History
Western Australia's State Emergency Service volunteers cover everything from Kimberley cyclones to South West storms and searches across country the size of Western Europe, and DFES marks their years on a published ladder: a medallion at five years of diligent service, the State Emergency Service Long Service Medal at ten, and a clasp for each subsequent five years, all the way to fifty five.
Every active registered member of a unit is eligible, support members included, with service counted from the date of joining and aggregated across breaks. In the department's order of wear the medal sits third among the DFES awards, worn on the left after all Australian honours, and the same decades build toward the National Medal at fifteen years in the national system.
Design & ribbon
The medal
The department does not publish a formal design description for the medal; the pattern supplied is the current issue, and the photographs above show its obverse and reverse.
The ribbon
The current WA SES issue.
The ribbon follows the pattern of the current issue, shown above.
Clasps
Continued service is recognised by clasps at each further five years, with only the current clasp worn.
Eligibility
The medal recognises diligent service by volunteers of the WA State Emergency Service.
- All active registered members of a unit, including support members, are eligible: a medallion at five years, the Long Service Medal at ten, and a clasp for each subsequent five years of diligent service to the SES, up to fifty five;
- Service is counted from the date of joining or registering and may be an aggregate of years rather than continuous;
- The medal sits outside the national honours system and carries no post-nominal.
Order of wear
DFES awards are not recognised at state or national level, but the Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner has determined that DFES medals and ribbon bars may be worn on the left side, after all other Australian honours and awards including the National Medal, in the department's set order: the Diligent Service Medal, then the Volunteer Marine Rescue Services, State Emergency Service and Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service medals. Only the current medallion, medal or clasp is worn.
Frequently asked questions
What is the WA State Emergency Service Medal awarded for?
Ten years of diligent service by active registered members of WA SES units, following a medallion at five years, with a clasp for each further five years up to fifty five.
Who counts as a member?
All active registered members of a unit, including support members: the recognition covers the whole unit, not only the operational crews.
Does broken service count?
Yes. Service is counted from the date of joining or registering and may be an aggregate of years.
How is it worn?
On the left after all Australian honours and awards, third among the DFES medals by the Commissioner's determination, with only the current medallion, medal or clasp worn.
Does SES service count toward national awards?
Yes. Fifteen years of diligent service can earn the National Medal within the Australian honours system.
Does it carry a post-nominal?
No.