“Over the years WA Police Force has made a concerted effort to recognise the involvement of all emergency service responders, career and volunteer, when issuing media releases on operations, highlighting the professional and dedicated emergency response that is provided across the state.
“Local police often get the chance to speak with their local emergency services, however for the Emergency Operations Unit there is no ‘local unit’ – so we look forward to hosting similar such visits in the future.”
