WAFES FAQs

FAQs

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Overview
Conference program
Conference registrations
Contact us

Attendance and registration

I have registered for the WAFES Conference and/or awards gala dinner and can no longer attend. Who do I need to tell?

Please contact ETM on 9216 7257, 1300 040 934 or WAFEStravel@eventsctm.com as soon as possible if you can no longer attend and refer to the 2023 WAFES Conference terms and conditions for more information regarding late cancellation or non-attendance.

I have registered for the WAFES Conference and/or awards gala dinner and can no longer attend. Can I give my spot to another volunteer?

If you can no longer attend you will not be able to transfer your registration to another volunteer. Cancellations will be filled with volunteers who have submitted an expression of interest. Visit the conference registrations page for more information about registrations and the expression of interest process.

I would like to attend a Friday tour or workshop but it is full. What should I do?

If your preferred tour or workshop is unavailable you can put your name on a waitlist and you will be notify if a place becomes available. Please note joining the waitlist does not guarantee a place on the tour or workshop so we recommend you select another to avoid missing out.

I am a volunteer with a non-DFES organisation (eg St John, Australian Red Cross). Can I still register and attend?

No, only State Emergency Service, Volunteer Fire and Emergency Services, Bush Fire Service, Volunteer Fire and Rescue Services and Marine Rescue volunteers as well as DFES employees can attend.

I am a DFES volunteer who is under 18 years of age. Can I register to attend the conference and/or awards gala dinner?

Yes, however if you would like to attend the welcome sundowner and/or awards gala dinner you must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Additional charges will apply for your parent or legal guardian to attend, please email WAFEStravel@eventsctm.com for further details.

Can I bring a partner if they are a DFES or Bushfire Brigade volunteer?

If your partner is an active DFES or Bushfire Brigade volunteer and would like to attend, they will need to either be endorsed by their BGU or submit an expression of interest. Visit the conference registrations page for more information.

Can I bring my children?

Unfortunately the conference (including the Friday tours and workshops and welcome sundowner) and awards gala dinner don’t cater for children. You will need to find alternative care arrangements for them during this time.

Can I bring a partner?

Unfortunately partners can’t attend any of the conference events or awards gala dinner.

What is the dress code for the conference?

The dress code is smart casual, you don’t need to wear your uniform.

What is the dress code for the sundowner?

The dress code is smart casual, you don’t need to wear your uniform.

What do I wear to my Friday tour/workshop?

The dress code is smart casual, you don’t need to wear your uniform. Please check if there are any additional dress special requirements for your tour.

Travel

How do I get to Perth?

Regional volunteers will have the opportunity to book flights during the registration process. Alternatively you can drive. Visit the travel and accommodation page for more information on flights, driving and claiming travel expenses.

Can I drive so I have a car while I’m in Perth?

Yes, you can drive to Perth. Visit the travel and accommodation page for more information on driving and eligibility to claim travel expenses.

How do I get to my regional airport and how do I get to my accommodation when I arrive at Perth Airport?

If you are a regional volunteer and have flights booked you may claim a motor vehicle allowance to drive to/from your place of residence and the nearest regional airport. If a transfer service is not provided, you may be entitled to claim reimbursement of taxi fares incurred when travelling to/from Perth Airport to your accommodation. Visit the travel and accommodation page for more information.

The flight I want isn’t offered in the registration process. Can I request a different flight or do I have to choose from what’s offered?

Yes, you can request flights other than those offered during the registration process. However, if there is a difference in fare you will be required to cover the additional cost. Please contact ETM on 9216 7257, 1300 040 934 or WAFEStravel@eventsctm.com if you would like to request a flight not offered during the registration process.

I have already registered and requested a flight. Can I change my flight?

Yes, you can change your flights subject to availability. Please note if there is a difference in fare for the new flights you will be responsible for the additional cost. You will be advised of any additional costs and sent a link to pay for the additional fare by credit card online. You will also be charged an amendment fee of $30 (ex GST) per flight change. Please contact ETM on 9216 7257, 1300 040 934 or WAFEStravel@eventsctm.com if you would like to change your flights.

I changed my mind and I want to drive. Can I cancel my flights?

