More than 75 businesses and individuals from across Western Australia have been recognised for their vital role in supporting emergency service volunteers at this year’s Volunteer Employer Recognition Awards (VERA).
Held at Perth’s ANZAC Club, the 2025 ceremony celebrated 78 employers, organisations and self-employed volunteers from Kununurra to Albany who make it possible for emergency responders to serve their communities when it matters most.
The awards acknowledge businesses that allow staff to leave work to respond to fires, floods and other emergencies, as well as self-employed volunteers who put their own livelihoods on hold to help others.
Among the recipients was Perth’s Central Park Tower, which received its fifth VERA award for its long-standing support of the Kalamunda and Pickering Brook Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade. The company has backed local volunteers for more than 17 years, showing a consistent commitment to public safety and community resilience.
Now in its 17th year, the VERA program is hosted by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) and continues to highlight the crucial partnership between employers, volunteers and emergency agencies across the State.
Emergency Services Minister Paul Papalia praised the award recipients for their contribution to Western Australia’s emergency response network.
“VERA celebrates and acknowledges employers who go above and beyond to enable their staff to respond to emergencies during work hours,” he said. “The Cook Government recognises the employers and organisations who strive to generously contribute to our State’s successful emergency services. On behalf of all Western Australians, I thank our dedicated volunteers who donate their time playing a key role in keeping our communities safe.”
The awards reflect the collective effort behind every emergency response—from those on the front line to the workplaces and business owners who make their service possible.
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