Southern WA community heroes shine in prestigious awards

Emergency services personnel in the State’s south have been recognised for going above and beyond to protect their community at the 2026 Western Australian Fire and Emergency Services (WAFES) Awards.

Twelve individuals and teams from Esperance to Jurien Bay received accolades at the annual gala dinner at Crown Perth last night.

In total, 17 awards were presented to honour the outstanding achievements of personnel across firefighting, emergency management, State Emergency Service (SES) and Marine Rescue.

Two new award categories – DFES Young Person of the Year and the pinnacle WAFES Young Person of the Year – further highlighted the capable and extraordinary young people in emergency services who stand out from their peers.

Danielle Ryder, 27, of Jurien Bay Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service (VFRS) received the WAFES Young Person of the Year Award for her efforts in strengthening the pathways for local cadets from Leeman to Cervantes and Dandaragan to Badgingarra to transition into adult brigades.

Peter McConkey’s passion for strengthening rescue response earned him the Career Fire and Rescue Service Individual Achievement Award.

They were among 35 finalists and four young person winners selected from 139 nominations, more than half of which were volunteers.

Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Darren Klemm AFSM said it was another busy high-threat period in southern WA with several emergency level bushfires, challenging vertical rescues and responses at sea.

“It was a demanding bushfire season for career and volunteer firefighters who placed themselves at the frontline over the Christmas and New Year period to protect lives and homes from bushfires,” he said.

“Overall DFES volunteer and career personnel responded to around 44,522 incidents since April 2025, including more than 6,200 bushfires, 4,200 road crash rescues and 1,700 structure fires.

“Our volunteer and career crews did another magnificent job keeping Western Australians safe with a select few going above and beyond, resulting in their recognition at the WAFES Awards.”

Commissioner Klemm said this year’s spotlight on young people in emergency services showed the organisation’s willingness to embrace new ideas, generational change and emerging volunteers.

“It is great to further highlight our future leaders with two new young person awards. Their incredible efforts are strengthening emergency services today and guiding it tomorrow,” he said.

“All the winners embody the spirit of service, community and resilience that defines WA’s emergency services.”