Volunteer Fire & Emergency Services Association - WA

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Volunteer Fire & Emergency Services Association - WA

VFESA(WA) is the association representing Volunteer Fire and Emergency Services brigade members in Western Australia

The first Volunteer Emergency Service (VES) unit was formed in 2003, combining a Bush Fire Brigade and State Emergency Service Unit. The first Volunteer Fire Service brigade was formed in 2005 by combining a Volunteer Fire and Rescue Brigade and Volunteer Bushfire Brigade. In 2015, VES units and VFS brigades were all combined into one service known as Volunteer Fire and Emergency Service Brigades. VFES brigade volunteers are multi-skilled and multi-operational, capable of responding to a diverse range of incidents from bushfires, structural fires, road crash rescues, hazardous materials incidents, plus storms, cyclones and marine search and rescue. They have proven particularly effective in regional communities where small populations reduce the number of potential volunteers. The combination of functions under a single brigade structure allows volunteers to come together under one service and membership and improve their response capability. VFES brigades provide communities with a robust, knowledgeable and effective all-hazards emergency service. The VFESA(WA) is the prescribed Association representing the interests of the members of the Volunteer Fire and Emergency Service to DFES and to Government.

12/10/2026

NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN FOR THE 2027 AUSTRALIAN HONOURS MERITORIOUS SERVICE AWARDS

Is there someone in your brigade whose distinguished service has made a meaningful and lasting impact? Why not recognise their service through nomination for an Australian Honours Meritorious Service Award - which includes the Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM), Emergency Services Medal (ESM) and Australian Bravery Decorations (ABD).

Nominations can be submitted online at any time. However, to be considered for the King’s Birthday 2027 Honours List and September 2027 Bravery List they must be received by Friday 16 October 2026.

Further information regarding the nomination process, award eligibility and criteria for all awards can be found in the Awards page of the Volunteer Hub: https://www.volunteerhub.dfes.wa.gov.au/home/awards/australian-honours-service-medals

24/09/2026

Another career development opportunity, this time with the Shires of Boddington and Wandering.

The Shires of Boddington and Wandering are seeking an experienced and motivated Community Emergency Services Manager to lead emergency management initiatives across both local governments. This position is a three-year fixed-term contract based in Boddington, allocating regular time each fortnight i...

18/09/2026

Today the Association was invited to the SOD turning of the new Bullsbrook station which should be completed by the end of 2028. Well done to all involved

06/09/2026

Well, WAFES 2026 is done and dusted for another year!

We extend our congratulations to the team at DFES who worked hard to bring WAFES together, and to all the finalists and winners across the various award categories. It’s fantastic to see the dedication, commitment and achievements of WA’s volunteer emergency services community recognised and celebrated.

A special congratulations to Adam Conwell from Onslow Volunteer Fire & Emergency Services, winner of the Volunteer Fire and Emergency Services Individual Achievement Award, recognising his outstanding leadership during the response and recovery to Cyclone Narelle.

Well done Adam!👏

We also proudly recognise our finalists Graham Lynn (Bidyadanga VFES) and Wayne Kerslake (SWORD VFES).
Congratulations to both Graham and Wayne on being recognised among the outstanding volunteers from across WA.

Congratulations to all the 2026 WAFES finalists and winners — a wonderful achievement and a fitting recognition of the contribution you make to your communities.👏🚒

05/09/2026

WAFES delegates, don’t forget the Association AGM commences at 5.00pm, Studio 1 (access using stairs/lifts between the box office and Astral Theatre.

See you there!

05/09/2026

Freshly minted Deputy Commissioner Jon Broomhall dropped by to visit with the Volunteer Associations this afternoon, taking time to catch up with ESVA President Trevor Wise.

05/09/2026

Looking forward to an informative, thought provoking WAFES Conference.

The Association is set up in the meeting room opposite the conference venue - we look forward to meeting BGU delegates during the breaks. Call by and say hi!

02/09/2026

We’re looking forward to seeing our members this weekend at the WAFES Conference and Association Annual General Meeting.

The Association Committee will be available in the meeting room opposite the conference venue during breaks, and we’d love the opportunity to catch up with you.

The AGM is an important opportunity to have your say, get involved and help advocate for our brigades, groups and units.
Nominations for the Association Committee are also open. If you’re interested in nominating, please speak with your Captain to obtain a nomination form.

📌AGM Details
Time: 5.00pm
Where: Studio 1, Crown Burswood
Access: Via the stairs or lift between the Box Office and Astral Theatre

For more information, please contact the Executive Officer. We look forward to seeing you there!

🏆 Congratulations to our Award Nominees!
We’re also proud to recognise the following members who have been nominated for the Volunteer Fire and Emergency Services Individual Achievement Award:
👏 Adam Conwell – Onslow Volunteer Fire and Emergency Services
👏 Graham Lynn – Bidyadanga Volunteer Fire and Emergency Services
👏 Wayne Kerslake – SWORD Volunteer Fire and Emergency Services

Being nominated for this award is a fantastic achievement and recognises the dedication, commitment and contribution these individuals make to their communities and the volunteer emergency services sector. Congratulations Adam, Graham and Wayne, and best of luck!

For those who aren’t able to attend the event, we’re pleased to advise that DFES will be live-streaming the awards ceremony, from 7.15pm, Saturday 5 September at https://www.dfes.wa.gov.au/awards-and-events/wafes-awards

20/08/2026

Association Committee members John, Rob and Alex attended the 2026 AFAC Conference, taking the opportunity to hear from leaders across the emergency services sector, explore new ideas and innovations, and connect with others working in fire and emergency services.

A valuable opportunity to bring back insights and ideas that can help strengthen and support volunteers in Western Australia. 🚒🔥

09/08/2026

Notice of Annual General Meeting

Members are advised that the Association AGM will be held:

📅 Saturday 5 September 2026
⏰ 5.00pm
📍 Studio 1, Crown Burswood

(Access via stairs/lift between the Box office and the Astral Theatre)

The AGM is an opportunity to hear what the Association has been working on, have your say and help shape our direction for the year ahead.

🙋‍♀️ Interested in getting more involved?
Nominations are open for the Association Committee!

Being on the Committee is a great opportunity to bring your brigade’s experience and ideas to the table, have a voice on issues affecting VFES volunteers and help advocate for volunteers across WA.

You don’t need previous committee experience — just a willingness to contribute and make a difference.

👉 We encourage all VFES members attending the WAFES Conference to attend the AGM and consider putting their hand up for the Committee.

More information about nominations and the AGM will be circulated through your brigade.

Your Service. Your voice. Your Association. Your opportunity to make a difference 🚒

Address

PO Box 348 Cloverdale
Cloverdale, WA
6985

Website

http://www.esva.asn.au/

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