Bundaberg Regional SES Unit seeks volunteers as frontline faces dwindling numbers

They’re the front line in emergency situations, with SES volunteers always on hand to work with fire service and police to keep locals safe. Now, the Bundaberg Regional SES Unit are calling on volunteers as the front line thins and numbers “dwindle.”

Carmen Linsley and Geoff Fergusson of the Bargara SES Group monitor crowds during the Pageant of Lights.

The Bundaberg Regional SES Unit have put the call out for volunteers as numbers dwindle and regional groups are forced to rely on cross-unit support to tackle emergency situations.

Acting Deputy for Local Control Annette Farrar said volunteer numbers across the Bundaberg region have “dwindled” in the previous years, putting pressure on volunteers and community emergency response.

As the new year gets under way, she is calling for those with a few spare hours a week to put their hand up for the region’s seven SES groups (Woodgate, Childers, Elliott Heads, Moore Park Beach, Gin Gin, Bargara and Bundaberg) promising a free and supportive volunteer process which would deploy successful candidates to live emergency situations in a matter of months.

While Ms Farrar stressed the SES team as a whole remains more than capable of handling any situation which arises, falling numbers in the Woodgate group puts the emergency response at risk.

Volunteers are given the training and tools to handle a range of situations from first aid to working at heights to using machinery including chainsaws during clean-up operations.

“If one group is struggling, we utilize members from other groups,” she said.

“I certainly don’t want to put to the community that we can’t provide a response, but the more members we have at each group means we’re not relying on other groups to come and help.”

While Ms Farrar couldn’t put a figure on how many volunteers the region needs to return to stronger ranks she said she was “ambitious” about the numbers she would like to see come forward for the Bundaberg region.

Crews go beyond supporting a local response, with SES volunteers from the Bundaberg region recently taking part in the response effort on the Gold Coast and in North Queensland following Cyclone Jasper.

Keen applicants must be at least 16 years of age and are required to complete a member application form, agree to obtaining a Blue Card, undergoing a criminal history check before medicals ensure all volunteers are remaining safe on the scene.

Rhea Duiveman and Phil Mattner of the Moore Park Beach SES Group attend an event.

“If you have any medical conditions that may put you at risk, we do ask you go and see a doctor and get some clearance,” Ms Farrar said.

“That won’t necessarily mean you can’t join the SES, but it makes us aware of your capabilities.”

“For example, if you suffer vertigo, we wouldn’t put you on the roof and at risk of falling because of your medical condition.”

Once accepted, volunteers undergo a three month probationary period though are already welcome to join training sessions with their local group.

Between hands on training and online courses, Ms Farrar said volunteers can expect to sacrifice two hours a week to the cause, but notes the organisation is considerate of the demands of everyday life.

“The time commitments really does vary, depending on your commitments outside of the SES,” she said.

“We really just ask volunteers to give the time that they can manage.”

Anyone interested in joining a Bundaberg SES group is encouraged to contact the Unit’s Facebook page here.