Emma Cole served as Mayor of Vincent from 2017 until she decided to not run for re-election in October 2023. Photo: Emma Cole.
Emma Cole has been named the new chair of Western Australia’s peak emergency management body, the State Emergency Management Committee (SEMC).
Ms Cole has served as an independent member and Deputy Chair since her appointment to the SEMC in 2020. She brings extensive experience in strategic leadership and contemporary governance, having spent two decades in policy and local government positions. Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson said he was pleased to appoint Ms Cole to the position.
“Emma is a valued and respected leader, and her knowledge and experience will be invaluable in her new role,” Minister Dawson said. “I look forward to working collaboratively with Emma and the entire State Emergency Management Committee, to ensure we can help reduce the impact of emergencies in the community, and create a better prepared, more resilient and safer state.”
The SEMC plays a pivotal role as a conduit between public sector leaders and the State’s Hazard Management Authorities. The SEMC also provides advice to the Emergency Services Minister on the compliance of state government agencies in responding to hazards and emergency situations, as well as the preparedness of WA to respond to emerging incidents and hazards.
To maintain the important role that local government also plays in emergency management, Mandurah Mayor Rhys Williams has been appointed as the SEMC’s new deputy chair.
Mr Dawson paid tribute to outgoing chair Dr Ron Edwards for his commitment and distinguished service during difficult times and for fostering collaboration between Departments.
“I thank Dr Edwards for his outstanding leadership and astute strategic direction in the role, which included guiding SEMC through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said.
Since his appointment in 2017, Dr Edwards also notably served as state recovery controller for the Wooroloo Bushfires, which burned more than 10,500 hectares and destroyed 86 properties.
