Letter to the Editor - National SES Week (November 8 to 16)

Letter to the Editor

Dear Sir/ Madam,

With more than 6,400 State Emergency Service (SES) volunteers across Queensland, most of us will have come into contact with the men and women in orange at some stage.

Last financial year SES volunteers from around the State gave about 75,000 hours of their time freely to help the people of Queensland.

I’d like to invite the community to join in the celebrations of National SES Week 2008, from November 8 to 16 and recognise the voluntary contribution made by so many, towards keeping our community safe.

As the Minister for Emergency Services, I speak on behalf of all Queenslanders when I say a heartfelt thank you to each and every volunteer of the State Emergency Service.

I also feel it is important to make special mention of those people who are behind our volunteers.

The husbands, wives, partners, friends and families are the strongest supporters of our volunteers and without their continued support our volunteers would find it hard to provide the quality service they are known for.

I would like to extend an invitation to the people of our great State to acknowledge the work of SES volunteers by telling your story.

There may have been a damaging storm in your area; there may be a volunteer or group of volunteers you think deserves recognition after the enormous flood response at the start of the year.

Whatever event it may be the common element among them all is the SES and its willingness and ability to serve the community.

As Minister for Emergency Services I have seen first hand the significant work of the SES in many communities across Queensland, from tarping roofs to flood boat rescues and seeing the relief on the faces of people when volunteers lend a hand.

In light of this, National SES Week is a time to reflect on the gallant efforts of these volunteers who give their time freely to support their community.

I encourage you to share you stories with your local media outlets and offer thanks to our local heroes.

Regards

Neil Roberts
Minister for Emergency Services