TO mark National Volunteer Week (19-25 May), the NSW State Emergency Service (NSW SES) is encouraging people living in regional and rural communities to consider volunteering.
With more than 11,000 volunteers across the state, the NSW SES plays an important role in helping communities prepare for and respond to emergencies, including storms and floods.
NSW SES Commissioner Mike Wassing AFSM said National Volunteer Week is an opportunity to recognise the vital contributions of volunteers and invite more people to get involved.
“Our volunteers are everyday people doing extraordinary things - they are part of the fabric of their towns and communities,” Mr Wassing said.
“Volunteering with the NSW SES is a rewarding way to connect with others, develop new skills, and be there for your community when it matters.”
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Mr Wassing said volunteering can be tailored to fit a variety of lifestyles, and that many people are surprised by the range of roles available.
“Whether you're interested in hands-on field work, community engagement, logistics, or support behind the scenes, there’s a role for you,” he said.
“You don’t need previous experience - just a willingness to learn and a commitment to your community.”
Forbes knows all too well the value of our local SES and its volunteers, so many put up their hands to help in the lead up to and during floods like the 2022 events.
There's a role for everyone from sandbagging to communications - and our SES crews welcome more long-term volunteers too.
Forbes SES members train regularly at our local depot, and also pursue further opportunities like the recent Road Crash Rescue Challenge.
The Road Crash Rescue Challenge presents teams with the most realistic training scenarios possible: crushed cars, entrapped people who have been scripted to communicate the sorts of injuries and complications that might arise in an emergency.
For Ryan Jones, who joined the SES in the Hawkesbury in 2005 and came to Forbes five years ago, these competitions are important opportunities, especially for our relatively isolated crews.
The skills they learn and the feedback they bring back to local training prepares them to better serve our community.
“It’s going on 20 years that I’ve known these people and it’s an awesome feeling in that room with all those people because you know they’re all going back to their little patch of the world to keep doing what they do and try and do it better,” Ryan said.
With National Volunteer Week celebrating the theme of 'Something for Everyone', the NSW SES is highlighting the diverse opportunities and personal rewards that come with joining the Service.
To find out more or to register your interest in volunteering, visit www.ses.nsw.gov.au/volunteer
