THREE local State Emergency Service volunteers were recently deployed to help Queensland with that state’s flooding impacts.
Specialist crews from New South Wales were recently sent to North Queensland to assist communities impacted by major flooding.
The NSW response, coordinated by the NSW State Emergency Service, included personnel from both the SES and Rural Fire Service.
DeWayne Chapman, Cassie Johnson, and Kerrie Williams were the locals deployed as part of the assistance crews helping with the Queensland floods.
Major flooding occurred across the northern part of the state leaving thousands of people isolated, without power and with no access to food and fresh water.
The local members were joined by two Dubbo SES members and one from Orange – selected out of a nomination pool of over 100 volunteers with specialised storm response, recovery, and community liaison skills.
The trio were flown to Townsville, with each helping clear debris, restore essential services and provide aid.
The local SES branch’s combat role is flood and storm rescue, but they also teamed with the police to help with land rescues.
“We helped to tarp roofs, food drops, reconnaissance, providing supplies, sanding bagging,” Mr Chapman said.
“It was really eye-opening. We were able to support the communities, talk to people and provide help and support.”
Ms Williams said there were a lot of businesses in Queensland who helped provide supplies.
“We would like to thank our employers for allowing us the time off to volunteer in deployments like these,” she said.
“Without them we wouldn’t be able to go.”
Ms Williams said supplies struggled to get to Far North Queensland with staples running out very quickly.
Ms Johnson said it was amazing to work with the SES on a national level.
“We’re an amazing group,” she said.
Ms Williams agreed.
“We’re the orange family, we have everyone’s back,” she said.
Being as SES member can send you anywhere in the world.
“Our teams are ready to assist wherever they are needed, not only locally, but also interstate and internationally to combat floods, storms and supporting other emergency services in all disasters,” deployment co-ordinator Cody Johnston said.
“Queensland authorities have welcomed and thanked the reinforcement received from NSW SES and we are thankful to have them home safe and well.
“We have a strong unit and a strong membership, we always put our hand up for deployment.”
Mr Johnston said the State Emergency Service was running a recruitment drive for anyone interested in Broken Hill.
“Visit the NSW SES website for more information,” he said. “Minimum age is 16 and there is no age limit.
“We don’t just need people in the field. We need people for incident management, welfare. There’s always something to do.”
