With disaster season approaching, the emergency services of the region gathered at the SES Home Hill Open Day on Saturday to spread awareness ahead of Get Ready Week.
The Open Day came after the Burdekin Unit State Emergency Service won the Regional Unit/Group of the Year and more at this year’s SES Week Awards.
“We are a tightknit little group,” said Burdekin SES Deputy Local Controller Laurinda George.
“We do not have a lot of members, but we know how to pump out jobs, we trust each other, we know each other’s abilities, so we spread out and do what needs to be done.”
Local Controller John Winn attended the SES State Awards ceremony in Brisbane earlier in the month as a Suncorp Spirit of SES nominee.
“I’m pretty proud and the members are pretty proud,” Mr Winn said.
“It’s quite an impressive award for our small numbers.”
Last weekend’s Open Day welcomed SES, Fire Brigade, Ambulance, Police, Rural Fire Brigade and Council to engage with the community and share helpful information ahead of the summer.
“What we like to do is engage with the community so that they can become independent in times of trouble,” added Ms George.
“We’re here to educate them on how to help themselves so they don’t find themselves in a state of emergency, they’ve done it all before and they’re prepared, and today is a big part of that.”
Burdekin SES members meet every Monday evening from 7:00pm with depots across Ayr, Home Hill, Clare, Rita Island and Guru, all sponsored and maintained by the Burdekin Shire Council.
The organisation currently has 33 members across the region, some being with SES for over 30 years, but are seeking more interest from the community, welcoming people 16 years and above to join.
“We are a volunteer organisation so it’s what you can volunteer,” said Ms George.
“We just need people to want to support their community and by doing that we can support them.
“There is something for everyone.”
To find out more about joining SES, email SESNR.Admin@qfes.qld.gov.au.
Get Ready Week will take place across the region next month.
SES Week Awards
Burdekin SES Unit – Regional Unit/Group of the Year
Paul Haller Group Leader Ayr SES – SES Week Award
John George Deputy Group Leader Ayr SES – SES Week Award
Donn Thomson Deputy Group Leader Home Hill – Meritorious Service Clasp for 30 Years of Outstanding Service
Burdekin SES Deputy Local Controller Laurinda George, Deputy Local Controller Warren Francis, and Local Controller John Winn
Home Hill SES hosted an Open Day last weekend
Photo credit: Sam Gillespie
