SWORD Volunteer Fire & Emergency Services

20/10/2026

The SWORD crew is throwing down the gauntlet this year on our [very] friendly Christmas rivalry and festivities.
Please join us in a little competition as part of the 2026 Festive Fireplace Challenge.
Build deadline: COB 06/12/2026�Voting: Via social media posts �Voting timeline: From 07/12/2026 to 14/12/2026
Winner will receive the best prize of: bragging rights! But remember, we don’t need an actual DFES response — thanks to the setup so keep this in mind please.
Let’s continue the tradition! if we can get confirmation by those participating no later than 30th October COB.
And let’s be clear, we’re coming to the table with a setup for the ages.

01/10/2026

It’s been an interesting start to this year’s fire season for the team at SWORD VFES.

Since August, members have participated in two deployments to the Kimberley region
supporting local fire brigades and DFES. The first deployment was in and around Broome
followed by a deployment to Middle Lagoon which forms part of the Dampier Peninsula north of Broome.

Closer to Perth, the team has also been busy assisting local brigades through the Perth Hills. These hazard reduction activities provide our members with valuable experience and exposure to varying fire behaviour in preparation for the upcoming fire season.

In the lead up to this year’s Royal Show, SWORD members assisted with running their Fire Skills Challenge. This event sees teams from agricultural colleges across WA compete in written knowledge assessment followed by a practical fire suppression challenge.

Our SWORD team looks forward to building on its experiences which will then enable us to better assist local brigades, the community and DFES through out this fire season.

09/07/2026

🥾One Man & Many Miles 🥾

SWORD VFES’ very own Rob Storey has officially completed his Long Walk Home across Australia for Neuromuscular WA. Walking a staggering 3,500km over 82 days and raising an eye watering $66,000+ for those affected by neuromuscular conditions!

Throughout his journey Rob has displayed the selfless determination that he brings to our Brigade. We couldn’t have been more proud forming his Guard of Honour to welcome home the best of us.

Big congratulations and a warm welcome home to Rob and his ever supportive wife Louise. You have both done the community a massive service.

If you’ve been inspired by Rob’s selfless actions there’s still time to donate below;
https://chuffed.org/project/robs-long-walk-home

07/07/2026

🗺️No Roads No Problems 🗺️

As part of our commitment to safeguarding the community, SWORD VFES crews have been conducting Four-Wheel-Drive and Vehicle Recovery training. This has served to maintain our capabilities as a Brigade and allows us to reach those in need no matter the terrain!

Big thank you to our selfless firefighters for giving up your time in honing your skills and to the Senior Leadership Team for creating opportunities to help us better serve our communities.

02/07/2026

Last night SWORD VFES held its AGM and the following will be our brigade officers for 2026/2027 season.

Thanks to District Officer Mike Teraci AFSM JP & VES Executive Committee member Rob Cox AFSM for being our returning officers.

Captain Wayne Kerslake
Deputy Captain Eric Swaby
Lieutenants Kurt Cotter
& Nic Seton
Apps Officers Ken Ferguson
& Brad Howell
Mitigation Officer Cloggy Schoone
Training Officer Amber Bullock
Secretary Peta Hewitt
Treasurer Rob Storey

Thanking all our volunteers that attended the AGM last night.

30/06/2026

24/06/2026

🥇Step Up for MSWA Conquered! 🥇

Recently SWORD VFES stepped up to take on the MSWA challenge, climbing the Central Park Tower in full firefighting fit out to raise funds and support individuals with neurological conditions in WA.

A big thank you to those who toughed it out and battled your way to the top! As a Brigade we’ve helped raise awareness, along with smashing the donation goal by almost double. All in the name of a good cause.

A special shout out to the DFES Wellness Team as well as all the other Brigades and BGUs who also took part!

21/04/2026

Over the weekend, we welcomed 14 new trainees to our SWORD team! We're thrilled to see our team growing and look forward to seeing the trainees complete their training and graduate to become firefighters in October, ready for the next fire season.

Thank you to our team of volunteers who's unwavering support made this weekend's training possible,

18/04/2026

The SWORD crews are lacing up and taking on the tower once again — not just for the challenge, but for something far bigger than ourselves.
We’re climbing to support West Aussies living with neurological conditions, and every step we take is for them.

If you can, get behind us. Every donation, big or small, makes a real difference. But keep those receipts as the donations are tax deductible.

MSWA Step Up - Make a donation today to support West Aussies living with neurological conditions

08/03/2026