The WA Fire and Emergency Services (WAFES) Awards are an opportunity to acknowledge the outstanding achievements of volunteer and career personnel throughout Western Australia.
Nominations for the 2022 WAFES Awards have now closed. Finalists will be announced on Wednesday 29 June and winners on Saturday 10 September at the awards gala dinner.
Endorsed volunteers and DFES staff can access tickets to the dinner when completing their WAFES Conference registration in June and July. Remaining tickets will be available in August.
This award recognises an exceptional volunteer firefighter under the age of 25 who has stood out amongst their peers as capable and extraordinary.
Nominees must be under the age of 25 and be an active member of the Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service, Bush Fire Service or Volunteer Fire and Emergency Services.
Address one or more of the following:
All nominations must include the name of a supervisor (Brigade, Group or Unit Leader or Area Officer or District Officer) who can endorse and support the nomination claims.
Nominations may also include supporting evidence such as a referee statement/s, photos or videos.
This award recognises:
Nominees must be active members of Marine Rescue Western Australia.
Address one or more of the following:
All nominations must include the name of a supervisor (Brigade, Group or Unit Leader or Area Officer or District Officer) who can endorse and support the nomination claims.
Nominations may also include supporting evidence such as a referee statement/s, photos or videos.
This award recognises the achievements of a volunteer under the age of 25 who has accomplished significant goals and made a positive impact to the State Emergency Service.
Nominees must be active members of the SES in Western Australia.
Address one or more of the following:
All nominations must include the name of a supervisor (Brigade, Group or Unit Leader or Area Officer or District Officer) who can endorse and support the nomination claims.
Nominations may also include supporting evidence such as a referee statement/s, photos or videos.
This award recognises a career firefighter, senior firefighter or station officer who has shown dedication to duty beyond normal expectations in the past 12 months.
Nominees must be a career firefighter or station officer.
Address one or more of the following:
All nominations must include the name of a supervisor (line manager or member of a higher rank) who can endorse and support the nomination claims.
Nominations may also include supporting evidence such as a referee statement/s, photos or videos.
This award recognises a uniformed operational DFES employee who has made an outstanding contribution to the emergency services in the past 12 months.
Nominees must be current operational staff who have been employed by DFES for a minimum of six of the previous 12 months.
Address one or more of the following:
All nominations must include the name of a supervisor (line manager or member of a higher rank) who can endorse and support the nomination claims.
Nominations may also include supporting evidence such as a referee statement/s, photos or videos.
This award recognises a DFES corporate staff member who has shown dedication to their role beyond normal expectation in the past 12 months.
Nominees must be corporate staff member who have been employed by DFES for a minimum of six of the previous 12 months.
Address one or more of the following:
All nominations must include the name of a supervisor (line manager or member of a higher rank) who can endorse and support the nomination claims.
Nominations may also include supporting evidence such as a referee statement/s, photos or videos.
This award is the highest individual honour one can receive in Marine Rescue. It is presented to a volunteer who has made an exemplary contribution to Marine Rescue in the last 12 months.
Nominees must be an active member of Marine Rescue Western Australia (MRWA).
Address one or more of the following:
All nominations must include the name of a supervisor (Brigade, Group or Unit Leader or Area Officer or District Officer) who can endorse and support the nomination claims.
Nominations may also include supporting evidence such as a referee statement/s, photos or videos.
This award is the highest individual honour one can receive as a Bush Fire Service volunteer. It is presented to a volunteer who has gone above and beyond what is expected of them and made an exceptional contribution in the last 12 months.
Nominees must be an active member of the Bush Fire Service.
Address one or more of the following:
All nominations must include the name of a supervisor (Brigade, Group or Unit Leader or Area Officer or District Officer) who can endorse and support the nomination claims.
Nominations may also include supporting evidence such as a referee statement/s, photos or videos.
This award recognises a dedicated State Emergency Service volunteer who has made an exemplary contribution to the service and community, specifically in the last 12 months.
