Shire of Murray Community Emergency Services Coordinator, Nicole Stevens, oversees the Shire’s response, recovery, preparedness and prevention before, during and after an emergency. A role that sees her supporting more than 200 firefighter volunteers in one of WA’s highly bushfire-prone areas.
Nicole began the role in September 2022 under a contract shared between the Shire of Murray and the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES). This partnership reflects the collaborative nature of emergency management in the region.
“Having been in the position for over two years now, I have gained valuable firsthand experience navigating various challenges and seasonal changes. This time has allowed me to adapt to the complexities of emergency management and build meaningful relationships within the community and across agencies,” said Ms Stevens.
The role of Community Emergency Services Coordinator is multifaceted, requiring a balance of strategic leadership, operational management, and strong interpersonal skills. It encompasses four key components including response, recovery, preparedness and prevention.
Response involves leading immediate actions during emergencies to ensure resources, personnel, and equipment are deployed effectively and efficiently. Clear communication with volunteers, agencies, and the community is critical during high-pressure situations to minimise impact.
Supporting the community post-emergency is an essential part of the role. This includes facilitating the rebuilding process, connecting individuals with recovery programs, and coordinating efforts to restore normalcy. Recovery also extends to ensuring the mental health and well-being of volunteers and first responders who may experience emotional strain from emergency situations.
Proactively preparing the community for potential emergencies involves organising training sessions, running exercises, and securing grants for mitigation initiatives. Community outreach programs are also conducted to raise awareness and equip residents with the knowledge to protect themselves and their properties.
Prevention efforts are focused on identifying and addressing potential hazards before they become threats. This includes reducing fuel loads through controlled burns, vegetation management, and educating the public on fire safety measures such as creating defensible spaces around homes.
“Beyond these core components, my role includes managing the administrative and operational aspects of the Shire’s five Volunteer Bushfire Brigades and overseeing the State Emergency Service (SES) unit. This dual responsibility ensures the coordination and readiness of both bushfire response and general emergency services within the community,” added Ms Stevens.
Nicole’s pathway to this position began in an administrative role within local government, where she worked in emergency services. During this time, Nicole collaborated closely with the Community Emergency Services Manager (CESM), gaining a comprehensive understanding of the responsibilities and dynamics of the role. “Working alongside the CESM provided me with valuable insight into emergency operations, community engagement, and volunteer management.”
“I found great fulfillment in supporting the volunteers and contributing to emergency preparedness efforts, which motivated me to pursue this leadership position. Through hands-on experience, mentorship, and my proactive approach to learning, I developed the skills and confidence needed to take on the role and make a meaningful impact,” said Ms Stevens.
Before stepping into this position, I had a thorough understanding of the demands, challenges, and responsibilities associated with the role. My prior experience gave me a realistic perspective on what to expect, from managing emergency situations to building relationships with volunteers and stakeholders. Despite the high-pressure nature of the role, I embraced the opportunity with confidence and a strong commitment to serving the community.
Nicole shared that the most important parts of this role includes safety, relationships, and integrity. Safety is the cornerstone of this role. Ensuring the safety of both the community and the dedicated volunteers is my top priority. This includes maintaining the highest standards in training, equipment, and emergency response protocols.
Building strong, trust-based relationships with volunteers, partner agencies, and community members is another critical aspect. Effective collaboration with these groups ensures seamless coordination during emergencies and fosters a sense of shared responsibility for public safety.
Integrity is equally vital—following through on commitments and demonstrating honesty and reliability helps establish trust and respect, particularly among the volunteers who are the backbone of emergency services.
Peak bushfire season is a critical period marked by heightened fire risks due to hot, dry weather and abundant fuel loads such as dry grass and dense vegetation. The severity of the season depends on factors like rainfall patterns, vegetation growth, and dry spells in the months leading up to summer.
This year, the region has carefully monitored these conditions to assess potential risks. Effective planning and preparation during this time are essential to reduce the likelihood of large-scale fires and ensure the community is ready to respond if an emergency arises.
Weather resources such as the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) and other forecasting tools are indispensable for planning and decision-making. These resources help in preparing for community events and training, strategically deploying resources, ensuring personnel and volunteers are on standby when high-risk conditions arise, and coordinating holidays or breaks during lower-risk period to maintain operational readiness during peak times.
