Celebrate our unsung heroes on International Volunteers Day

Emergency services volunteers are the unsung heroes of Queensland communities who deserved recognition for their tireless efforts, Emergency Services Minister Pat Purcell said today.

Mr Purcell said that International Volunteers Day, which is being celebrated around the country today, was a great opportunity to recognise the immense contribution that volunteers made to the community.

There are about 56,000 emergency services volunteers in Queensland, all of whom give their time to care for the safety and wellbeing of others.

“Whether they are rural firefighters, ambulance first responders, surf lifesavers, members of the Coast Guard and Volunteer Marine Rescue, State Emergency Service (SES) members, Emergency Services Cadets members or Royal Life Saving members, all our volunteers share the same qualities of selflessness, enthusiasm and generosity of spirit,” Mr Purcell said.

“Volunteers surrender time that could be spent with friends and family in order to assist others in their community and very often they make this sacrifice without any expectation of thanks.

“Many volunteers – particularly those who are members of the SES or Rural Fire Service – also take unpaid leave from their job for days at a time to respond to an emergency. Just last week, a team of rural firefighters travelled to NSW to help combat the fires in the state’s central west.

“Emergency Services volunteers often find themselves in demanding, dangerous and even life threatening situations, and yet they remain committed to helping others despite the risks they face.

“The vast state of Queensland relies on the good will of our volunteers to ensure that people are kept safe and secure no matter how isolated they are and no matter the circumstances.

“Time and time again these people demonstrate an awe-inspiring commitment to the good of their community.

“International Volunteers Day is an opportunity to thank each and every one of our volunteers for their unwavering commitment to others and the selfless manner in which they give their time.

“Volunteers often take time off from work to help out during emergencies, and I would like to thank employers who release their staff and colleagues and business partners who cover for volunteers who are away.

“Families of volunteers also deserve thanks for the support they give to volunteers.

“The commitment of emergency services personnel can put a burden on family life, but it’s the support of families that helps volunteers to continue serving the community with such distinction,” Mr Purcell concluded.

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