Kimberley Emergency Service Volunteers once again make WAFES Awards finalist list

Kimberley Volunteer Emergency Services and their volunteers have once again been recognised for their tireless efforts in protecting their local communities with the announcement of the WA Fire and Emergency Service Award finalists. Natural Hazard West Kimberley District Officer Victoria Gardener is a finalist for the DFES Operational Staff Individual Achievement Award. Nathan Donald from the Broome State Emergency Service is a finalist for the Peter Keillor Award. Chais O’Dwyer from Kununurra Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service is a finalist in the Firefighting Youth Achievement Award. Byron Schaffer from Marine Rescue Broome is a finalist for the Marine Rescue Youth Achievement Award The Broome and Kununurra crews are both finalists in the Firefighting Team Achievement Award. Kimberley MLA Divina D’Anna congratulated the finalists for their dedication to servicing their communities. “A huge thank you to all the hardworking fire and emergency services workers and volunteers out there,” she said. “We truly appreciate everything you do. It’s wonderful to see your efforts being recognised and celebrated.” Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson said the annual awards recognised the vital contribution that emergency services personnel made to WA every year, particularly volunteers who donated their time for the benefit of their community. “Over the past year, our emergency services have faced incredible challenges and dangers, selflessly putting themselves at risk to serve their community,” Mr Dawson said. “Day or night these people are ready to respond to major bushfires, storms, cyclones, floods and land and sea search rescue operations without hesitation. “They are always on hand to help, whether it’s helping us to prepare for disasters or responding and rebuilding our local communities after an incident. “On behalf of the Cook Government and all Western Australians, I would like to thank and commend these amazing finalists and all of our emergency services personnel for their efforts and commitment. “The WAFES Awards are a chance for all of us to recognise the inspiring stories of our first responders and to acknowledge and thank them for their heroic efforts.“ The Kimberley cohort is among the 44 finalists selected from across WA’s regions this year. The winners will be revealed at the WAFES Awards gala dinner at Crown Perth on September 7.