Celebrate SES Week 2006

Emergency Services Minister Pat Purcell is urging all Queenslanders to consider joining the State Emergency Service (SES) during National SES week, which begins tomorrow (Saturday 11 November 2006).

“National SES Week is a celebration of our volunteers, and a great chance for everyone to say ‘thanks’ for the thousands of hours they collectively volunteer each year to make Queensland a safer place to live,” Mr Purcell said.

“The week is also the perfect opportunity for anyone interested in joining the SES to find out how they can become involved in this wonderful community organisation.

“There are about 8,500 well trained, well equipped SES volunteers in Queensland, who are ready to respond when someone in their community needs help.

“But we always need more members to ensure the most effective response when disaster strikes, and there was no better time to become involved than during SES Week,” Mr Purcell said.

Mr Purcell said he would also like to recognise the families and employers of SES volunteers.

“Without the support of the many great Queensland employers who allow their staff to take time off to volunteer with the SES, our members wouldn’t be able to respond so swiftly and effectively to incidents around the state.

“And of course it goes without saying that families of SES volunteers deserve special mention and praise for the support they provide our SES members throughout the year, especially during extended operations such as the response to Tropical Cyclone Larry.”

National SES Week will be celebrated around Queensland from November 11 to 19.

Many local SES Units will be holding functions, displays and open days throughout the week. For more information contact your local SES Unit, listed in the White Pages.

Media contacts: Tim Shipstone 07 3247 8194, 0409 620 571;
Daniel Landon 07 3247 8992, 0437 837 976.