VOLUNTEERS Derek Young and Max Ross were among those recognised for their community spirit during the official opening of the Two Rocks Emergency Services Facility on Saturday, September 21.
At the opening carried out by MLA Butler John Quigley, City of Wanneroo Mayor Tracey Roberts said Mr Young was an amazing ambassador for the Two Rocks Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade.
She praised Mr Ross for his drive to set up the Two Rocks State Emergency Service (SES), which was the first new SES in WA in 40 years.
Mr Quigley said the expanding population of the Yanchep area was well served by the bushfire volunteers and emergency service personnel who protected the area during bushfires and weather events and carried out land searches.
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) was represented by operations deputy commissioner Craig Waters who thanked the city for providing land and funding for the project.
He said the Two Rocks Emergency Facility, which is based on Carraway Loop, also received funding from the emergency services levy.
Mr Young has served as a scout leader and a volunteer firefighter for many years and was the City of Wanneroo’s Australia Day individual award winner in 2018.
He has a long history as a community volunteer having served both as a scout leader and a volunteer firefighter for many years.
After joining the Two Rocks Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade in 2012 he was appointed captain in 2016.
More than two years ago Mr Ross met with DFES commissioner Wayne Gregson outlining the need for an expanded emergency services presence in North Wanneroo.
With Mr Gregson’s support Mr Ross was put in contact with DFES north coastal district officer Graham Sears who had also submitted a plan.
Working in tandem Mr Sears and Mr Ross created a presence at the Yanchep Local Markets and ran information evenings at the Phil Rankin centre at Two Rocks throughout 2017.
From April to August 2017 correspondence was undertaken with the central and north coast ward councillors promoting the concept of expanded emergency services in the Yanchep and two Rocks area.
Eventually Cr Roberts and North Coast ward councillor Nat Sangalli got the city’s administration officers to liaise with Mr Ross and DFES acknowledging the need for SES coverage for the northern corridor.
