'Real life' training centre for emergency services

Western Australia's emergency service workers will be better prepared to respond to emergencies and disasters thanks to a new training centre officially opened in Belmont today.

  • Fire and Emergency Services Simulation Training Centre opens

  • $2million invested to prepare for future disasters and major incidents

Western Australia's emergency service workers will be better prepared to respond to emergencies and disasters thanks to a new training centre officially opened in Belmont today.

Emergency Services Minister Joe Francis said the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) Simulation Training Centre (SIMCEN) would improve the ability of personnel to manage emergencies at all levels.

"The SIMCEN uses the latest audio visual technology to simulate real life emergencies, allowing our career and volunteer personnel to gain valuable experience in incident management," Mr Francis said.

"The technology means emergencies like bushfires, house fires and floods can be replicated using real life footage of disasters and audio components.

"Emergency services workers are often faced with situations that require rapid decisions and actions under pressure.  When a life-threatening incident occurs, whether it is a bushfire, cyclone or earthquake, personnel need to be practised, tested and trained to respond immediately, whatever circumstance they encounter.

"It is crucial these personnel gain the skills and knowledge required in decision making and effective communication in a crisis situation, before lives and property are on the line."

The Minister said the State Government was committed to enhancing emergency services training to produce the best leaders possible in emergency management.

"Having highly trained and experienced personnel is vital for the State to respond effectively to the variety of emergency situations we face," he said.

        Fact File

  • SIMCEN was funded through the $2million DFES Command, Control and Co-ordination Information Systems project

  • SIMCEN is located in Belmont in the State's only purpose-built bunker constructed during World War II

  • SIMCEN is fitted with the latest audio visual technologies and infrastructure to improve the skills of fire and emergency services personnel responding to all hazards

Minister's office - 6552 6500