Strathfield SES “the heart and soul” of community volunteering: McKay

Strathfield MP Jodi McKay visited Strathfield State Emergency Service (NSW SES) last Wednesday to take a first-hand look at the Unit’s training and operations.  A brief the Unit sent to local Council and Parliamentary representatives on their storm response in April and May prompted her visit.

“Our SES volunteers in Strathfield are always on-call, giving up their time to help locals in times of need on top of their regular occupations and commitments,” Strathfield SES Local Controller Darrin Parkin said.

“The storms of April and May were our busiest since those that caused the Pasha Bulker to run-aground off Newcastle in June 2007 – but our SES volunteers were still out in all conditions responding to a record number of calls for assistance. We welcome the recognition Ms McKay has given us by inspecting our local headquarters and trust it gives her an insight into our important role within the community.”

“The Strathfield SES Unit is the heart and soul of the Strathfield community,” Ms McKay said.

“I was in a leadership position in Newcastle during that 2007 storm and I saw the enormous dedication of the SES in helping the city back on its feet. I remain eternally grateful for the work of Strathfield SES during that time.”

“I find the commitment of our SES volunteers really touching, not only for all the hard work they do, but the fact that they’re all still giving up their own time to complete their training and make sure that they’re ready for whatever is thrown Strathfield’s way.”

“When I heard of the hard work they have been putting in during the past few months, I had to see it for myself, and thank them on behalf of the Strathfield community for their service.”

Ms McKay inspected the Strathfield SES operations centre on and rescue shed on her July 1 visit. She also took a first-hand look at the Unit’s combined training with other inner west SES Units, and the hard work that the local SES volunteers put into maintaining the operational readiness of the Unit’s equipment.

For emergency assistance in floods and storms call the NSW State Emergency Service on 132 500. For life threatening emergencies, call 000 (triple zero).

Anyone interested in joining Strathfield SES should contact the Headquarters on (02) 9763 2144.

April / May 2015 Storms

Strathfield SES sent a briefing to local Parliamentary representatives and Strathfield Council updating them on their response during the April / May 2015 storms.

During these storms, from April 20 to May 2, Strathfield SES:

• Responded to 59 requests for assistance
• Was operational for 595 volunteer hours
• Assisted with –
• 43 tree damage incidents
• 12 roof damage incidents
• 7 flooding incidents (NB: some classifications overlap)
• This was the largest single operation by Strathfield SES since the June 2007 storms that caused the Pasha Bulker to run aground off Newcastle