SES Volunteer Association NewsletterMarch 2018Office 0499 619 287

sesva.office@ses-wa.asn.au

Training Qualifications Being Reviewed

(Trainer Assessor Endorsement Currency)

DFES have advised the current endorsements ofTrainer Assessors across all regions and servicesare being reviewed, to ensure that training andassessment skills are being maintained.

As part of this process, any Trainer Assessorwho has not delivered a course in theirendorsed products in the last two years, (TRKs),has been highlighted to the regions by theAcademy.

The regions have been asked to review theinformation and take one of the followingactions:

► Advise the Academy if the informationcontained in the report is incorrect, andprovide evidence that shows the TA hasdelivered in the last two years.

► Provide a plan to maintain the currencyof the highlighted Trainer Assessors bybooking them to deliver a course in theupcoming 12 months.

► Advise the Academy to remove theendorsement if the TA is either nolonger available or required.

Don’t panic, if you are an endorsed TrainerAssessor who is identified as at risk of losingcurrency, your region will work with you toensure that you have the opportunity tomaintain your currency by delivering on acourse during 2018.

Maintenance and Continuation Training Activities

DFES advise maintenance and continuationtraining activities are considered important inmaintaining your subject matter skills andknowledge, but they are not sufficient on theirown, to maintain training and assessmentcurrency.

This is because these activities do not allow youto maintain your assessment skills, work withgroups of unfamiliar students or maintain anunderstanding of how the Trainer AssessorEndorsement Issues components of the course fittogether as a whole (course flow).

Training Matters HF Radio Course

A course is currently being developed and shouldbe available sometime in the near future.

Computers/Tablets Issues for Units

We have discussed this at length with variousDFES departments and have not receivedsatisfactory explanations or answers. Keepwatching this space as we do not accept theanswers given, especially in view of therequirements being placed on Units to provideinformation via electronic means.

Fridges in Vehicles

DFES advise new vehicles may come with aportable fridge, but fridges will not be fittedretrospectively.

We have discussed this at length with variousDFES departments and have not receivedsatisfactory explanations or answers.

Keep watching this space as we do not acceptthe answers given.

Photovoltaic Trailer

The DFES Academy has a trailer which can beused as a training aid for solar panels on a roofetc situations.

In the past a licensed electrician was requiredto assemble the trailer.

The Academy has now modified the trailer, andthis is no longer the case.

Contact the Academy to book this excellenttraining tool.

TA’s Without WTA not Appearing in DFESTNAReport

Trainer/Assessors who have not done the WTAcourse, and who were accredited prior to itsrelease, did not appear on the Academy TNAReport.

This has now been rectified, and they do appear.

Charity and Taxation Status

DFES has been working with the AustralianCharities and Not-for-Profits Commission (ACNC),to determine the charity status of SES Units.

The ACNC has confirmed units are not eligiblefor charity status as they are classified asgovernment entities under their legislation.

DFES is working closely with the AustralianTaxation Office to preserve existing taxationconcessions including income tax exemptions.DFES has sent letters to all SES Units and theAssociation.

Further information can be obtained from theVolunteer Portal or by contacting Mr AnthonySomes, Senior Taxation Officer by emailingTax@dfes.wa.gov.au or 9395 9502.

Wear Orange Wednesday –WOW Day

Save the Date – 23rd May 2018

WOW Day is celebrated each year by DFES andthe SES Volunteers Association.

This year’s WOW Day campaign will be held onMay 23rd.

This national day of support for the SES givesthe public an opportunity to say thank you toSES Volunteers by wearing something orange.

WOW Day also provides an opportunity for SESUnits to promote their unit through mediacoverage.

Units are therefore encouraged to think aboutany possible stories which could generate aninterest for the media.

All metropolitan SES Volunteers will be invitedto a BBQ at the Gosnells SES Unit from 7.00 to9.00 pm on 23rd May.

An official invitation will be issued in thecoming months.

KEEP this day and time FREE

National Volunteer Week 21 –

27 May 2018

National Volunteer Week celebrates Volunteeringin Emergency Services and recognises the highlyvalued contribution Volunteers make to theircommunities.Volunteers are encouraged to nominate someonethey know in one of the following categories:

► WA Volunteer of the Year► WA Youth Volunteer of the Year (18­30years)► WA Lifetime Contribution to Volunteering► WA Volunteer for Multicultural Communities

Award► WA Excellence in Volunteer Management► WA Volunteer for Multicultural Communities

Award► WA People’s Choice ‘Spirit of Volunteering

Award► WA Community Volunteer Organisation of

the Year

Nominate on- line:https://awards.volunteeringwa.org.au/nominate­someoneNominations for the above Awards close 5.00 pm9 March 2018

► Gold Medallion for Exceptional BraveryAwarded to any person who performs aconspicuous and selfless act of exceptionalbravery in circumstances of extreme peril.

► Silver Medallion for Bravery – EmergencyServices Award

Any member or members of a recognisedEmergency Services Responses Unit who, in thefulfilment of their duties, performs a conspicuousand selfless act of bravery on the WestAustralian coast.

Nominations on-line:https://www.coastalbraveryawards.com.au/Nominations close 31st March 2018

National Volunteer Week 2018Celebration Grants

These grants can provide an opportunity forunits to participate in the annual nationalcelebration of Australia’s extraordinaryvolunteers.

Applications on-line:https://volunteeringwa.org.au/training­­events/national­volunteer­week/nvw­grantsApplications close 1st March 2018

How to Keep Informed

Don't forget we have a website which keeps youinformed of what is happening across the statein SES land.

We also have "the App".

And also, if you would like our newsletters,other relevant information etc forwarded directto your email, just contact Bella at the office,and let her know your details.

From your SESVA team