Volunteer The official journal of the NSW SES Volunteers Association - Issue 56 | June 2021
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The official journal of the NSW SES Volunteers Association
Volunteer
the Issue 56 | June 2021
ISSN 1445-3886 | PP 100018972
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NSW SES VOLUNTEERS ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President of the Board of Directors Vice President
Kim Davis ESM (Captains Flat) Shannon Crofton ESM CF (Metro Zone)
kim.davis@nswsesva.org.au shannon.crofton@nswsesva.org.au
Managing Director Director
Erin Pogmore (Metro Zone) Megan Hamblin (Wellington)
erin.pogmore@nswsesva.org.au megan.hamblin@nswsesva.org.au
NSW SES VOLUNTEERS ASSOCIATION COORDINATORS
Patricia Johnson Selina Thomas
Flower Coordinator Mental Health Coordinator
Adam Jones Cory McMillan
Member Benefits Coordinator Mental Health Coordinator
Anthorr Nomchong Teddy Haryjanto
Member Recognition Coordinator Mental Health Coordinator
VA Rep NSW SES Awards Committee
Cheryl Goodchild
Membership Coordinator
CRITICAL INCIDENT SUPPORT PROGRAM 1800 626 800
CONTRIBUTIONS
Content for The Volunteer
Photography should only be supplied digitally,
please avoid scanning of any type. Text can be
supplied as a Microsoft Word document.
Please send all content to:
The Volunteer Editor: Advertisers Alert Countrywide Austral
Carlee Maccoll Countrywide Austral is appointed by the New Level 2, 310 King Street, Melbourne
Unit 1, 2-6 Lindsay Street, Rockdale NSW 2216 South Wales State Emergency Service Volunteers Postal: GPO Box 2466,
Phone: 1300 0 SES VA Association as the authorised publisher of Melbourne 3001
Email: editor@nswsesva.org.au The Volunteer. For enquiries re advertising in this Ph: (03) 9937 0200 Fax: (03) 9937 0201
magazine, please contact the publishers: Email: admin@cwaustral.com.au
DISCLAIMER: Countrywide Austral (“Publisher”) advises that the contents of this publication are the sole discretion of the New South Wales State Emergency Service Volunteers Association and the publication is offered
for information purposes only. The publication has been formulated in good faith and the Publisher believes its contents to be accurate, however, the contents do not amount to a recommendation (either expressly or by
implication) and should not be relied upon in lieu of specific professional advice. The Publisher disclaims all responsibility for any loss or damage which may be incurred by any reader relying upon the information contained
in the publication whether that loss or damage is caused by any fault or negligence on the part of the publisher, its directors and employees. COPYRIGHT: All advertisements appearing in this publication are subject to
copyright and may not be reproduced except with the consent of the owner of the copyright. ADVERTISING: Advertisements in this journal are solicited from organisations and businesses on the understanding that no
special considerations other than those normally accepted in respect of commercial dealings, will be given to any advertiser.
NSWSESVA.ORG.AU 1
Give life. Give blood. Book your donation today give blood
Contents REGULAR FEATURES
4 From the President
5 From the Minister
6 From the Commissioner
7 From the Editor
FEATURES
10 Newell Highway Truck Crash
14 Warwick Cary Internment
15 Port Stephens Family Fun Day
16 NSW SES Fleet Showcase
18 Response to the March Floods in
Penrith PGA
20 Port Macquarie Unit
22 Community Education Initiative
24 Vertical Rescue Professional
Development
26 WA Deployment
31 Community Reading Group
32 Condobolin Unit
33 Flood Crisis – Personal recount
34 South Eastern Zone Disaster Rescue
Challenge
35 New Member Experience
36 Ballina Unit
38 Across the border
40 Mental Health First Aid
41 Hunters Hill & Scouts
10 15 42 Sand Bag Filling Unit
18 24
NSWSESVA.ORG.AU 3
FROM THE PRESIDENT
We did see a number of volunteers directly
affected by the floods, but on a positive
note, we had the opportunity to deliver
a Mental Health First Aid course to
KIM DAVIS ESM 14 members on the North Coast.
PRESIDENT NSW SES
VOLUNTEERS ASSOCIATION
W
hile the community focus has excited to be adding Aboriginal The Association is continuing to
remained on the COVID-19 and Torres Straight MHFA to our meet with both the SLT of the SES as
response as well as the north programming in the latter half of well as parliamentary representatives
coast flooding, in the Association we the year. to discuss volunteer matters.
have remained focused on mental With the rain we have been We are establishing online
health and welfare support for our receiving, work at the VA Retreat meetings with our Ambassadors, check
members. has been difficult! The lower dam with your local unit or our office to see
We did see a number of volunteers is beyond full and a beautiful who your Ambassador is, or if you would
directly affected by the floods, environment for many local creatures like to take on the role. We are also
but on a positive note, we had the however the damp ground has looking at additional member benefits
opportunity to deliver a Mental Health made maintenance work difficult. opportunities so if you have any contacts
First Aid course to 14 members on the As the weather continues to get you would like to share, have a benefit
North Coast. cooler we will endeavour to get as you would like to offer or have any
We are consulting diaries and will much done as we can in preparation other feedback, please send it through
be looking at other locations to roll for Spring/Summer and to have to our Member Benefits Coordinator.
out courses and any enquiries can be established more camping locations Stay safe out there and look after
directed through our office. We are – stay tuned. each other.
For all current and upcoming courses please check out our website www.sesvaevents.com
REGISTER ONLINE FOR OUR UPCOMING COURSES
4 THE VOLUNTEER | JUNE 2021
FROM THE MINISTER
THE HON DAVID ELLIOTT MP
MINISTER FOR POLICE AND
EMERGENCY SERVICES
A
t the last time I wrote to you
all, NSW was in the midst
of one of the worst storm
and flood event of our generation.
