Age proves no barrier for dedicated volunteers

Dedication, wisdom, enthusiasm and hard work are being celebrated by Queensland’s emergency services as part of Seniors Week this week.

Minister for Fire and Emergency Services Bill Byrne said senior volunteers brought invaluable skills and commitment to emergency services.

“Whether it be volunteering with their Rural Fire Brigade (RFS), SES Unit or as a scientific officer, the life experience and skills that our seniors offer is of great benefit to emergency services,” Mr Byrne said.

“From a wide range of backgrounds, our senior volunteers bring extensive knowledge of operations and experience in niche fields, while also acting as mentors to their younger peers.”

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) Deputy Commissioner Mike Wassing said age was no barrier when volunteering, as not all roles were operational and on the front line.

“Volunteering with your local SES, RFS or scientific crew is a great way to stay active in the community and contribute to something bigger,” Mr Wassing said.

“Supporting our volunteer emergency service personnel doesn’t always involve standing on the end of a fire hose or drip torch, tarping a roof or attending an incident.

“There are many valuable support roles available, which benefit both the community and local brigades or units that are handled by dedicated volunteers behind the scenes.

“Some of these roles include coordinating logistics for ground searches, managing equipment and training supplies, manning the radios during community events and taking on a public facing role as a Volunteer Community Educator (VCE) to educate the community about how they can prepare their households against the threat of bushfire.”

Mr Wassing said appropriate training was provided to all emergency service volunteers to ensure they were both capable and confident in their roles.

Mr Byrne and Mr Wassing encouraged seniors interested in emergency services to get involved.

“More than anything else, our brigades and units are supportive networks filled with a variety of community-minded people and comradery,” Mr Wassing said.

“If you are interested, why not take the first step and head down to your local SES or RFS station to talk to existing volunteers about joining – you won’t regret it.”

For more information about volunteering with the RSF visit https://ruralfire.qld.gov.au/Volunteering/ or for information about the SES visit http://www.emergency.qld.gov.au/ses/volunteer/index.html.

ENDS

Media contact

Minister Byrne's office:                        0400 622 433