There’s No Stopping the SES

They are present in the best of times and the worst of times. You’ll find State Emergency Service (SES) members on the scene anywhere from managing crowds and cars at the annual show, Street Party Carnivale and Opera at Jimbour to helping clear the devastation left by the storms of Australia Day 2007.

Keith Young is the Local Controller for Dalby’s own cluster of around 20 SES volunteers and has been committed to the cause for over a quarter of a century.

“After the ’81 floods I realised we needed a dedicated team to be on call in case of emergency, particularly as we live in a rural area. Someone’s got to do it and we’re them.”

The SES are often called on to supplement the manpower of statutory bodies including the police and fire brigade, and are supported by local council and the federal government for supply of their equipment.

Extensive training is also provided for volunteers.  Each SES member must be accredited with a licence to drive a boat, use a chainsaw, direct traffic and be competent in delivering first aid among other requirements. The free training is conducted on the first and third Tuesday of each month as well as some weekends.

The SES group in Dalby recruits year round with current male and female members ranging from 17 to 70 years old.

Contact Keith if you’re interested in donating some of your time or money to support the SES on 0427 572 196.