A safer premises and improved access during training and operations are in store for Bayswater State Emergency Service (SES) thanks to a new equipment storage area completed at the organisation's Clavering Road facility last month.
The $32,000 upgrade, fully funded by the City, is one of 20 community capital grants projects fast-tracked to completion thanks to $286,762 in funding allocated under the City's $5.09 million local economic and social stimulus package.
Councillor and Bayswater SES Committee chair Stephanie Gray said the City was proud to support local volunteers.
"Bayswater State Emergency Service is a vitally important part of our community with around 60 volunteers who give up their time to help people in situations such as severe weather events and search and rescue operations," Cr Gray said.
"The dedication shown by SES volunteers in their training and work is a testament to the strong sense of community we have here in the City of Bayswater.
"The City is proud to support a local group that gives so much back to the community."
Prior to COVID-19, community capital grant projects required co-contribution of funds, meaning groups were required to contribute to the cost of a project.
"Through its stimulus package, the City is covering the full cost of several community capital grants projects, supporting our community towards recovery," Cr Gray said.
Receiving operational direction from the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES), the Western Australian State Emergency Service (WA-SES) is made up of 68 units, comprising some 2100 members who volunteer their time to provide support to communities impacted by natural disasters and emergencies.
Bayswater SES was established in the early 1970s and today has 61 members who are trained in skills such as first aid, map reading and navigation, land search techniques, radio communications, storm and water damage operations, general rescue and incident management.
Bayswater SES acting local manager Alan Hawke said thanks to the upgrade, the Bayswater unit now features a larger dedicated area to safely store its equipment.
"We are looking forward to being able to store all of our equipment in a safe and secure environment, away from public view and access," Mr Hawke said.
"Before the upgrade, we stored equipment in an old garden shed, which meant some smaller items, like tiles and bricks used for training, had to be left outside, unattended between training sessions.
"These upgrades have not only extended the retaining walls, they've also put down a sound concrete slab.
"The completed project means there's also enough space to fit larger equipment like a walker stacker, which we are looking to acquire in the near future.
"Having a secure but still readily accessible place to store equipment has also removed limitations on our roof training facility, where excess items were previously being stowed, allowing for better movement of emergency service vehicles and personnel during training and operations."
Find out more about the City's stimulus package.