Nominations for this year’s DFES Volunteer Employer Recognition Awards (VERA) have now closed.
Recipients will be invited to the VERA ceremony to be held on Friday 5 November.
The awards acknowledge the important role employers and self-employed volunteers play in the delivery of emergency services across Western Australia.
A supportive employer and flexible workplace enables emergency services volunteers to take time off work to attend critical emergency incidents and vital training.
Many self-employed volunteers go above and beyond for their communities, often closing their doors during emergencies, even when it impacts their livelihoods.
In WA, more than 95 percent of emergency services personnel are volunteers.
Last year, volunteer emergency services personnel attended more than 1900 incidents across the State.
In 2020 recipients included 68 businesses, organisations and self-employed volunteers from across the State.
Which employers are eligible for a VERA?
Businesses that employ volunteers in the following emergency services supported by DFES are eligible:
- Bush Fire Service
- State Emergency Service
- Volunteer Fire and Emergency Services
- Volunteer Fire and Rescue Services
- Marine Rescue Western Australia
- Mapping and Planning Support (MAPS-WA)
- State Wide Operation Responses Division
Benefit for employers
Employers who receive an award can benefit in a number of ways:
- Develop positive working relationships in the local community
- Increased awareness of the important role of emergency services volunteers
- Increased ability to attract and retain skilled workers
- Increased staff motivation and team morale
- Promote a positive corporate image
- Successful recipients can acknowledge their recognition by using the official VERA logo which is valid for three years