Lifesaving volunteers get special treatment at Mandurah event

The inaugural Emergency Services Recognition Event and Community Spirit Awards was the brainchild of former city councillor Don Pember.

Local emergency volunteers make a valuable contribution in a range of areas including bushfire services, land search and rescue services, first aid, State emergency services, cadets, marine rescue services and surf lifesaving.

Agencies often work together at incidents and the evening provided the chance for them to network.

Unit awards went to Falcon Volunteer and Rescue Service, Mandurah Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service, Port Bouvard Lifesaving Club and Mandurah Volunteer Marine Rescue.

Individual awards were won by Arthur Stanton of Mandurah Southern Districts Bush Fire Brigade, Will Norris of Mandurah State Emergency Service and Red Cross volunteer Kerry Nash.

Other awards went to the patrol lifesavers at Mandurah Surf Life Saving Club, Peel Support Operations’ Wesfarmers Lifesaver Jet Ski Team, training development officers at the Dawesville sub centre of St John Ambulance and Mandurah division of St John Ambulance Event Health services.

Mandurah Mayor Marine Vergone encouraged people to become involved in volunteering as a great way to give back to the community, by calling Peel Volunteer Resource Centre on 9581 1187.