By Ian Phipps
SES volunteers, their work and support for SES was extolled recently.
Over last weekend SES volunteers from around the South Western region gathered at the Toowoomba Group and Unit Headquarters.
They were joined there by the Hon Nikki Boyd MP the Minister for Fire and Disaster Recovery and Minister for Corrective Services, Assistant Commissioner David Hermann of QFES South Western Region, Mr Jason Rowe Area Manager Darling Downs, Energy Queensland, Mr Glen Alderton Director in SES State Operations Branch, and Mr David Bennett A/Regional Director SES SWR.
Assistant Commissioner Hermann acknowledged the significant work that our heroes in orange undertake in rescuing people caught in floodwaters, conducting land searches, supporting bushfire operations, and helping communities recover from storms and cyclones.
AC Hermann reflected on how the Orange Army is built on the goodwill of its members as they selflessly donate their time, working long and irregular hours and often travelling long distances to serve their communities.
AC Hermann thanked the Energy Partners for providing more than $23564 of new equipment to groups in the Goondiwindi, Lockyer Valley, Toowoomba, Southern Downs, Murweh and Western Downs Local Government Areas.
Mr Rowe highlighted the strong partnership that has developed with the SES over the past decade, which has developed from handing over equipment, to working hand in hand during disasters, when the SES form an integral part by providing access for the Energy Trio to disaster areas. This is a partnership Mr Rowe hopes continues for the decades to come.
Minister Boyd welcomed new members to the SES who are currently undergoing their recruit training as part of the SWR Leading 24 program, Minister Boyd thanked the new members for giving up time with their loved ones to participate in the program, and their wiliness to serve the Queensland community in the future as Heroes in Orange.
Following the official handover Minster Boyd and AC Hermann joined the volunteers for lunch and chatted freely with everyone.
Having met the Minister a couple of times now here’s a couple of fun facts: she listens to everyone that she’s chatting with, don’t be surprised if you get a follow up question or two, she has an infectious smile and relaxed demeanour and she’ll try to make time for everyone, this was evident during lunch when she and AC Hermann chatted with the gathered volunteers listening to stories of past events and hopes towards the future.
