NRMA Insurance Reveals Young Hands on the Horizon for SES

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There could be a silver lining to last season's storm clouds with one in five south-east Queenslanders now considering joining the State Emergency Service (SES) home insurance provider NRMA Insurance has revealed.

A recent survey of around 400 households found that the severity and impact of last season's storms had prompted many south-east Queenslanders to consider donning the familiar orange overalls.

It's good news young people are considering giving their time to the SES because the need is only likely to grow and many communities would not recover from weather disasters without that critical rapid response.

And it's not just retirees with spare time on their hands putting their chainsaws forward, with more than 65 per cent of those considering signing up aged between 23 and 34.

NRMA Insurance spokesperson Sue Hawkins said the home insurance provider wanted to highlight the continued need for SES volunteers, especially in south-east Queensland, one of the most storm-prone areas of Australia.

"Severe storms and cyclones are part of life in Queensland, but research indicates climate change will lead to even more severe weather events, putting additional stress on our emergency services," she said.

"It's good news young people are considering giving their time to the SES because the need is only likely to grow and many communities would not recover from weather disasters without that critical rapid response."

Emergency Management Queensland Executive Director Frank Pagano said SES volunteers were well trained and played a vital role in disaster response.

"The SES provides hands-on volunteer opportunities for people from all walks of life," he said.

"It's a chance to contribute practical help to people in need, learn new skills and meet new people. On average, our volunteers stay with the SES for more than seven years, so they must find it very rewarding."

SES recruits can expect to learn first aid, a range of rescue techniques, map reading and navigation, storm damage response and specific equipment operation.

The NRMA Insurance research also showed full-time workers were more likely than part-time workers to consider volunteering for the SES, as were people with children still living at home.

NRMA Insurance is the major sponsor of the SES and helps with community education on storm preparation, additional equipment for SES units and discounted car and home insurance for SES volunteers.

Anyone interested in joining the SES should contact 1300 369 003 or visit www.emergency.qld.gov.au/ses

Logan SES volunteers receive top honours at South East Region awards

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(Media-Newswire.com) - The hard work and dedication of the South East Region’s State Emergency Service ( SES ) volunteers was recognised last night, as part of SES Week celebrations ( 7-15 November ).

Parliamentary Secretarty for Emergency Services and Member for Broadwater Peta-Kaye Croft presented some of the South East Region’s outstanding SES volunteers with awards at a regional ceremony held in Beenleigh.

Ms Croft said the region’s 24 SES groups and eight Emergency Services Cadet groups performed a vital function in the community.

“These men and women are truly local heroes, and during SES Week we have the opportunity to thank our volunteers in the SES for their extraordinary work,” she said.

“Whether there’s a natural disaster, bushfire threat or a major community event, the people of South East Queensland can count on our emergency services personnel to be there when they need them the most.

“With the South East Region encompassing more than 13,000sqm from Coolangatta to Kilcoy and from Esk to Rosewood, I know first-hand the important work the SES carries out in these communities every single day.”

Ms Croft said Logan City SES volunteers received top honours at the awards ceremony.

“Among the worthy people acknowledged for their SES service this week, I congratulate David Dennis of Logan City SES who has been named the Regional Member of the Year,” she said.

“Since joining Logan SES 20 years ago, David’s exceptional training and problem solving abilities have ensured the smooth operation of the Logan floodboats and specialist crews.

“The Logan City SES unit was also recognised with the Regional Operational Response of the Year award for their dedication, efficiency and effectiveness when responding to calls for assistance.

“When a low pressure system caused extensive damage and floods across south-east Queensland in May, the Logan City SES unit alone carried out more than 250 jobs. It was through their significant pre-planing, training and dedication to work as a team that they could actively respond to members of the local community.”

Ms Croft said Somerset Region SES, which consist of Esk, Kilcoy, Lowood and Toogolawah groups was also awarded Regional Unit of the Year.

“The groups within the Somerset Region SES unit have gone above and beyond to work together to provide reliable and effective assistance to residents and practical support to other emergency services agencies and community groups,” she said.

Emergency Management Queensland ( EMQ ) South Eastern Regional Director, Eddie Bennet said SES volunteers from across the region were presented with a number of national medals, long service clasps and meritorious service medals.

“National SES Week is a momentous occasion to reflect on the outstanding commitment of volunteers and acknowledge the long standing members who play a vital role in restoring the lives and homes of those affected by disaster,” Mr Bennet said.

“National SES Week is an opportunity to thank the people who work behind the scenes.

“In South Eastern Region we are fortunate to have more than 680 active SES members. In many cases their availiability would not be made possible without the ongoing support of their families and employers.”

Winners of the regional awards have been nominated for the SES Week state awards, which will be presented at a ceremony in Brisbane on Sunday 15 November.

Queensland SES Week is proudly supported by NRMA Insurance for the second year running, as the major sponsor of the Queensland State Emergency Service.

Media contact: 3239 0199