Nominees must be an active member of the SES in Western Australia.
Address one or more of the following:
All nominations must include the name of a supervisor (Brigade, Group or Unit Leader or Area Officer or District Officer) who can endorse and support the nomination claims.
Nominations may also include supporting evidence such as a referee statement/s, photos or videos.
This award is the highest individual honour for Volunteer Fire and Emergency Services volunteers. It is presented to a volunteer who has gone above and beyond what is expected of them and made an exceptional contribution over the past 12 months.
Nominees must be an active member of Volunteer Fire and Emergency Services.
Address one or more of the criteria:
All nominations must include the name of a supervisor (Brigade, Group or Unit Leader or Area Officer or District Officer) who can endorse and support the nomination claims.
Nominations may also include supporting evidence such as a referee statement/s, photos or videos.
This award is the highest individual honour for Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service volunteers. It is presented to a volunteer who has gone above and beyond what is expected of them and made an exceptional contribution over the past 12 months.
Nominees must be an active member of Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service.
Address one or more of the criteria:
All nominations must include the name of a supervisor (Brigade, Group or Unit Leader or Area Officer or District Officer) who can endorse and support the nomination claims.
Nominations may also include supporting evidence such as a referee statement/s, photos or videos.
This award acknowledges a volunteer brigade, team or taskforce who together have made a real difference in their community over the past 12 months.
Nominees must be active members of the Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service, Bush Fire Service or Volunteer Fire and Emergency Services to be eligible.
Address one or more of the following:
All nominations must include the name of a supervisor (Brigade, Group or Unit Leader or Area Officer or District Officer) who can endorse and support the nomination claims.
Nominations may also include supporting evidence such as a referee statement/s, photos or videos.
This award recognises a group who has excelled in all aspects of volunteering for Marine Rescue in Western Australia. It is presented to a group who together have made an outstanding contribution in the past 12 months.
Nominees must be active members of Marine Rescue Western Australia (MRWA).
Address one or more of the following:
All nominations must include the name of a supervisor (Brigade, Group or Unit Leader or Area Officer or District Officer) who can endorse and support the nomination claims.
Nominations may also include supporting evidence such as a referee statement/s, photos or videos.
This award recognises a team or group of State Emergency Service volunteers who have collectively served the communities of WA and worked together to complete either a project or significant operational response in the past 12 months.
Nominees must be active members of State Emergency Service in WA.
Address one or more of the criteria:
All nominations must include the name of a supervisor (Brigade, Group or Unit Leader or Area Officer or District Officer) who can endorse and support the nomination claims.
Nominations may also include supporting evidence such as a referee statement/s, photos or videos.
Judging panels consist of four or five members and includes a mix of DFES Corporate Executive, association representatives, independent community members and DFES staff.
Each panel assesses all nominations and rates each on a scale of 1 to 10, depending on how the nomination meets the criteria. The highest three rating nominations are finalists with the top selected as the winner.
Tuesday 15 March 2022
Monday 16 May 2022 at 9:00am
Wednesday 1 June 2022 to Monday 20 June 2022
Wednesday 29 June 2022
Saturday 10 September at the WAFES Awards gala dinner at Crown Perth
If you have any questions about the awards or need help with a nomination please email eventsandawards@dfes.wa.gov.au.
