SES Week kicks off on Saturday the 12th of October in Queensland and shines the spotlight on the spirit of volunteering.
Queenslanders will be given the chance to learn more about the State Emergency Service (SES) and recognise the efforts of its members in their local communities. Running through to the 20th of October, it is a week of community education, engagement and celebration.
The annual event is an opportunity to honour the hard work and celebrate the outstanding efforts of State Emergency Service’s members across the state. “It takes a certain kind of person to be a SES volunteer,” says Acting Commissioner Mike Wassing AFSM. He adds that these brave individuals must be willing to dedicate time to training as well as help strangers in need and respond to emergencies at any time of the day and night.
The SES has approximately 6,000 active, unpaid members who perform a diverse range of functions to respond to local, state and national disasters and emergencies. “Whether they are working with the community, performing search and rescue operations, or responding to a flood, or storm event, the orange uniform represents total commitment to help and protect the community,” said Mr. Wassing.
SES week looks to celebrate all that is exceptional about SES volunteers and the work that they do. After the recent bought of bushfires that have hit the region, it’s a great time to raise public awareness of the dedication and commitment of SES members and the invaluable services they perform within their communities. Mr. Wassing said, “I sincerely thank all SES volunteers who played such a significant role in helping communities get back on their feet after the recent extreme weather events. Your resilience and commitment is truly exceptional.”
SES Groups across the state will hold regional events throughout SES Week. These celebrations will include award presentations to volunteers and units who have gone above and beyond their duties to support their communities. The week will conclude with the State Award Ceremony in Brisbane on the 19th and see four winners, selected from the finalists of each region, awarded the top SES honours.
The award ceremonies will provide a rare opportunity to thank specific SES members that have clocked up several years of service as well as those that have undertaken their role in an exceptional way. “It takes great leadership to prepare our volunteers for emergencies, so I would like to pay special tribute to our SES leaders. These roles require honesty, integrity and courage, which are some of our core QFES values. They lead by example – standing with and supporting their crews through stressful and dangerous situations,” said Mr. Wassing.
For information about SES events that are happening in your corner of Queensland, please contact an Area Office near you.
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