26/1/2015 – Australia Day Skyshow

Our unit, along with Cockburn, Canning / South Perth and Bassendean, run a river ambulance service in conjunction with St Johns.

The need for this service arose when a road ambulance could not get through traffic with a critical patient on board from the south side of the river.

We were used three times this year, with the last just as the fireworks were starting, so we had a really good view as we headed towards the flag pole on the north side of the river.


12/1/2015 – Keith’s tree

We were called by one of our own to assist with a tree that had fallen across his driveway, preventing him from getting his car out. I must admit that this is the first time that I have attended a member’s house and I think the “carton rules” apply…

Quite a large white gum – about 15m high and a trunk of about 800mm diameter. The tree appeared to have some rot and ant activity.

It ended up taking about 2 hours to finish the job with 4 chainsaw operators using 3 saws.

Photos courtesy of Terri Dufty.


6/1/2015 – 2014 Update

So its been a while since we last published anything to our website.

2014 was quite a busy year for us. At the end of the year, we had a total of 45 active members that contributed to approximately 5,000 hours of training and 330 hours of callouts.

Training highlights for the year were Senior First Aid, storm damage training with Welshpool FRS, Camp in May/June, 4WD course and a Chainsaw course.

We also competed in the 2014 Metro SES Challenge, and came out on top for the second time in 10 years.

In 2015, our training will focus on integration between sections, team leader development, 2 inductions, inter-service and inter-unit training, more exercises and another camp (or two).


9/12/2013 – Award presentation

Tonight was the last night of Training for 2013, but also a significant night with several awards being presented to members.

Superintendent Craig Waters attended to present the following awards:

10yr Long Service Medal for dedication to the SES and the commitment to helping the community and was presented to:
Cheryl Allard
Damian Allard
Suzi Hayward
Stuart Romero

Lastly a National Service Medal was presented to Mel Hayward. The National Medal recognises long and diligent service by members that risk their lives or safety to protect or assist the community in enforcement of the law or in times of emergency or natural disaster. This award is available for any member belonging to a recognised government or voluntary organisation.

Although members don’t join for the recognition, it is important to acknowledge the time, effort and commitment a long standing member dedicates to the cause. Congratulations to everyone.

Cheryl Allard – 10 year long service medalcheryl

Damian Allard – 10 year long service medaldamian

Suzi Hayward- 10 year long service medalsuzi

Stuart Romero- 10 year long service medalstuart

Mel Hayward- 15 year National Service medalmel

 

5/10/2013 – Chainsaw Continuation Training

Last weekend the Belmont unit held some continuation training for our chainsaw qualified members. This also provided a taste of the chainsaw action for some non-qualified members. Thanks to Stuart Romero for arranging the day, some interesting activities and for passing on some of his thorough knowledge on the subject. Also, thank you to all that participated. Those members that attended without the qualification, we hope to see you on the next course.

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15/6/2013 – SES Floods Water Police

Flood Boat Rescue Crews and the Fremantle Water Police met yesterday, to learn about each others capabilities. Although a surprise to most members; this was organised as part of Canning and Belmont SES units continuation training program. It was perfect timing as the Water Police had just launched a new $2.28million purpose-built boat to assist in search and rescue operations.

Firstly we started with a tour of the Water Police facilities, where Senior Sargeant Greg Trew spoke about their capabilities including how the SES may assist them in a range of operations. We also viewed their communications centre before touring their 2 main vessels.

Their new vessel, named Cygnet 5 (a 17m vessel), is amazing to view, with state of the art technology, strength and power, and the capability to travel 380 nautical miles without refuelling. This vessel is specifically designed for their main operations being marine crime and to carry out dive operations for crime scene evidence search and recovery. Then there’s a 10m and 8m Naiad which are more commonly used due to their ease of movement and remarkable speed, although it has its downfall being no ‘facilities’.  All their vessels are well designed, making use of available technology but maintaining consistency across their vessels.

From here Senior Sargeant Trew and Senior Constable Bruce Rodgers were familiarised with our vessels from Canning and Belmont. Trainer Assessors Suzi Hayward and David Read, provided the Water Police with information on the SES response and vessel capabilities; specifically their limitations and advantages. We spoke about our crew qualifications and competencies, including the expectations of crews responding to a flood.

The visit built a relationship between the SES flood rescue units and the Water Police who identified ways we can assist with their operations such as with water searches, and working with their divers. Which in turn identified future training requirements for not only the SES, but inter-agency training opportunities as well. Both SnrSgt.Trew and SnrCon. Rodgers really had a lot of respect for what we do, and value our contributions and assistance as volunteers. We appreciate the time they took from their day, and hope this collaboration will help bolster both our services to the community.

4/12/2012 – Flood Rescue Course

Recently Metro SES ran a Flood Boat rescue Course out of our new unit. This course can be quite competitive as there is a minimum of 3 courses that must be completed prior to completing this course. This year we had, 2 x Mandurah SES, 2 x Canning/South Perth SES, 1 x Armadale SES, and 4 x Belmont SES. We also had a new Instructor from Belmont under assessment.

This course is not easy with the first 2 full days being theory based. Although sometimes mind-numbing, it is a necessary part all students must learn before being allowed to drive vessels and conduct rescues. However you will see from the photos below that the instructors try their best to make the lessons more hands on and fun.

The next 2 days are spent on the water. First day upstream Guildford where students practice their slow speed, small area negotiating. They also conduct basic search and rescue operations. The last day is out on Melville Waters, where they undertake a series of obstacle courses and slalom courses to test their high speed manoeuvrability. This tests the limits of the students, but is also an important stage in identifying the limitations of each vessel. They also conduct towing, technical manoeuvres and rescues.

After 4 intense day, 7 students were found successful, with the further two requiring a little more practice in some areas to complete the course. Congrats to all the students. Additionally congrats to John Saffrey for doing an excellent job as an instructor and passing his own assessment.

 

 

 

 

 

15/9/2012 – Quick Moving Floodies

Saturday the Flood Rescue Trained members headed out on the water for some continuaton training, to ensure their skills are being maintained. Joined by three Canning/South Perth members, we headed for Pullman Park, Upper Swan. We have never used this area for training before, but the instructors believed it was a different area to get us out of our comfort zone.

Engaging 4wd the training commenced with a steep decline down to a muddy area. We refreshed our memories with terminology before mixing our General Rescue and Flood Rescue techniques to launch the boats (below photo)

 

 

With the boats launched, we set off for some practice manoeuvring in moving water in our smaller boats. 

Practiced our Pinning drills – although we had to think outside the box here. Here are the goys contemplating their options. (below)

We got to play in Cannings Boat aswell, and have a bit of fun in the beautiful sun.

 

Overall it was a good day 🙂

 

 

27/8/2012 – Funeral for member Robert Bell

is with deep regret that I inform you of the passing of our Stores Member Robert Bell on Monday 20th August 2012.

Robert Joined the Belmont SES in 2003 where he was a dedicated member of the Stores and Logistics Section. A quiet one, but always active and keen to help out where ever he could. He will be truly missed by everyone in the unit.

Family and friends are warmly invited to a Service to help celebrate his life to be held in Seasons Funerals Chapel, 8 Hehir St, Belmont on MONDAY (27.8.2012) commencing at 3:00pm.

20/8/2012 – Membership Photos

As part of annual tradition we all got together for our unit photos last night.

Its the first lot of photos in our new unit aswell.

 

Whole of Unit Photo

 

Rescue Team 1

 

Rescue Team 2

 

 Operations, Stores and Comms Sections