- Fifteen dedicated emergency services champions recognised for outstanding contributions in the line of duty
- Western Australian Fire and Emergency Services Awards celebrate excellence in firefighting, emergency management, Marine Rescue and the State Emergency Service
- Annual awards presented at a gala dinner in Perth
A senior firefighter passionate about supporting sick children and a volunteer brigade that rescued a stranded family from rising floodwaters have been recognised at the 2025 Western Australian Fire and Emergency Services (WAFES) Awards.
There are more than 28,000 career and volunteer personnel in WA's emergency services family. Each year the WAFES Awards celebrate the efforts of a select band of individuals and teams who have gone above and beyond in their efforts to protect the community.
There were 45 finalists for this year's awards with 15 winners announced at a gala Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) dinner held at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre last night.
The crew from Marine Rescue Carnarvon were honoured for their efforts in rescuing a seriously ill sailor 70 kilometres off the coast and returning him to shore in rough seas for life-saving treatment. The group received the Marine Rescue Team Achievement Award.
At 18, Joshua Yates has become an integral part of the Margaret River State Emergency Service (SES), earning him the SES Young Person of the Year Award. He performed a key role in the Bunbury storm response last year and was also deployed to Queensland to help with the clean-up after it was hit by a tropical cyclone.
The Karratha Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service received the Firefighting Team Achievement Award for its outstanding efforts to rescue a family stranded by floodwaters after Tropical Cyclone Sean in January.
Sam Collins is a firefighter by day and one night a week he organises colleagues to bring a smile to sick kids. His work on the Perth Children's Hospital visits by firefighters earned him the Career Fire and Rescue Individual Achievement Award.
The awards were presented during a busy week for WA's fire and emergency services with Perth hosting the annual AFAC conference and exhibition. Many DFES personnel showcased their skills and strategies at the event conducted by AFAC, the Australia and New Zealand council of fire and emergency services.
As stated by Emergency Services Minister Paul Papalia:
"Every Western Australian is proud of the work our fire and emergency services personnel do to keep us safe every day of the year, before, during and after emergencies.
"Our dedicated brigades, groups and units operate in dangerous and high-pressured circumstances, and it is important we recognise their contribution to protecting communities across Western Australia.
"The WAFES Awards again highlight the outstanding efforts by a group of emergency services champions and I am proud to hear their stories and achievements.
"I encourage you to support your emergency services personnel by nominating someone or a team you believe is worthy of receiving an award in the future."
As stated by Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Darren Klemm AFSM:
"It has been another busy 12 months for our fire and emergency services, answering the calls to respond to floods, fires, storms and rescues across our vast State, interstate and even overseas.
"We can be proud of all our personnel who provide exceptional service to communities all over WA, often in tough and testing circumstances.
"Each year there are those who have exceeded expectations in their normal roles.
"The WAFES Awards enable us to recognise our highest achievers. I congratulate all finalists and winners for their outstanding efforts in fire and emergency services.
2025 WAFES Awards winners
Career Fire and Rescue Individual Achievement Award
Sam Collins, Firefighter, Belmont Fire Station
Firefighting Team Achievement Award
Karratha Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service
Firefighting Young Person of the Year Award
Dylan Goldup, Kununurra Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service
DFES Corporate Staff Individual Achievement Award
Aaron Kain, Bushfire Risk Management Officer
DFES Operational Staff Individual Achievement Award
Ian Anderson, Academy Instructor
Murray Lang Bush Fire Service Award
Jeff McDougall, Gelorup Bush Fire Brigade
Peter Keillor Award
Connie Reed, Newman State Emergency Service
Volunteer Fire and Emergency Services Individual Achievement Award
Carlos Veldscholte, Wyndham Volunteer Fire and Emergency Services
Marine Rescue Individual Achievement Award
Owen Rouse, Marine Rescue Derby
Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service Individual Achievement Award
Amelia Fitzgerald, Esperance Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service
DFES Staff Team Achievement Award
Public Information Team
Marine Rescue Team Achievement Award
Marine Rescue Carnarvon
State Emergency Service Team Achievement Award
Esperance State Emergency Service
Marine Rescue Young Person of the Year Award
Fraser Boulter, Marine Rescue Fremantle
State Emergency Service Young Person of the Year Award
Joshua Yates, Margaret River State Emergency Service
