While most West Australians prepare to celebrate Christmas with loved ones, thousands of selfless volunteers are gearing up to sacrifice their festive plans to protect the community. With Perth forecast to endure one of its hottest Christmases on record, these dedicated individuals from various emergency services are preparing for a potentially hectic and demanding holiday period.
A Season of Service, Not Celebration
For these volunteers, public holidays represent some of their busiest times. Emergency services volunteers responded to a staggering 1461 incidents in the 31 days leading up to January 1, 2025. This immense workload underscores the critical need for their services when many other services wind down.
Among those on duty is Caitlyn Pavey-Smith, a 34-year-old volunteer ambulance officer with St John WA. She will spend the week stationed at the service's Northam depot. Ms Pavey-Smith, who has volunteered for the past 12 months, views her commitment as a simple necessity.
"Unfortunately, people don't stop needing help over public holidays and the festive period, it's actually the opposite," she said. "It's not even a big deal, it's nothing really. Everyone comes together over Christmas, so it's lovely to be able to be that person who can offer support."
On the Frontlines: From Fires to Beaches
The statistics from the previous festive season highlight the diverse and vital roles volunteers play across Western Australia:
- Volunteer firefighters, including crews from the Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service, Volunteer Fire and Emergency Services, and Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade, tackled 1333 incidents. These included 461 bushfires, 213 road crash rescues, and 38 structure fires.
- State Emergency Service (SES) volunteers were called to 52 incidents.
- Volunteer Marine Rescue personnel attended 270 incidents, comprising 225 rescues and 33 marine searches.
- Surf Life Saving WA performed 113 rescues between Christmas Eve and New Year's Day.
- St John WA volunteers attended 1700 ambulance triple zero calls.
Sarah Davis, captain of the Jarrahdale Volunteer Bushfire Brigade, emphasised that emergencies don't pause for holidays. "We've got to be ready 24/7," said Ms Davis, a veteran with 15 years of service. She was recently deployed to a fierce bushfire in Geraldton that destroyed a home and burnt over 130 hectares.
"The most rewarding part is helping people when they're at their worst and most vulnerable," she explained. "Being able to help the residents and letting them know that things are going to be OK... is amazing. I love it and I wouldn't be doing anything else."
On the coast, Coogee Beach surf lifesaver Patrick Rivers will be among those starting patrols at 8am on Christmas morning. His club introduced Christmas Day patrols about five years ago to manage increased risks as more people, often less experienced, head to the beach.
"No one wants something nasty happening on Christmas Day," Mr Rivers said. He and his family will celebrate on Christmas Eve to accommodate his duties. "Whatever we can do to prevent and support felt like an important thing to do."
Leaders Pay Tribute to 'Heart' of Services
Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Darren Klemm extended heartfelt thanks to the thousands of volunteers serving the WA community. "As many in our community wind down over Christmas and spend time with their families, our volunteers continue to give generously of their own time," Commissioner Klemm said. "On behalf of all Western Australians, I extend my sincere thanks to these selfless individuals."
St John WA Group Chief Executive Kevin Brown, who is also a volunteer, described volunteers as the "heart" of the organisation. "Their dedication, compassion and commitment make a real difference to communities across Western Australia," Mr Brown said. "I thank them sincerely for the vital role they play every day."
As temperatures rise and families gather, this dedicated cohort of West Australians stands ready, ensuring safety and providing critical help remains available throughout the festive season.