Youth Achievement Awards
Firefighting Youth Achievement Award: Jay Dwyer, Quinns Rock Bush Fire Brigade
Marine Rescue Award for Youth Achievement or Contribution to Youth Development: Zac Berglund, Marine Rescue Dampier
State Emergency Service Youth Achievement Award: James Cotter, Carnarvon State Emergency Service
Individual Achievement Awards
Career Fire and Rescue Service Award: Rik Fennell, Joondalup Fire and Rescue Service
DFES Operational Award for Outstanding Individual Contribution: Andrew Thompson, Lower South West Regional Office
DFES Corporate Award for Outstanding Individual Contribution: Nicola O'Callaghan, Marine Services
Marine Rescue Award for Outstanding Individual Contribution: Alex Williams ESM, Marine Rescue Walpole
Murray Lang Bush Fire Service Award: James Taylor, Broome Regional Bush Fire Brigade
Peter Keillor Award: Connie Eikelboom ESM, Armadale State Emergency Service
Volunteer Fire and Emergency Services Award: Simone Conklin, Eucla Volunteer Fire and Emergency Services
Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service Award: Sheree Lowe, Merredin Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service
Team Achievement Awards
Firefighting Team Achievement Award: Kalbarri Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service
Marine Rescue Award for Outstanding Group Operations: Marine Rescue Albany
State Emergency Service Team Achievement Award: Communications Support Unit
Youth Achievement awards
Firefighting Youth Achievement Award: Jordan McIntosh, Bunbury Bush Fire Brigade
Marine Rescue Award for Youth Achievement or Contribution to Youth Development: Thomas Knight, Marine Rescue Port Walcott
State Emergency Service Youth Achievement Award: Jeremiah Peters, Mt Barker State Emergency Service
Individual Achievement awards
Career Fire and Rescue Service Award: Senior Firefighter Michael Hatfield, Midland Fire and Rescue Service
DFES Operational Award for Outstanding Individual Contribution: Mark Spatocco, Communications Centre
DFES Corporate Award for Outstanding Individual Contribution: Shelley Staff, Enterprise Risk Management
Marine Rescue Award for Outstanding Individual Contribution: Graham Martin, Marine Rescue Rockingham
Murray Lang Bush Fire Service Award: Murray McGregor, Northam Central and Irishtown BFB
Peter Keillor Award: Tania Millar, Mandurah State Emergency Service
Volunteer Fire and Emergency Services Award: No recipient in 2020
Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service Award: Melanie McGoldrick, Lancelin Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service
Team Achievement awards
Firefighting Team Achievement Award: Roleystone Volunteer Fire Brigade
Marine Rescue Award for Outstanding Group Operations: Marine Rescue Coral Bay and Marine Rescue Exmouth
State Emergency Service Team Achievement Award: Newman State Emergency Service
Youth Achievement awards
Firefighting Youth Achievement Award: Jarred Kowal, Bunbury Bush Fire Brigade
Marine Rescue Award for Youth Achievement or Contribution to Youth Development: Nikki Russell, Cockburn Volunteer Marine Rescue
State Emergency Service Youth Achievement Award: Alex Corinaldesi, Cockburn State Emergency Service
Individual Achievement awards
Career Fire and Rescue Service Award: Gregory Henry, Senior Firefighter, Perth Fire and Rescue Service
Marine Rescue Award for Outstanding Individual Contribution: Zac Slaughter, Port Hedland Volunteer Marine Rescue
Murray Lang Bush Fire Service Award: Ted Rastrick, Borholm Bush Fire Brigade
Peter Keillor Award: Simon Davidson, Tom Price State Emergency Service
Volunteer Fire and Emergency Services Award: Hubertus Vink, Halls Creek Volunteer Fire and Emergency Services
Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service Award: Phillip Leach, Broome Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service
Team Achievement awards
Firefighting Team Achievement Award: Kalgoorlie Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service
Marine Rescue Award for Outstanding Group Operations: Shark Bay Volunteer Marine Rescue
State Emergency Service Team Achievement Award: Peel/Harvey Recruitment Team
Youth Achievement awards
