Clare’s State Emergency Service calls for new recruits to help bolster unit capabilities

Clare’s State Emergency Service is pleading for people to volunteer, with the group running on low on numbers coming into the holiday season.

The Clare SES unit is desperate for volunteers and want people to consider joining. SES volunteers Jim Myatt and Heidi Grebe pictured at the Clare SES station. Picture: Tricia Watkinson

They are always there for us, rain, hail or shine. But now the SES is asking for your help.

Clare’s State Emergency Service has extended an urgent plea for mid-northern residents to consider volunteering, as the unit prepares for a busy holiday season.

Business co-ordinator Heidi Grebe said the unit had encountered a busy 2020, partially due to an increasing number of SA families discovering the state by road.

This has resulted in a spike of road accidents, admit other incidents such as retrieval and search and rescue operations.

“I’ve been with the unit for three years and this has been the busiest year I’ve experienced,” Ms Grebe said.

“The Clare unit is the major road crash unit for the mid north, so when there are more vehicles on country roads, our work ramps up.

“During the last lot of school holidays, we got hit with four road crashes in a span of six days...and we expect to be just as busy during the Christmas holiday.

“That is why we need more volunteers as, with the current crew we have, the most we can often guarantee is four crew to respond to (accidents).”

Ms Grebe said prospective volunteers would be provided with full training in a supportive team environment.

While no prerequisites are required to volunteer, she said it would be nice to see more women coming on board.

“Our current ratio of women is one to five, so we’d love to see more women join but anyone is welcome,” Ms Grebe said.

“The more volunteers we can get the better as with most volunteer organisations, people have day jobs which means that sometimes, employers don’t feel comfortable releasing staff for an emergency call out.

“The more crew we have, the more effective we are in an emergency, as our main goal is and always has been to preserve life.”

Those interested in volunteering are encouraged to attend a volunteer information night on December 3 at 6.30pm.

The session will be held 46 New Road, Clare. Bookings are essential by calling 8115 3800.