DFES calls for nominations for 2022 outstanding emergency service award in Western Australia and Mid West

Volunteer groups offer ongoing heroic support to the community without asking for much in return, so what can you give back?

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services is calling out for regional communities to vote for an outstanding emergency service in WA to be rewarded.

There are 14 WA Fire and Emergency Services Awards up for grabs across three categories which recognise excellence in firefighting, marine rescue and state emergency services.

Last year, the Kalbarri Volunteer Fire and Rescue took home the WAFES team achievement award.

The award recognises the important contribution of volunteer emergency workers who donate their time and put their lives on the line.

One Mid West volunteer group that has tackled many issues in the last year is the Jurien Bay Volunteer Sea Rescue Group (VSRG).

Jurien Bay VSRG commander Chrissy Heu said in the last year they have been busy with sea search and rescues which included saving the lives of five people knocked off their yacht in May.

“With the Impara II rescue our crew tried to take our nine metre vessel but it could not cope and we asked the fisheries for their assistance. When we eventually got out, we collected three people,” she said.

“It was a strong wind warning — a major search. We had our locals, the Leeman team, RAC helicopters and more. It was a really great recovery.”

Mrs Heu said just last week they were called out to Grey Island where a boat had capsized at Dog Rock and a man was unable to activate the emergency beacon.

“We recovered him, he would have activated his EPIRB but it had floated past him,” she said. “We have had a few flare sightings as well.”

Mrs Heu said the VSRG crew and operators were grateful to be able to assist the community.

“We’re a good team of volunteers — we feel awesome giving back to the community. Especially when the crew recover someone and bring them back to their family,” she said.

“All our members are glad to be there standing by anyone who needs assistance,” she said. “Charity always starts in the backyard.”

Kalbarri SES unit manager Steve Cable said their team were dealt with a heavy load last year volunteering for cyclone Seroja, as well as searching for missing girl Cleo Smith.

“We attend a few call-outs for floods in the Gascoyne each year. With cyclone Seroja we spent six weeks up there working 12 hours a day,” Mr Cable said.

“When we went up to Quobba Station for three or four days, ensuring that the little girl (Cleo Smith) and any other evidence wasn’t in the area, we searched a long time around the bush and we proved it wasn’t the case,” he said. “It was a national emergency and all in all, it was the most emotive search I’ve ever carried out.”

Mr Cable said the end result was marvelous despite such a bizarre event.

DFES commissioner Darren Klemm said almost 26,000 volunteers and 1600 operational personnel worked tirelessly to protect WA communities every year.

“I would encourage everyone to consider nominating an outstanding group or individual from their local community,” Mr Klemm said.

To show your support, nominate a DFES volunteer or staff member by visiting www.dfes.wa.gov.au/wafesawards

Nominations close on May 2.