By STEVE GRAY
QUEENSLAND’S Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services Jack Dempsey recently described Roslyn Newley as the “backbone of the Warwick SES Unit”.
Roslyn has spent 20 years dedicated to the Warwick State Emergency Service and was named Regional Member of the Year during SES Week.
“The Warwick SES is a strong, energetic and cooperative group that enjoys activations and task force deployments, and without Roslyn this level of service to the community would not be possible,” Mr Dempsey said.
“She is a perfect example of someone giving selfless commitment as a volunteer and is a deserving recipient of this award.”Mayor Peter Blundell said local SES units have recently been involved in assisting rural fire brigades;
traffic control and communications; refuelling of Careflight and other rescue helicopters doing medical evacuations; assisting the Queensland Police Service in searches for missing people , including land and water searches during floods; doorknocking to warn residents and providing assistance throughout and after the event; roof tarping as a result of storm damage.
“Our local SES crew provides a much needed and much appreciated service, which was particularly evident during the flood disasters which have affected our region is recent years,” Cr Blundell said.
“What some people may not realise is that everything they do for the community is on a voluntary basis. They give of their time freely to help others in need,” he said.
“We are very thankful for this service.”
With a team of almost 50 members, qualified in fields such as flood boat operation, working safely at heights, storm damage, chainsaw operation, vertical rescue, first aid, landsearch, map reading and navigation skills, communications and traffic control, local SES crews are always fully prepared and ready to step into action.
