Welcome to all our SES volunteers, families, friends, and employers.
I can confidently start this newsletter with a clear, WOW!
Whilst we have had our ever-important opportunities to meet and discuss what is happening in our SES state-based activities, it’s rewarding to also understand what’s happening in other states and territories. It’s a national strength with the SES Volunteer services, that when you examine our community roles, we are all preparing for a busy high-threat period. The storms, floods, cyclones, and fires are all a reality for us.
In WA, we are preparing by undertaking currency drills for possible bushfire burnovers. Getting up to speed with our flood boats and the lengthy time out of the water, with some issues with AMSA. We’re preparing for deployments around the state and Australia to help communities recover from hazard impacts.
Whilst we all play a part at local level, remember that our families enable the actions we take by being there when we are away. The flexibility that is shown by a great network of employers allows for absences in your workplaces, so we can support communities.
Somewhere in the time continuum, it does become our time to look for assistance. It was a pleasure to attend the Emergency Service Volunteers Hardship Scheme AGM recently. Please remember that in our services, you are not alone. The link for the scheme is: https://ses-wa.asn.au/ses-volunteers/volunteers-support/emergency-services-volunteers-hardship-assistance-scheme/
I also had the pleasure of attending Aviation Support Team training over the first weekend of November. Another task and skills to maintain a focus on community safety for SES Volunteers.
I once again say to you, thank you for being who you are and for what you do. Just remember that volunteers are the largest emergency services workforce in Western Australia. Be proud of yourself, as many others are proud of you.
Kind Regards,
Greg Cook, President, SES Volunteers Association of Western Australia Incorporated
