City of Mandurah has been named as a finalist in the Western Australia Resilient Australia Awards with the winner to be announced on September 6.
The announcement comes after the local government took out top gong at last year’s award for its effort to help protect the safety and wellbeing of horses during emergencies.
This year the local government was selected in the Government Award WA category.
The awards recognise innovative practices and achievements across the nation that are making our communities safer, stronger, more resilient and better prepared to manage any emergency situation.
This year the City of Mandurah’s work to help implement and install the Beach Emergency Number (BEN) signs was recognised at the state-wide awards.
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“Our contribution has been the Beach Emergency Number (BEN) signs,” City of Mandurah chief executive office Mark Newman said.
“Signs that have made our beaches safer because when emergency services are called they know exactly where to go.”
Having safe beaches is especially important for surf spots near the city because they are often called by their colloquial name or nick name.
Often, those names are not familiar to emergency service staff.
“With the BEN number there is no confusion,” he said.
The need for the signs was initially raised with the City of Mandurah by local, Rick Gerring after the tragic death of his brother Ben.
From this the BEN signage system in WA was born.
Since then the City of Mandurah installed 81 signs with the state government and other local governments also embracing the idea.
“I have been told that St John Ambulance has used BEN numbers in their response to emergencies which is what the signs are all about,” Mr Newman said.
“This is a simple and practical solution to an issue that can cost lives and I’m proud that Mandurah has been recognised for our contribution to this excellent initiative.”