Three organisations have combined to better support the community during natural disasters like the devasting floods of January and February of last year.
The State Emergency Service (SES), Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) and Gympie Regional Council have combined efforts to conduct inspections of SES facilities located in the Gympie region.
A spokesman for GRC said the purpose of these inspections is to develop multiagency plans on how to ensure the SES are better supported in providing assistance to the community.
“A collaborative approach highlights the importance of working together to achieve improved outcomes,” he said.
The SES were at the forefront of providing assistance to people from across the region during the calamitous weather events, as they have been during storms, road traffic accidents and other events in the past.
Deputy group leader of Goomeri SES, Ms Gayle McEwan, gave the team a tour around the facility and said working with the SES provided an opportunity to give back to the community.
“The SES work is a great community service where you build lifetime friendships whilst enjoying the activities along the way,” Gayle said.
Since joining the SES, Gayle has achieved qualifications in height and safety, land search, traffic control, swift water rescue and use of a chainsaw.
“It’s a great way to achieve personal growth, meet people and be part of the emergency services teams who provide services to the community, including QFES, SES, Queensland Police Service (QPS) and council.
“We are one community looking after each other.”
The SES are always looking for new members and people of all different skill-sets are encouraged to get involved.
National Volunteering Week comes to a close on Sunday, and the week acknowledges and celebrates the vital support the millions of volunteers in Australia provide to their communities.
Those interested in volunteering with the SES can contact their local SES branch or submit a registration form at www.qfes.qld.gov.au/join-our-team/volunteers.
