The new State Headquarters for State Emergency Service (SES) and Marine Rescue Queensland (MRQ) has officially opened in Nundah.
Minister for Police and Community Safety, the Honourable Mark Ryan MP, joined Acting Commissioner Queensland Police Service (QPS), Mr Shane Chelepy along with SES Chief Officer Mark Armstrong and MRQ Chief Officer Tony Wulff, at the opening of the new SES and MRQ Headquarters in Nundah on September 25.
The State Headquarters signify an important milestone in growing the capability and capacity of SES and MRQ and will allow the services to work closely together to provide support to volunteers and Queenslanders alike.
Consolidating the Headquarters of SES and MRQ into one office location will not only enable better collaboration between staff, but also provide room to grow and deliver better value for money.
SES outgrew its accommodation at Kedron Emergency Services Complex due to additional staffing from the Disaster and Emergency Services Reform.
There had also been increasing competition for space within Kedron following the additional investment in the other emergency services.
However, SES will still have a presence at Kedron, with Brisbane Regional Staff staying at Kedron.
The Nundah site for the new State Headquarters was carefully selected for a number of reasons such as proximity to Kedron Emergency Services complex as well as being close to public transport and other amenities.
Importantly, the building also offers sustainability and efficient climate management features.
The State Headquarters also brings together the QPS Southern People Hub.
QPS will have personnel based at the new Headquarters to provide support to both SES and MRQ.
These team members will be known as the Southern People Hub offering corporate assistance for workplace culture, conduct, wellbeing and safety.
The People Hubs also facilitate professional development opportunities and provide early access to support and develop professional and ethical behaviour.
The Chief Officers also had a surprise up their sleeve on opening day, revealing a blue and orange chair in each and every meeting room.
The orange chair is to represent SES volunteers while the blue chair represents MRQ volunteers.
During a meeting where there are no volunteers, it is suggested the chairs remain empty to represent the volunteers and that every decision made is in their best interests.
Quotes attributable to Acting Commissioner, Mr Shane Chelepy
"The Queensland Police Service are immensely proud to support both SES and MRQ and we foresee the establishment of these State Headquarters as a leap forward for the safety of our state and communities."
"In times of need, QPS, SES and MRQ will always come together to ensure our community is safe and supported."
Quotes attributable to Mr Tony Wulff, Chief Officer, MRQ
"As the relatively new kids on the block, Marine Rescue Queensland are grateful to the support received from both QPS and to our new office mates SES as we establish ourselves."
"We look forward to working alongside SES both on the water and in the office."
Quotes attributable to Mr Mark Armstrong, Chief Officer, SES
"Witnessing the collaboration between our State Emergency Service and Marine Rescue Queensland is inspiring as we join together to enhance community safety on both land and water."
"The partnership between our two vital volunteer services exemplifies the power of collaboration in supporting the safety of Queensland communities."
