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emergency.wa.gov.au

About SES

WA SES is a government-funded emergency service in Western Australia, comprised of more than 2,000 highly trained volunteers across 64 units, serving 2.9 million Western Australians over 2.6 million square kilometres of land. We're ordinary people with extraordinary responsibility, ready to step forward when help is most needed.

SES personnel preparing for a vertical rescue. A large rescue frame is positioned near a cliff edge with ropes attached. SES personnel in protective equipment and uniforms have equipped climbing equipment.

Who are we?

The Western Australia State Emergency Service (SES) is the state's principal rescue and hazard management agency for natural disasters, responsible for providing operational support and attending emergencies for natural disasters, vertical and road crash rescues, missing persons searches, and other major incidents in Western Australia (WA). The SES is a division of the Department of Fire and Emergency Services . We are operational 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, handling thousands of calls for service every year.

WA SES is comprised of more than 2,000 highly trained volunteers and professionals across 65 units, drawn from all walks of life. Each member brings a wealth of expertise to manage and mitigate emergencies effectively. Our personnel undergo rigorous training in diverse fields, ensuring that when a crisis arises, they are well-prepared to coordinate with police, fire brigades, and medical services, providing a comprehensive response to community needs.

Community resilience is at the forefront of the our mission. Through educational programs, workshops, and local engagements, we strive to foster a culture of preparedness. By equipping individuals and businesses with the knowledge and tools to prepare for disasters, the SES plays a pivotal role in reducing the impact of emergencies on the community and the environment.

Our mission

Our mission is to protect lives, property, and environment through proactive emergency management.

The State Emergency Service is committed to empowering communities with the skills and knowledge to prevent, prepare for, and respond to disasters. United by integrity, strengthened by unity, and driven by a dedication to public safety, we strive to build resilient communities that can thrive in the face of adversity

Our purpose is to support the WA community to prepare for disasters and protect them against the unpredictability of natural hazards and emergency incidents. We operate 24 hours per day, seven days per week, on land, in the air and by sea across the vast 2.5 million square kilometres of our great state.

Years of Operation
66
Personnel
2,000+
Total Units
64
SES personnel in bright orange uniforms, dressed in climbing gear, posing for the camera, smiling

Our values

Our dedication to safety, community engagement, and preparedness drives our mission to protect lives, property, and the environment through proactive emergency management. We are committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and responsibility. Our volunteers uphold our values and act with the highest level of ethical conduct at all times in accordance with the DFES Code of Conduct .

Teamwork
We are strongest when we work together. We value the skills and attributes each person brings and the role they play
Safety
Safety guides our decisions. We prioritise the health of the community and each other, communicating openly about well-being.
Leadership
We encourage people to lead through action and attitude. We nurture leadership in ourselves and our communities.
Commitment
We are dedicated to getting the best outcomes for our community. We go above and beyond to be prepared for the unexpected.
Adaptability
We meet and overcome challanges through collective effort and innovative problem-solving.
Trust
We rely on each other. We always treat each other with respect and act with integrity.

Duty calls here.

It's not just a catchphrase, it's a call to action for those ready to make a significant difference. Volunteering with the State Emergency Service (SES) is a commitment to stepping forward when help is most needed.

Our volunteers are essential to our operations, providing support across a spectrum of roles from on-the-ground emergency responses to vital administrative functions. No matter your background or experience, there's a place for you in the SES. We're always looking for new volunteers to join our team.

SES personnel in bright orange uniforms in helmets, equipping vertical extraction gear in preparation for a rescue

We're always here to help

No matter who you are, or where you are, we're ready for service 24/7. For SES emergency assistance anywhere in Australia, call 132 500.

Not sure when you should call the State Emergency Service?

Learn when to call SES

Not experiencing an emergency, but need to get in touch?

Non-emergency enquiries