The unit will be holding an information session on Wednesday, February 6, from 6:30-8pm, at their headquarters on Central Road, Port Macquarie and are encouraging curious people to come and find out more.

Unit commander, Michael Ward said volunteering with the SES is a rewarding experience and is possible for anyone over the age of 16.

“The SES is the combat agency for floods, storms and tsunami’s responding to calls for help at anytime of the day or night,” Mr Ward said.

“The Port Macquarie Unit are also accredited to provide rescue services including road crash rescue, general land rescue, vertical rescue, and flood rescue.

“In addition to our response role, the SES actively promotes storm and flood safety in the community and works with local councils and emergency management groups to develop regional flood plans.”

He said in the last year the unit has kept busy responding to more than 200 calls for help.

“In 2018, the 66 strong unit responded to 211 calls for assistance,” he said.

“Around half of these were storm related tasks including removal of fallen trees and weather-proofing homes affected by storms with another 20 tasks related to flooding and property protection. The unit also attended 45 general land rescues, 28 road crash rescues, and 3 vertical rescue tasks.

“We have also responded to a number of other requests for assistance such as the continuation of the search for evidence in the William Tyrell investigation. Additionally we sent teams out of area to assist other communities with storm related tasks.”

Deputy unit commander Michael Brumby said there is a role for everyone in the SES.

“There are many roles that members have within the SES. These include field based work such as responding to floods, storms and tsunami’s, land search and rescue roles,” Mr Brumby said.

“There are also office based roles including radio communications, tasking and operational support for those who don’t want to go in the field.

“There is no minimum hours to volunteering when you sign up. Members commit the time that is required to stay current in their roles within SES and respond operationally.”

He said there is a great sense of satisfaction when you are able to help someone in their time of need.

“We meet and train for two hours weekly and recommend to members that they commit to three training nights a month to stay current with the skills required,” he said.

“Attendance at operations events is unpredictable and members provide the time that their circumstances allow.

“Our mission is ‘Saving Lives, and Protecting Communities’ and this resonates with many people, they feel a sense of value and purpose in being able to assist others in their time of need.

“Members also get the self satisfaction of being able to learn new skills and do things they never would have imaged before.” 

Community engagement officer Steve Lawrence said anyone considering joining the SES should come along to find out more.

“The Port Macquarie Unit is one the most efficient, well trained and professional SES Units in the state,” Mr Lawrence said.

“The Unit has won a number of SES state and national based rescue competitions and consistently provides an extremely high standard of emergency services to the local community – and they are really nice people to boot so come along to find out more.”

The information session will be on Wednesday, February 6 from 6:30-8pm, at the SES headquarters on Central Road, Port Macquarie.

For more information head to their Facebook page.

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