Following his retirement from the Navy last year, Owen Perkins decided to join his local SES unit and six months on he says it was a great decision.
“Since joining in September, I have been taught to make emergency roof repairs, cut up fallen trees, control the flow of flood waters to prevent damage to houses, operate communications equipment and reinforce structures against collapse,” Mr Perkins said.
“But what has been best about the SES is joining the close knit team and forging new friendships.
“I have already had the opportunity to put what I have learned into practice, helping our community recover from major storm activity over summer, as well as travelling out of area to assist in Kurnell last December,’’ said Mr Perkins, a volunteer at the Liverpool SES unit.
The SES is the NSW volunteer based emergency and rescue service with responsibility for flood and storms emergencies across the state.
During recent storm activity in January and February 2016, the Liverpool unit responded to 464 calls for assistance and needs enthusiastic community members to join their ranks.
“Last summer, Liverpool was hit by the biggest storms in a generation and we were there to help our local community it its time of need,” said NSW SES Liverpool spokesperson John Jones.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“SES teams were out all hours of the day and night fixing tarps to leaking roofs and clearing trees that had fallen across roads or damaged property.[/social_quote]
“But now is the time to prepare for more wild weather in the future.
“NSW SES Liverpool needs to recruit and train new members so we can respond effectively to the next emergency.”
Liverpool SES will be holding an information night on Tuesday, June 14 for anyone interested in joining an inclusive team, learning new skills and giving back to the community.
NSW SES volunteers come from all walks of life and age groups, bringing with them many different skills, interests and backgrounds.
They are united by the purpose of supporting their community in times of need.
The NSW SES is a Registered Training Organisation, so the skills you learn are nationally accredited and can go towards gaining further qualifications.
The information night will be held at NSW SES Liverpool headquarters at 67 Pearce Street, Liverpool at 7.30pm on Tuesday, 14 June.
♦ For emergency help in flood or storm, call the NSW SES on 132 500. Call 000 (triple zero) in life threatening situations.
For more information on the SES, visit their website here.
