Source:
http://www.ses.sa.gov.au/site/home.jspMedia Release
State Emergency Service
Thanks to SA volunteers for an outstanding effort
Monday, 24 January 2011
The South Australia State Emergency Service (SASES) has welcomed back all of their volunteers and staff that have been away helping their interstate counterparts through some of the worst extreme weather events in Australia’s history. In total, the SASES deployed 60 volunteers and three staff members to Queensland, and 23 volunteers and three staff members to Victoria.
(A list of volunteers and staff that were part of the deployments is attached).
SASES Chief Officer Chris Beattie said that he was tremendously proud of all SASES members who put themselves forward to help.
“Our volunteers have selflessly given their time and shown an extraordinary commitment to assist and protect communities in Queensland and Victoria. I was impressed at the number of volunteers who did not give a second thought to putting their names forward. I sincerely thank them for their efforts and for taking time away from their own lives,” said Mr Beattie.
“The recent deployments demonstrate how highly the SASES volunteers and staff are regarded within the SES community across Australia.”
"The SES is one big family and we work together. If South Australia was faced with such a disaster I know our interstate colleagues would be right here with us, helping us to protect and defend what is important to us."
“There is no doubt the task that lies ahead for our counterparts in Queensland and Victoria is certainly daunting. The scale of the flooding events has been almost unimaginable and all Australians have been shocked by it.”
Mr Beattie stressed that people need to be aware of the devastating impact that floods and storms can have on a community.
“Many people may not realise that in a typical year in South Australia, floods and storms account for well in excess of 50% of the overall economic costs of all natural hazards, including bushfire. Therefore, being prepared for floods and storms should be a high priority for all South Australians.”
“A prepared community is better able to respond to and recover from an emergency and when the weather is fine, that is an ideal time to put in place measures to protect property and make sure it is prepared for extreme weather conditions. I would also strongly encourage property owners to ensure that their building and contents insurance is current and adequate.”
Mr Beattie said that the interstate deployments, as well as the extreme weather events experienced here in this State last December, demonstrates how fundamentally critical emergency services volunteers are to our communities.
“Our volunteers have a significant amount of expertise and the contribution they make to our communities and their intrinsic value cannot be underestimated.”
“At the SES we are always looking for new members to join up and volunteering is a great way to meet new people and get involved in the community.”
“I would strongly encourage anyone that would like to be involved in helping their fellow citizens in times of emergencies to find out more about volunteering for the SES. Not everyone has to be on the frontline, braving the extreme situations, we have many different roles, regardless of age, gender or background,” said Mr Beattie.
The SES produces an information booklet which provides comprehensive information about the SES and how to become a volunteer. They also produce a brochure called Volunteering in a non-rescue role, which provides information about volunteer roles in areas such as community engagement, administration, communications and operational support. Both of these publications can be downloaded at
http://www.ses.sa.gov.au/site/publications/brochures.jsp
