Call for volunteers as Northern Territory Emergency Service marks 50 years of service
Through fires, floods, and other disasters, NTES workers and volunteers have served the Territory for five decades. Here’s why the Commissioner wants you to join. GALLERY.
Northern Territory
Don't miss out on the headlines from Northern Territory. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The NT Emergency Service says while it’s volunteer force is almost a thousand strong, more Territorians are needed to meet changing demands.
The service largely relies on “extraordinary” volunteers who have been helping Territorians through fires, floods, and other disasters for 50 years.
“They’re extraordinary people doing extraordinary things,” Commissioner of NT Fire and Emergency Services Andrew Warton said.
“They’re Territorians who have jobs, who have families and other responsibilities, who pull on an orange suit, or a green suit or PPE, and they go out and fight a fire or cut somebody out of a car.”
Numbers of volunteers across the country have declined in recent years, while demands on those who fight natural disasters in the Territory ramp up due to extended and more unpredictable seasons.
“We’re now seeing compounding consecutive and concurrent events, seasons are changing,” Commissioner Warton said.
“You can see it now, where’s the monsoon? … Fire seasons are starting to overlap with other seasons.”
On Wednesday a group of Girraween Primary School students toured the NTES Palmerston Volunteer Unit, meeting Paddy Platypus, inspecting equipment, and conducting multiple tests of the emergency sirens.
Year 5 student Kaylee, alongside friends Elsie and Darcee, said she got to look at the emergency trucks, boats, push all the buttons, and go on a stretcher.
“I’m prepared for an emergency – well I would be, except I’ve got a sprained ankle,” she said.
Year 6 student Bree said the school excursion made her think about volunteering for NTES: “Thank you, and you’re doing a good job,” she said.
On Thursday the NTES will release its first strategic plan after splitting from NT Police, outlining its direction for the next four years.
SEE THE PICS
More Coverage
Originally published as Call for volunteers as Northern Territory Emergency Service marks 50 years of service
‘Put our interests first’: Activist launches independent bid for Solomon
A long-time activist and volunteer is taking on the major parties at this year’s federal election, running as an independent candidate for the Top End seat of Solomon. Read what he stands for.
Whopping 255kgs of kava seized following police operation
A tip-off to police led authorities to the massive haul of kava, with a young man set to face court. Details.