Minister launches SES Week 2008

EMBARGOED UNTIL 12PM, SUNDAY 9 NOVEMBER 2008

Minister for Emergency Services Neil Roberts is urging Queenslanders to show their appreciation for the ‘orange angels’ during the National 2008 State Emergency Services (SES) Week.

The Minister launched Queensland’s SES week celebrations at a ceremony in Brisbane today attended by SES volunteers and Emergency Management Queensland (EMQ) personnel.

Minister Roberts said National SES Week (Nov 8-16) provides a great opportunity for the community to recognise and celebrate SES volunteers as well as reflect on the tremendous contribution they make to the community each year.

“SES Week is a celebration of our volunteers, and a great chance for everyone to say ‘thanks’ for the thousands of hours they collectively give to the community each year making Queensland a safer place to live,” he said.

The Minister said Queenslanders were very fortunate to have more than 6,400 SES volunteers who train hard to enable a faster and better response to emergencies and disasters.

Last financial year SES volunteers committed an estimated 75,000 hours to community service.

As part of National SES Week a number of award ceremonies will be held around the state to honour volunteers and units for their tiresome work in the community.

The first of these award ceremonies was the Brisbane regional awards held today in conjunction with the launch.

“Queenslanders should be proud of the wonderful work our SES volunteers achieve. SES volunteers continually go beyond the call of duty when the community needs them and I feel it is important to recognise their extraordinary work,” Minister Roberts said.

Brisbane City SES volunteer Jan Irons was named SES Member of the Year for Brisbane Region. (NOTE: This detail is embargoed until 12pm Sunday 9 November 2008 as the recipient is unaware that she has won the award) 

Minister Roberts said Jan had been recognised for her long term contribution to the Brisbane City SES Unit and her dedication and active approach to supporting the community.

“Jan has been an SES volunteer for almost 30 years in which time she has achieved a great deal,” he said.

“She is the kind of volunteer who gives 100 per cent, 100 per cent of the time. She has always been an inspiration to her colleagues and richly deserves to be awarded this honour.

Awards were also presented to the regional unit of the year, the best regional operational response of the year, members who have made special contributions and members who have served with the SES for extended periods.

Minister Roberts said that SES Week, which is proudly supported by NRMA, is also a great opportunity for people to learn more about what the SES does and seeking information on how to be a part of one the best volunteer services in the world.

“It's a great chance for anyone interested in joining the SES to find out how they can become involved in this great community organisation.

“There is always room for more members to ensure we can provide the most effective response when disaster strikes, and what better time to become involved than during SES Week,” he said.

Emergency Management Queensland and SES Executive Director Frank Pagano said National SES Week was also an opportunity to recognise volunteers’ employers and families for their continued support.

“Without the support of the many great Queensland employers who allow their staff to volunteer with the SES, our members wouldn’t be able to respond so swiftly and effectively to incidents around the state," Mr Pagano said.

“And of course it goes without saying that families of SES volunteers deserve special mention and praise for the support they provide our SES members."

“2008 continues to be an extremely busy year for SES volunteers with widespread and damaging flooding earlier in the year on top of regular activations such as searches, assisting at road accidents and storm assistance.

Many local SES Units will be holding functions, displays and open days throughout the week. Contact your local council for more information.

Visit Details:

Where: South’s Leagues Club, Davies Park, West End

When: Sunday November 9

Time: 10am -2pm Media are advised that the awards will be presented from 10:55-11:55 and award recipients as well as Minister Roberts will be available for interview from 12pm-12:30pm

Media contacts:
Lisa Grundy – 3247 8186 (Departmental)
Corinne Mulholland – 0419 786 114 (Ministerial)

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE MINISTER WILL BE AVAILABLE TO DO PRE-RECORDED INTERVIEWS