Recognising the work of SES volunteers in the Murwillumbah unit local MP Justine Elliot and NSW Shadow Minister for emergency services, Guy Zangari, visited the Murwillumbah SES to highlight the outstanding work that our SES volunteers contribute to our community.
The SES in Murwillumbah currently have around 60 people on their books with about 35 to 40 who are active.
‘When there is an emergency we put a call out and work with whoever responds,’ said Murwillumbah deputy unit controller, John Macgregor-Skinner.
‘If we don’t get enough people responding locally then we can put a call out to other SES units in the region.’
The SES is encouraging locals in all areas to consider joining their local SES units.
‘When you get a long event like the recent cyclone Debbie, that’s when you need more people,’ continued John.
‘If someone has been on a 30 hour shift you can’t put them on again they need a break and you need to be able to rotate other people on.’
There are a range of areas that people can use current skills or receive training to gain skills that will help in an emergency. Logistics, communications, food supply and chainsaw use are some of the areas that you can develop skills.
‘It is really rewarding to do something for the community,’ continued John.
The initial training includes first aid and a fundamentals training course before you can progress into specific training areas.
If you interested in joining and becoming an SES volunteer click here.
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