Minister calls for new SES recruits

Emergency Services Minister Neil Roberts has officially launched the Southeast region (Gold Coast out to Ipswich and north to Esk) 2008 SES recruitment campaign.

Mr Roberts said the Southeast region had 24 SES groups with an active membership of more than 600 volunteers.

“SES volunteers come from all walks of life, providing a sense of reassurance to their local communities,” Mr Roberts said.

“Last financial year South Eastern Region SES volunteers responded to 923 activations, volunteering more than 14,200 hours to the community.

“As recently as Monday, groups near Ipswich responded to over 100 storm related jobs.

“But as good as our dedicated volunteers are, we can always do with more.

“This month, the Premier announced the targets for Towards Q2, tomorrow’s Queensland.

“One of those targets is to increase the proportion of Queenslanders involved in their communities as volunteers by 50%.

“To achieve this, we need to attract potential recruits from all backgrounds, promote the benefits of volunteering and work with local communities to encourage volunteering.

“The 2008 SES recruitment campaign is part of a long-term strategy to increase volunteer numbers into the future so the SES can continue to provide a strong and fast response to disaster situations.

“When SES volunteers pull on their orange uniforms their focus is on helping others and being the best they can for their communities.

“Skills like heights training, flood boat operation and chain saw training are all practical skills which you can use in your everyday life.

“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.”

The SES is strongly supported by major sponsor NRMA Insurance.

Media Contact: Brendan Connell 3247 8194