Firefighting Youth Achievement Award: Callum O’Connell, Tom Price Emergency Services Cadet Corp
Marine Rescue Award for Youth Achievement or Contribution to Youth Development: No recipient in 2018
State Emergency Service Youth Achievement Award: Sarah Hamilton, Belmont/Victoria Park State Emergency Service
Individual Achievement awards
Career Fire and Rescue Service Award: Philip Brandrett, District Officer, Lower South West Regional Office
Marine Rescue Award for Outstanding Individual Contribution: Jeff Howe ESM, Volunteer Marine Rescue WA
Murray Lang Bush Fire Service Award: Bradley Warr, Dwellingup Bush Fire Brigade
Peter Keillor Award: Stephen Faulkner, Wanneroo Joondalup State Emergency Service
Volunteer Fire and Emergency Services Award: Chris Unstead, Bullsbrook Volunteer Fire and Emergency Service
Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service Award: Gyula Bogar, Boyup Brook Volunteer Fire and Rescue
Team Achievement awards
Firefighting Team Achievement Award: Tom Price Bush Fire Brigade/Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service Brigade
Marine Rescue Award for Outstanding Group Operations: Fremantle Volunteer Sea Rescue Group
State Emergency Service Team Achievement Award: National Disaster Rescue Challenge WA State Emergency Service Team
Youth Achievement awards
Firefighting Youth Achievement Award: No recipient in 2017
Marine Rescue Award for Youth Achievement or Contribution to Youth Development: Jamie Jones, Geraldton Volunteer Search and Rescue
State Emergency Service Youth Achievement Award: Brayden Dilley, Kalamunda State Emergency Service
Individual awards
Career Fire and Rescue Service Award: Andrew Seuren, Regional Operations Support Officer, South Coastal Regional Office
Marine Rescue Award for Outstanding Individual Contribution: Christine Heu, Jurien Bay Volunteer Marine Rescue
Murray Lang Bush Fire Service Award: Will Carmody, Cascade Bush Fire Brigade
Peter Keillor Award: Robert Palmer, Mundaring State Emergency Service
Volunteer Fire and Emergency Services Award: Richard Oman, Fitzroy Crossing Volunteer Fire and Emergency Service
Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service Award: Warren Schofield, Derby Fire and Rescue Service
Team awards
Firefighting Team Achievement Award: Argyle Irishtown Bush Fire Brigade
Marine Rescue Award for Outstanding Group Operations: Coral Bay Volunteer Sea Search and Rescue
State Emergency Service Team Achievement Award: Esperance State Emergency Service
Youth Achievement awards
Firefighting Youth Achievement Award: Struan Graham, Wanneroo Central Bush Fire Brigade
Marine Rescue Award for Youth Achievement or Contribution to Youth Development: Ryan Godfrey, Busselton Volunteer Marine Rescue Group
State Emergency Service Youth Achievement Award: Mary-Therese Shanks, Mandurah State Emergency Service
Individual Achievement awards
Career Fire and Rescue Service Award: Stuart Parks, Midland Career Fire and Rescue
Marine Rescue Award for Outstanding Individual Contribution: Barb Walton, Mandurah Volunteer Marine Rescue
Murray Lang Bush Fire Service Award: Blake Halford, Gibson Bush Fire Brigade
Peter Keillor Award: Keith Squibb, Hedland State Emergency Service
Volunteer Fire and Emergency Services Award: Jack Jones, Onslow Volunteer Emergency Services
Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service Award: Anthony Crudeli, Mullewa Fire and Rescue Service
Team Achievement awards
Marine Rescue Award for Outstanding Group Operations: Port Walcott Sea Search and Rescue
State Emergency Service Team Achievement Award: Bunbury State Emergency Service
Firefighting Team Achievement Award: Bremer Bay Volunteer Fire and Emergency Service
Youth Achievement awards
Firefighting Youth Achievement Award: Matthew Holland, Witchcliffe Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service and Bush Fire Service
Marine Rescue Award for Youth Achievement or Contribution to Youth Development: Adam Farmer, Cadet Mandurah Water Rescue Group
State Emergency Service Youth Achievement Award: Kirsten Beidatsch, Mt Barker State Emergency Service
Individual Achievement awards
