SAES in Western Australia is ready to serve
SAES in Western Australia is ready to serve
20 January 2017
More than 45 SAES volunteers served meals to personnel fighting a fire at Upper Swan last week.
The Salvation Army Emergency Services in Western Australia have had a busy few weeks, catering for police, firefighters and volunteers at a fire, chemical spill, police search and other incidences.
From Sunday 8 January, 45 SAES volunteers provided 1005 meals to the personnel working to bring a large bushfire under control in the Upper Swan, 40km north east of Perth City. The fire grew substantially overnight, but crews brought it under control the next day.
“We served meals, tea and coffee from the Sunday night to Tuesday lunch time, preparing breakfast on site and midnight meals and lunches on our truck,” said Benjamin Day, State Director, SAES in Western Australia.
The SAES volunteers are assisted by volunteers in “The Beacon” – the Salvation Army’s crisis and transitional accommodation centre for men and women facing homelessness.
“The meals are prepared in The Beacon’s commercial kitchen and delivered in hot boxes to incidents,” explained Benjamin. “We have a great working relationship with the staff and volunteers at The Beacon which relieves the pressure out in the field.”
The SAES holds regular training sessions for its volunteers, who are spread throughout Western Australia.
The SAES main depot is based in Malaga, 13km north of the city with a second facility recently established in Bibra Lake to support the southern metropolitan area. There are also additional trailers housed in some country locations.
“There are approximately 300 volunteers registered with the SAES throughout the state,” said Benjamin. “We have one catering truck, one supply truck, five support vehicles, and about 20 trailers ranging from cool rooms, freezers, water tanks, generators and general catering trailers. Our equipment is maintained year round and is ready to respond anywhere throughout Western Australia.”
As well as natural disasters, the SAES also responds to police and fire brigade events such searches for missing people, crime scenes and other major incidents. “We have a good relationship with them, and this also allows us to generate some income for the program to buy new equipment and supplies,” said Benjamin. “We also cater at a range of community events, including Anzac Day.”
Volunteers are now busy cleaning out the SAES truck after the fire in Upper Swan; restocking equipment, purchasing supplies and preparing for the next fire, incident or event.
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