VOLUNTEERING to help others in strive during emergencies may often feel like a thankless task.
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Called out to jobs with a moment’s notice, State Emergency Service volunteers must always be ready for disaster.
But the efforts of Redland SES volunteers and others across the Brisbane region have been recognised during SES Week at an awards ceremony last Saturday at Kedron’s Emergency Services Complex.
Natural Resources, Mines and Energy Minister Anthony Lynham said SES volunteers provided much needed assistance during natural disasters, often leaving work, family and other commitments to help out.
“The amazing work done by SES volunteers couldn’t happen unassisted and SES Week also provides an opportunity for us to thank the family, friends and employers of our volunteers for the support they provide,” he said.
Last year, Redland SES volunteers were called-out to 117 jobs related to structural damage, fallen trees and flooding.
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Katarina Carroll said the Brisbane region’s 1115 active SES members had spent a total of 1,850 hours responding to jobs since July.
Volunteers in the Brisbane SES region had also clocked-up 20,940 hours in training, administration, group exercises, public education, fundraising and equipment maintenance.
“It’s through the hard work and outstanding efforts of staff and volunteers that the SES continues to be a dependable and valuable service,” she said.
SES Assistant Commissioner certificates of appreciation were bestowed to Redland SES volunteers Rex Wigney and Laurie Holt, with SES Week certificates also given to Redlands’ David Frarricciardi and Timothy Willis.
Service medals were also awarded to Redland SES unit’s Arran Hansen, Ian Bacon and Raymond Melbourne.
Moreton Bay Regional SES unit’s Julie-Anne Jacobson was named as the SES member of the year, with Brisbane City SES unit’s Kevin Nash named as regional trainer of the year.
The Brisbane City SES unit won the Operational Response of the Year gong for their help including at the Gold Coast’s Commonwealth Games and the Queen’s Baton relay.
Earlier this week, Fire and Emergency Services Minister Craig Crawford announced the state government had tripled its SES Support Grant from $320,000 to $1 million.
The grant was open to SES groups and local governments which supported the SES and could be used for facility upgrade projects, vehicles and minor improvements.
For more information about becoming an SES volunteer, visit www.ses.qld.gov.au.
