Hear, hear: how this SES volunteer plays key role in emergencies

Photo of author

 

Moira Reynolds has been a life force in delivering flood and storm safety information to deaf communities during emergencies.

With a career as a teacher of the deaf, the 68 year old Campbelltown resident’s skills and dedication has been invaluable to the NSW SES team who have worked with deaf communities.

She continues her effective communication skills through aviation radio operations, working in incident response teams and peer support.

“Everybody needs to have someone to talk to, who is there to listen and not judge,” Moira said.

Through NSW SES, she has travelled all over, from Bourke to Blacktown and Bendigo in Victoria.

In the March 2021 floods, she worked at Moree and Coffs Harbour Units as an aviation radio operator.

After the event, Moira said she hoped the public would recognise the efforts of all NSW SES volunteers.

“Most of our members have a job and families and volunteer on top of their daily work,” Moira said.

“But we’re there because we want to help.

“The more people can do to get themselves ready for an event and don’t go into floodwater, the better off they will be.”

Residents of NSW are encouraged to wear something orange today, Wednesday, May 19, to show their support and appreciation for their local NSW State Emergency Service (NSW SES) volunteers.

Lighting on Hurley Street, Campbelltown and Oxford Road, Ingleburn will be changed to orange and staff have been encouraged to wear orange throughout the day.

“Volunteers are the lifeblood of any community but over the past few years, the work of volunteers in the NSW SES and other emergency services has been particularly valuable during challenging circumstances such as floods and bushfires,” says Campbelltown mayor George Brticevic.

Leave a Comment