If your tickets have not been issued and you cancel more than 30 days before your flight, there will be no cancellation charges. In this case you can drive and claim travel expenses.

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If your flight tickets have been issued and you cancel your flight you will not be able to claim additional driving or travel expenses as your flight is non-refundable and DFES has already incurred this cost on your behalf.

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See the 2023 WAFES Conference terms and conditions for more information regarding cancellations and visit the travel and accommodation page for more information on driving and claiming travel expenses.

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If you need to cancel your flights please contact ETM on 9216 7257, 1300 040 934 or WAFEStravel@eventsctm.com.

Can I book my own flights and be reimbursed by DFES?

All flight bookings must be managed by ETM. If you book your own flights these can’t be claimed as part of your travel expenses.

Accommodation

Where is my accommodation?

Regional volunteers will be accommodated in Crown Metropol, Crown Promenade or Aloft Perth. Details on which hotel you will be staying at will be confirmed three weeks before the conference.

Can I choose which hotel I stay at?

Unfortunately due to the large number of volunteers being accommodated we can’t take hotel requests.

Can I book my own accommodation and be reimbursed by DFES?

All accommodation bookings must be managed by ETM. If you book your own accommodation this can’t be claimed as part of your travel expenses.

How do I get from my accommodation to the conference venues?

Volunteers staying at Aloft Perth will have access to a free transfer bus to and from Crown. More information and timetables will be available closer to the event.

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Please note you cannot claim costs associated with travelling between conference venues and your accommodation as a transfer service will be provided.

I would like to make the most of my stay at Crown and want to pay for a room upgrade. Is this possible?

Yes, you can upgrade your room at your own personal expense. If you would like to pay for a room upgrade please contact ETM on 9216 7257, 1300 040 934 or WAFEStravel@eventsctm.com.

I live far away from the conference venue. Why am I not eligible for accommodation?

Only volunteers who have a BGU outside a 50 kilometres radius from Crown Perth, the conference venue, are eligible for DFES provided travel and accommodation.

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If your BGU is inside a 50 kilometres radius from Crown Perth unfortunately you aren’t eligible for DFES provided travel and accommodation. If you would like accommodation for the conference you can either manage your own accommodation booking or join a waitlist during the registration process to be notified if any accommodation becomes available. Waitlisted volunteers will be advised of available accommodation on Tuesday 5 September and invited to confirm and pay for their booking by Wednesday 6 September.

I’d like to stay a few extra nights before or after the conference, is this possible? What about the flights, will there be any extra cost?

Yes, this is possible. You will be charged for any additional costs associated with the extra accommodation and alternative flights. Please contact ETM on 9216 7257, 1300 040 934 or WAFEStravel@eventsctm.com if you would like to extend your stay.

Claims

I’m driving to Crown Perth. Can I claim parking expenses?

No, Crown offers ample free parking so parking expenses will not be reimbursed. Please visit the travel and accommodation page for more information on driving and claiming travel expenses.

Can I claim meals?

If your BGU is outside a 50 kilometres radius from Crown Perth you can claim meals (breakfast, lunch and/or dinner) that are:

not provided as part of the conference events you have registered for (including the awards gala dinner); and
not provided with your accommodation.

For example, if your flight arrives on Thursday 7 September you can claim dinner that evening. You cannot claim dinner on Friday 8 September if you are registered to attend the welcome sundowner as it is provided at the event. Breakfasts (including drinks) are also not claimable as they are provided with your accommodation.

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Please make sure you keep your receipts and visit the travel and accommodation and review the 2023 WAFES Conference terms and conditions for more information.

Can I claim minibar expenses? What about a few beers at the bar?

No, minibar expenses and alcohol can’t be claimed.

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Meal expenses can only be claimed by volunteers who have a BGU outside a 50 kilometres radius from Crown Perth. Please refer to the 2023 WAFES Conference terms and conditions for more information about claims.

Awards gala dinner

What is the dress code for the awards gala dinner?

The dress code is semi-formal with miniature medals. Think dresses, button-down shirts, blazers, dress pants and dress shoes.

Where will I be sitting?

You will be invited to select your own seat for the awards gala dinner in late August through the WAFES App. More information including how to download the app as well as seat selection opening and closing dates will be released closer to the event.

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Awards gala dinner