SES effort inspires prospective members

The efforts of State Emergency Service (SES) volunteers to assist communities affected by flooding across Queensland this month has inspired people to ask how they can join the "orange angels", Emergency Services Minister Neil Roberts said.

Mr Roberts said almost 30 inquiries about joining the SES have been received by State Government Smart Service Queensland hotline (phone 1300 369 003) and more queries have been fielded by the local SES.

"A review of the SES database last year found there were 6430 SES members across the State made up of 4574 active members and 1856 support members," Mr Roberts said.

"The SES has done a tremendous job in these floods as well as continuing to respond to many other tasks. Whether it’s searching for a missing bushwalker, helping residents with storm damage, rescuing someone stranded on the side of a cliff, or assisting at a road accident, SES volunteers are there when their community needs them most."

"In these floods, local SES volunteers and those from hundreds of kilometres away have pitched in to help affected residents. They have done this away from their homes, families and work. I would like to acknowledge the sacrifices of many families and employers."

"I believe the role of so many SES volunteers in these floods will encourage more Queenslanders to also inquire about joining the SES."

Mr Roberts said the Queensland Government was committed to assisting volunteer emergency services organisations such as SES by committing $52 million over five years for new equipment and training, provide payroll tax exemptions for employers of SES volunteers from 1 July 2008, and working with insurance company NRMA to boost SES resources and numbers.

To find out more information about becoming an SES volunteer visit www.emergency.qld.gov.au/ses or contact the nearest Emergency Management Queensland office.

Mr Roberts said the Queensland Government has also initiated a recruitment campaign for the Rural Fire Service, which currently boasts 36,000 members.

The campaign, using real volunteer firefighters, highlights the fact that RFS volunteers do not have to be frontline firefighters, there are also support roles that people can volunteer for in areas of communication, incident management, administration and catering.

"The Rural Fire Service has a proud tradition of camaraderie and strong community spirit," he said.

"Our volunteers learn skills for life and work alongside industry professionals as well as like minded community members to protect society when it is needed most."

1 February 2008
Media contact: Kirby Anderson 0418 197 350