As communities across the Tweed prepare for the summer storm season, the NSW State Emergency Service (SES) Tweed Unit is calling for more volunteers to join its ranks
As the most versatile and widely used rescue and public safety organisation in the state, the NSW SES works proactively to help communities prepare for disasters and responds when emergencies occur.
Tweed Heads Unit Commander Tim Carlson said the service has a wide-range of capabilities for future recruits to learn, and helps the community before, during and after an incident occurs
"In the floods of 2022/23, the SES was extremely active in assisting flood affected residents with a wide range of needs", Inspector Carlson said.
"As a volunteer-based organisation, we look to community-minded residents to come and join us to help increase the reach and scope of our capabilities."
While the primary role of the NSW SES is to act as the lead agency for floods, storms and tsunamis, the members in the Tweed region are often called on to assist other first responders in the management of incidents, including bushfires, landslips, and land searches to help locate lost or missing persons.
"We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds and levels of experience. There's a role for everyone at the SES. Plus, as a registered training organisation (RTO) we provide excellent training to meet national standards and to ensure that our volunteers can always work effectively and safely," Inspector Carlson said.
"Honestly, there's never been a better time to join the SES."
NSW SES Tweed Heads volunteer Klaus Bartosch joined the service alongside his wife after the 2022 floods in Northern NSW.
"We wanted to give back to our community, and we've continued to volunteer with them because of the fantastic people we've met and now work with," Mr Bartosch said.
"There's a wide range of people from various backgrounds, including teachers, nurses, tradies, office workers and more. Plus, we've learned some amazing new skills and gained a lot of experience.
"I would recommend the SES to anyone who wants to make new friends, grow their skills and also take action to help our community at the same time."
Anyone over the age of 16 years of age can join the NSW SES, and there's a job for everyone within the service.
More than 40 percent of our volunteers across the state are women, adding even more strength to the claim that there's a role for everyone," Inspector Carlson said.
"Not all members have to be on the frontline, there are a range of tasks at the Unit that help protect the community in times of need."
If you're interested in becoming an SES volunteer and helping the Tweed community, then call the NSW SES on 1800 201 000 or visit the website www.ses.nsw.gov.au to register your interest. Across the Northern Rivers there are also units to join in Lismore, Murwillumbah and Pottsville.
