• New Volunteer Hub improves access to information and resources for emergency services volunteers
  • Nearly 400 volunteers contributed to the development and refinement of the website

A new website has been launched to provide greater support for Western Australia’s emergency services volunteers as the State prepares for the bushfire and wet seasons.

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services’ Volunteer Hub is now online, creating a centralised portal that connects users to key information, allows them to share ideas and resources, and brings the volunteer community together regardless of geographical location.

Nearly 400 volunteers have been heavily involved in the design and development process to ensure the website meets their needs and expectations.

The website is mobile-friendly, personalises information such as service history, improves search functions and provides a mechanism for feedback on every page.

The Hub is the latest in a series of changes implemented to improve services for volunteers, including the establishment of volunteer liaison officers, volunteer management support officers, and a series of forums to allow for greater consultation across the State’s different emergency services.

A new advertising campaign has also recently been launched to highlight the wide range of diverse roles that can be carried out by volunteers behind the frontline.

Comments attributed to Emergency Services Minister Francis Logan:

“The new and improved Volunteer Hub has been a great collaboration between the Department of Fire and Emergency Services and volunteers to create a product that works for all.

“Our emergency service volunteers already have plenty to do, so providing them with easy-to-access information and the support they need to perform their roles means they have more time for themselves and their communities.

“The feedback from the Hub working groups has helped deliver a vastly improved online experience for volunteers and a place where they can share and find information from a trusted source.”

https://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Pages/McGowan/2019/11/User-friendly-online-hub-designed-for-and-by-volunteers.aspx