President's member update July 2026

Dear Members,

June has been another productive month for the Queensland SES Volunteer Association (QSESVA), with significant engagement across Queensland SES leadership, government forums, volunteer representatives and the broader emergency services sector. Throughout the month, the Executive has continued to focus on strengthening relationships, improving communication and ensuring volunteers continue to have a strong, constructive voice in the future direction of the Queensland SES.

Chief Officer Handover – 5 June

Eddie Cowie and I attended the formal handover to Queensland SES’s new acting Chief Officer. The handover provided an opportunity to reaffirm the Association’s commitment to working collaboratively with Queensland SES leadership in advancing the interests of volunteers across the state. We look forward to building a strong professional relationship with the acting Chief Officer and his executive team as they continue to shape the future direction of the organisation.

Queensland SES 50-Year Celebration – 6 June

Eddie Cowie and I were honoured to attend the Queensland SES 50-Year Anniversary Parade and celebrations in Brisbane at the invitation of the Chief Officer. The event recognised five decades of dedicated volunteer service to Queensland communities and provided an opportunity to acknowledge the enormous contribution made by generations of SES volunteers. It was an excellent opportunity to reconnect with volunteers from across the state and celebrate the history and achievements of our organisation.

Emergency Volunteer Advisory Forum – 10 June

I attended the Emergency Volunteer Advisory Forum (EVAF) in Brisbane. The forum continues to provide an important opportunity for volunteer organisations to engage directly with government on matters affecting emergency service volunteers throughout Queensland. Discussions covered a range of current initiatives and broader issues impacting volunteer emergency services.

Local Controllers Leadership Development Forum – 19–21 June

I attended the Queensland SES Local Controllers Leadership Development Forum. The forum provided valuable leadership development for Local Controllers from across Queensland while also creating opportunities to engage directly with volunteer and paid leaders throughout the organisation.

During the forum I was invited to address all Local Controllers and senior Queensland SES leadership regarding the Queensland SES Volunteer Association. The presentation outlined:

•     The purpose and role of the Volunteer Association.
•     How the Association advocates for volunteers.
•     Our collaborative working relationship with Queensland SES leadership.
•     The role of our newly appointed Regional Member Advocates.
•     Membership opportunities within the Association.
•     The importance of ensuring volunteers continue to have a strong and constructive voice in the future of Queensland SES.

The response throughout the weekend was overwhelmingly positive, with many volunteers taking the opportunity to discuss issues affecting their local areas and several new members joining the Association during the event.

Chief Officer Meeting – 26 June

Eddie Cowie and I met with the Chief Officer at Queensland SES Headquarters. The meeting continued the positive and collaborative discussions that have developed between Queensland SES and the Volunteer Association. A broad range of volunteer-related topics were discussed, including volunteer capability, leadership development, training, governance and future opportunities to strengthen volunteer engagement across Queensland. The Association remains committed to working constructively with Queensland SES leadership to identify practical solutions that benefit volunteers while supporting the long-term success of the organisation.

Leadership Development Discussions

Following our meeting with the Chief Officer, Eddie Cowie and I travelled to Moggill to meet with a previous Head Psychologist from QFES. Discussions focused on the development of a contemporary leadership development program for emerging volunteer leaders. The intention is to develop a program for consideration by the National SES Volunteer Association while also exploring opportunities for future leadership development initiatives that may be delivered in partnership with Queensland SES and the Volunteer Association. Developing capable volunteer leaders remains one of the Association’s long-term strategic priorities, and this work represents an exciting opportunity to invest in the next generation of volunteer leadership.

Looking Ahead

Planning and advocacy work continues across a number of projects, including volunteer leadership development, governance improvements, volunteer representation, capability development and strengthening communication across all Queensland regions. The Association remains committed to constructive engagement with Queensland SES, government and other stakeholders while ensuring that volunteers continue to have an independent and respected voice. Our next major engagement activity is the first monthly meeting with the new acting Chief Officer at Queensland SES Headquarters on 28 July.

Thank you to every volunteer who continues to support both your local communities and the Queensland SES Volunteer Association. Together, we continue working towards a stronger, better supported and more connected volunteer organisation.

 

Justin Englert
President
Queensland SES Volunteer Association