Career Fire and Rescue Service Award: Martin Cable, Kalgoorlie Fire and Rescue Service
Marine Rescue Award for Outstanding Individual Contribution: Alex Williams, Walpole Volunteer Marine Rescue Group
Murray Lang Bush Fire Service Award: Terri Kowal, Bunbury Bush Fire Brigade
Peter Keillor Award: Jane Campbell, Bayswater State Emergency Service
Volunteer Fire and Emergency Services Award: Frazer McGregor and Sandra Lymbery, Coral Bay Volunteer Fire and Emergency Service
Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service Award: Deirdre Marchese, Kambalda Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service
Team Achievement awards
Marine Rescue Award for Outstanding Group Operations: Albany Sea Rescue Squad
State Emergency Service Team Achievement Award: Manjimup State Emergency Service
Youth Achievement Awards
Firefighting Youth Achievement Award: Kellie Bullen, Broome Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service
State Emergency Service Youth Achievement Award: Meggan Miller, Mandurah State Emergency Service
Individual Achievement Awards
Career Fire and Rescue Service Award: Garth Civil, Perth Fire and Rescue Service
Marine Rescue Award for Outstanding Individual Contribution: Barry Kennewell, Kalbarri Sea Search and Rescue
Murray Lang Bush Fire Service Award: Matthew Thompson, Boddington Bush Fire Brigade
Peter Keillor Award: Steve Cable ESM, Kalbarri State Emergency Service
Volunteer Fire and Emergency Services Award: Kenn McLeod, Fitzroy Crossing Volunteer Emergency Service
Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service Award: Stephen Manning, Cue Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service
Team Achievement Awards
State Emergency Service Team Achievement Award: Karratha and Roebourne State Emergency Service Units
Youth Achievement Awards
Firefighting Youth Achievement Award: Matthew Bartels, Morangup Bush Fire Brigade
Marine Rescue Award for Youth Achievement or Contribution to Youth Development: Iesha Gaitskell, Carnarvon Volunteer Sea Rescue Group
State Emergency Service Youth Achievement Award: Melusha Robson, Communications Support Unit
Individual Achievement Awards
Career Fire and Rescue Service Award: John Landwehr, JAFFA Program
Marine Rescue Award for Outstanding Individual Contribution: Roger Martin, Mandurah Volunteer Marine Rescue
Murray Lang Bush Fire Service Award: David Hasted, Ivanhoe Bush Fire Brigade
Peter Keillor Award: Martin Hale, Bayswater State Emergency Service
Volunteer Fire and Emergency Services Award: Laurie Hull, Tambellup Volunteer Emergency Service
Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service Award: Darren Smith, Wagin Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service
Team Achievement Awards
Marine Rescue Award for Outstanding Group Operations: Shark Bay Volunteer Marine Rescue
State Emergency Service Team Achievement Award: Bayswater State Emergency Service Bike Team
Youth Achievement Awards
Firefighting Youth Achievement Award: Joshua Lourenco, Bassendean Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service and Nathan Ramage, South Coogee Bush Fire Brigade
Marine Rescue Award for Youth Achievement or Contribution to Youth Development: Busselton Volunteer Sea Rescue Group
State Emergency Service Youth Achievement Award: Ben Gardiner, Busselton State Emergency Service
Individual Achievement Awards
Career Fire and Rescue Service Award: Geoffrey O’Day, Osborne Park Fire and Rescue Service
Marine Rescue Award for Outstanding Individual Contribution: Merry Hide, Leeman Marine Rescue
Murray Lang Bush Fire Service Award: Peter Summers, Dongara/Irwin South Bush Fire Brigade
Peter Keillor Award: Keith Drayton, Cockburn State Emergency Service
Volunteer Fire and Emergency Services Award: John Iffla, Bremer Bay Volunteer Emergency Service
Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service Award: Maxine O’Connell and Christopher O’Connell, Tom Price Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service
Team Achievement Awards
Marine Rescue Award for Outstanding Group Operations: Broome Volunteer Sea Rescue Group
State Emergency Service Team Achievement Award: Kununurra State Emergency Service