State Emergency Service volunteers from all over the state descended on Jarrahdale on Saturday to mark 65 years of being there for WA communities during their worst moments.
The SES was established in 1959 when just a handful of units existed across the metropolitan area. Today, there are 64 units, equipped with more than 430 response vehicles, covering all corners of the state.
SES personnel are often first responders to storms, floods and cyclones and play a vital support role at other incidents, including searches for missing people, road crashes, vertical rescues and bushfires.
Over the years, the SES in WA has responded to many major emergencies including the Meckering earthquake in 1968, which all but flattened the small Wheatbelt town, the Perth hailstorm in 2010, the tireless search for flight MH370 and record-breaking Kimberley floods in 2023.
The Family Day in Jarrahdale was open to all current and past volunteers and families and units were invited to showcase their history within their own gazebo.
Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson was there to officially open the event.
“This past year alone, nearly 2,000 SES volunteers have given more than 32,600 hours to assist across a wide range of incidents,” he said.
“Whether they’re preparing local communities for a cyclone, rescuing someone trapped in floodwaters or up a cliff face, or conducting a meticulous search for a missing person in deep bushland, SES volunteers are available 24/7 and ready to help.
“As the SES marks 65 years in WA, I’d encourage all community members to say thank you to these incredible volunteers.”
Photographs – Richard Polden.
