1/11/02
Storms across the metropolitan area last night highlighted the role of Emergency Services personnel and coincided with the launch of the inaugural Emergency Services Month today.
The spectacular unveiling of a banner announcing the first-ever Emergency Services Month marked the official launch this morning.
Emergency Services Minister Michelle Roberts and a crowd of onlookers watched as Fire and Rescue Service personnel abseiled down FESA House in Irwin Street to reveal the banner.
Mrs Roberts said Emergency Services month was a new initiative to celebrate the diversity, professionalism and commitment of the men and women who provide fire and emergency services across Western Australia.
Mrs Roberts said the month-long calendar of events was an important way for the Fire and Emergency Services Authority of WA (FESA) to remind the community of the important work emergency services personnel undertake.
"Everyday, more than 20,000 volunteers and more than 1,000 staff operate under the FESA umbrella to minimise the impact of human and natural hazards on the WA community," Mrs Roberts said.
"In times of fire, flood, cyclones, storms or emergency rescues, the WA community knows that FESA staff and volunteers, from across the full spectrum of emergency services, are there to provide a lifeline.
"It is therefore fitting that this most vital, lifesaving role of WA's fire and emergency services is publicly recognised through 'Emergency Services Month'.
"I urge the community to show their support for the emergency services FESA provides and get involved in the exciting events taking place.
"Many additional events are also being organised by regional communities, where volunteers deliver an extraordinary level of service, so watch out for news of these and get involved," she said.
Minister's office: 9213 6600
See following calendar of events for Emergency Services Month:
Fire and Emergency Services Authority of WA (FESA)
Emergency Services Month
Metropolitan Calendar of Events
*NOTE: Regional events are being organised locally - contact local FESA for details
NOVEMBER 2 RAC Insurance and Rotary Club of Whitfords Firefighting Awards 2002 Career and volunteer firefighters from FESA's Fire Services and Bush Fire Services will meet to recognise firefighting excellence as the Award winners are officially announced by the Minister for Emergency Services.
Tickets are $20 and are available from FESA Finance and FESA Media & Public Affairs. The general public is welcome to attend.
NOVEMBER 8 FESA Vehicle Parade A combined vehicle parade will wind its way through the Perth central business district at noon to showcase the vehicles and equipment used by FESA staff and volunteers to carry out their most vital role.
NOVEMBER 8 Emergency Services Race Night at Gloucester Park FESA, in conjunction with the WA Trotting Association, will hold a social race night at Gloucester Park where FESA staff, volunteers and their families are invited to take off their emergency service hat for one night and have some fun. The general public is also most welcome to attend with FESA's emergency response capabilities on display.
The first race is at 6.05pm and free tickets are available from FESA Media & Public Affairs for FESA staff and volunteers.
NOVEMBER 15 Career Fire Services National Medal Presentation at Perth Fire Station, 11.30am National medals will be presented to FESA Fire Services career firefighters. The national medal recognises diligent long service in organisations that protect life and property, at some risk to their members.
NOVEMBER 16 SES Annual Awards Night at La Villa Reception Centre, Osborne Park The State Emergency Service Annual Awards Dinner is an opportunity to recognise the outstanding efforts of State Emergency Service volunteers. The Minister for Emergency Services will present the Peter Keillor Award and SES Youth Encouragement Award. Tickets are $25 and are available from FESA Finance and Media & Public Affairs.
NOVEMBER 20 FESA Community Safety Awards The FESA Community Safety Awards recognise the work of businesses, State Government agencies, local governments or community groups who participate in community safety prevention and preparedness activities.
NOVEMBER 24 Perth Fire Station Open Day The general public is invited to come and meet local firefighters and see demonstrations from 10am to 4pm.
NOVEMBER 29 Volunteer Fire Services National Medal Presentation Burswood International Resort.
