Albany SES manager Ben Whittle nominated for the Peter Keillor gong at the WA Fire Emergency Services Awards

An Albany SES manager has been nominated for a major emergency services award after playing key roles in a complex rescue from the summit of Bluff Knoll and the devastating storm which hit the city in March last year.

Ben Whittle, who has been a volunteer for 12 years, is one of three finalists for the Peter Keillor Award, an individual accolade at the 2026 WA Fire and Emergency Services Awards which will be presented at a gala night in Perth in September.

Mr Whittle is no stranger to awards nights having been the 2025 Great Southern volunteer of the year, but he said the chance of Statewide recognition was a real bonus.

“I was pretty surprised to be nominated but it’s great to be mentioned in something across the State,” he said.

“I just like the idea of giving back, of helping people in need.”

The owner of a metal fabrication business, Mr Whittle has been listed alongside Carl Aitken, of Exmouth SES, and Daniel Lansom, of Wanneroo-Joondalup SES.

The incidents which led to his nomination were the rescue in May 2025 of a rock climber on Bluff Knoll and the March 2025 storm in Albany which led to widespread damage and flooding across the city.

The rescue was a two-day drama with an injured climber who reached the summit despite a broken ankle — but in fading light meaning the RAC Rescue helicopter could not operate.

He was brought down by stretcher the next day.

Mr Whittle is one of 35 finalists contending across 12 individual and team award categories that recognise those who have demonstrated exceptional dedication, leadership and commitment to protecting communities over the past year.

Emergency Services Minister Paul Papalia paid tribute to the State’s volunteers.

“When Western Australians face their worst day, these are the people who step forward,” he said.

“Whether it’s battling bushfires, responding to storms, rescuing people from dangerous situations, or supporting communities through recovery, our emergency services personnel repeatedly demonstrate extraordinary courage and commitment.

“What makes these awards special is that they recognise the people behind the uniform — the volunteers, career staff and support personnel who go above and beyond to keep Western Australians safe.

“Every finalist should be enormously proud. Their actions have made a real difference to lives, families and communities across our State.”