SES recruits volunteers for the future
08/24/2008
Queensland State Emergency Service (SES) volunteers are on the hunt for new members.
Minister for Emergency Services, Neil Roberts, officially launched the 2008 “Harder, faster, better, stronger” SES recruitment campaign at Brisbane’s South Bank Parklands this morning at 9am.
Mr Roberts said Queenslanders had been counting on SES volunteers to be there in times of disaster for more than 30 years.
“Our Queensland SES volunteers come from all walks of life but all have one common goal which is to strive to be ‘harder, faster, better and stronger’ for their communities in times of need,” he said.
“This campaign is about making sure Queenslanders continue to have the vital support of the men and women of the SES in a flood, storm or cyclone.
“The campaign is part of a long-term strategy to increase volunteer numbers and sustain the current number of volunteers well into the future so the SES can continue to provide a strong and fast response to disaster situations.”
With more than 6400 SES volunteers of an average age of 36 now sporting the recognisable orange uniform, Mr Roberts said it was important for the SES to recognise the recruitment challenges being faced by some volunteering organisations.
“Recruiting volunteers has become increasingly challenging as competition for this valuable resource has increased,” he said.
“Factors such as an aging population base, rural population decline and people’s lack of free time in today’s hectic society is resulting in less people being able to offer their time to community service”
Emergency Management Queensland (EMQ) and SES Executive Director Frank Pagano said the SES was a popular volunteering option because it offered practical skills training, adventure, mateship and a strong community focus.
“When SES volunteers pull on their orange uniforms their focus is on helping others and being the best they can for their communities,” Mr Pagano said.
“Skills like heights training, flood boat operation and chain saw training are all practical skills which you can use in your everyday life.”
Mr Pagano said SES volunteers were being encouraged to engage with their local communities about the values and satisfaction of belonging to such a committed network of people.
“We are asking our volunteers to promote the organisation, maybe bring a friend to training and inform the community about the SES with a range of communications materials including postage paid post cards, posters, T-Shirts and information booklets which has been made possible by our long-term major partner NRMA Insurance..
“I would encourage anyone who is considering or who has ever thought about joining the SES to speak to their local unit, ring 1300 369 003 or visit www.emergency.qld.gov.au/ses.”
Contact: For more information contact Emergency Services Media on 07 3247 8186
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