Innisfail celebrates new SES headquarters and long time SES heroes awarded

The local SES heroes who helped Innisfail recover from Cyclone Larry received a helping hand themselves today with the opening of their new headquarters.

Emergency Services Minister Neil Roberts said Innisfail SES group’s headquarters were destroyed in the cyclone while members scrambled to assist the community.

“The headquarters were located in rooms under the Johnstone Shire Council Hall which was extensively damaged by Cyclone Larry,” he said.

“The opening of the new SES shed is a testament to the local crew who have maintained a strong presence in the community since Cyclone Larry struck.

“The dedicated and committed members of Innisfail SES are renowned for their community spirit.

“They have helped the community through a time of great hardship, and today is a chance to give a little bit back in the form of a brand new headquarters.”

The State Government purchased $120,000 of land for the new headquarters, but the construction of the building would not have been possible without the generous support of the local community.

“Once the State Government made the announcement to build a new SES headquarters, everyone wanted to pitch in and provide money and building materials which just shows how valued these groups are to their local community.

“I’d like to pay tribute to the local council, the Federal government, Rotary, Lions Club and many other community groups and businesses who contributed to the project.

“State Member for Musgrave Warren Pitt was particularly vocal, ensuring the project was completed.

“The new Innisfail SES shed is a fantastic investment that will assist the local SES service for many years to come.

“The Bligh Government is also playing its role with providing record funding to the SES which has almost doubled over the last three financial years to $12.464 million state wide in 2008-09.”

Minister Roberts will also presented five SES members from Babinda and Innisfail with meritorious service medals and clasps.

Another SES member was presented with a national medal for 15 years combined service with other emergency services.

“Long-term members are very valuable to an organisation of this kind as they understand the local area and its needs; they have trained and worked together over a long period and know each others strengths and personalities,” he said.

The medal recipients were Dulcie Schnitzerling (Babinda SES 30 years meritorious service), Evelyn Davies (Babinda SES 30 years meritorious service), Wayne Tuttle (Babinda SES 25 years meritorious service), Alan Green (Innisfail SES 20 years meritorious service), Shirley Terranova (Babinda SES 10 years meritorious service) and Don Lawie (Babinda SES National Medal).

Mr Roberts said the Government is also continuing to develop it’s commitment to enhancing volunteering levels across the state.

“The Premier has announced a new target to increase the proportion of Queenslanders volunteering by 50%, as part of the Towards Q2 Blueprint,” he said.

“The recent launch of the 2008 SES recruitment campaign in the Far Northern Region aims to further build on the 6,400 volunteers we have across 340 SES groups throughout the state.

“Recruitment materials are currently being distributed to allow SES groups to localise their recruitment to suit their community and their needs.

“I am confident that this campaign will boost volunteer numbers state wide so that the SES can continue to deliver the highest standard of service to the community.”

Media contact – Corinne Mulholland (Minister’s office) – 0411 964 462