Thousands of people were displaced
or cut off by flood waters, and homes
and properties were inundated or
even washed away. Amidst it all there
were hundreds of stories of hope, with
nearly 3,500 SES personnel deployed
throughout the event. The men and
women in orange worked around the
clock to keep the people of our State
safe, from flood rescues to closing roads
and making resupply missions, the
SES were invaluable to the operation.
During just that event, volunteers
responded to more than 14,000 requests
for assistance, a mammoth effort that
deserves recognition. I was able to see
your efforts first hand in the Hawkesbury
and around Moree and know how
grateful the people of these areas
were to you all. I am incredibly proud
of each and every one of you, I know
you do it without want of recognition
but your communities will be forever
grateful for your contributions. it was announced the Government It was an incredible opportunity to
You have also proven that is not will provide $36 million over five thank hundreds of volunteers in person
only your own communities you are years for a new first responder for their efforts during the floods and
dedicated to protecting. During the mental health strategy for emergency year round. During the week, NSW also
floods many units were deployed services. Of this, NSW SES will celebrated Wear Orange Wednesday
across the state, to the areas that receive $5.9 million to be used for and I hope each and every one of
needed it most. Volunteers were also initiatives including the development you were able to celebrate and be
deployed to Queensland and more of a mental health and wellbeing celebrated. Seeing landmarks across the
recently to Western Australia, following strategy, enhanced support services, country light up was a heart-warming
the aftermath from Cyclone Seroja employment of internal psychologists, tribute to each and every one of you.
which hit the north west coast with and training for NSW SES leaders in I want to again issue my thanks to you
devastating force. Your contributions mental health and wellbeing. all, your dedication for your communities
here and interstate have made the Recently, we celebrated National keeps us all safer. Thanks must also go
people of NSW proud. Volunteer Week, and I was lucky enough to your families, employers and friends,
After a challenging year, I want to to spend it travelling across the state without their support volunteers would
assure you all that the NSW Government and visiting volunteers in Albury, Wagga not be able to make the positive mark
will continue to support you. Last year, Wagga, Griffith, Moree and Inverell. they do on their communities.
NSWSESVA.ORG.AU 5
FROM THE COMMISSIONER
Whether you’re responding to the current floods
in Western NSW, helping out with the Zone
Challenges or simply continuing to serve your
community in your normal role as an SES member,
know that we appreciate all that you do.
CARLENE YORK APM
NSW SES COMMISSIONER
O
ver the past few months, all been fulfilled. This time it’s different forward and it’s a fantastic opportunity
you have helped your local – we acknowledge the past, what we for our members to demonstrate their
communities through some are working towards in our present, expertise and solidify relationships
of the biggest floods we have seen in and have very clear goals of what we with our fellow emergency services.
decades. For some, they have been will achieve in the future. We know I’m also looking forward to the
floods never experienced before. how we will achieve this – by focusing State Disaster Rescue Challenge
While flooding is still occurring in on our people, our community, and our (SDRC), which will be held in Metro
Western Zone, I do want to thank capability. These are the three pillars of from 31 July to 1 August. For those
everyone for their efforts over the the strategic plan, which outline what who are new to the service, SDRC is a
past few months and putting their we will do to move us onwards. biennial event that sees teams from
lives on hold to help others. A core part of getting this new across the state compete in a series of
I want to take this opportunity to Strategic Plan right, was through challenges. Eight teams from across
especially acknowledge the volunteers the creation of our new mission the Zones will be battling it out for
in Western NSW. I know you don’t need and vision. Our mission (saving lives the top prize, with the highest scoring
me to relay your own history from the and creating safer communities) team going on to represent us at the
past decade to you, but I do want to combined with our vision (a trusted National Disaster Rescue Challenge,
acknowledge it – a prolonged drought, volunteer-based emergency service, which is being held in Perth on 16 and
bushfires, floods, the pandemic, and a working together to deliver excellence 17 October. These challenges give us
mouse plague. Despite all of this, you in community preparedness and a chance to test and improve our skills
continue to persevere and continue emergency response) were updated while also getting to know people
to soldier on and think of others over after a survey last year revealed from other Units who we might not
yourself. Please know your resilience and that the majority of you didn’t like otherwise encounter. Good luck to
dedication to your local communities the old vision statement and wanted everyone who is currently competing in
has not gone unnoticed. Thank you it changed. These statements are the Zone challenges and thank you to
to each and every one of you for not just empty words, they will help those who came to help and support.
continuing to wear our orange uniform guide our future decisions, so I’m I’m a big believer in improving our skills
and working for the benefit of others. very thankful that we were able to wherever possible, and if you can have
As I am sure you are aware, we have develop them with so much input a little bit of fun doing it, even better!
been working towards finalizing our from members. So, whether you’re responding to
new Strategic Plan, which will help On a final note, it is incredibly the current floods in Western NSW,
guide us and identify our achievements pleasing to see our major exercises up helping out with the Zone Challenges
for the next three years. I am pleased and running again. The inaugural first or simply continuing to serve your
to share it is now in its final stages, State Road Crash Rescue Challenge community in your normal role as an
and we will be launching it very soon. was held in Mogo on 22 and 23 May in SES member, know that we appreciate
I know in the past our service has had conjunction with Fire and Rescue NSW. all that you do.
strategic plans and goals that have not This event will be held every year going Stay Safe
6 THE VOLUNTEER | JUNE 2021
FROM THE EDITOR
WOW DAY & NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK
At the time this magazine has gone to and on Wednesday the 19th Of May we
print, we have just celebrated National put the spotlight on our amazing NSW
Volunteers Week (from the 17th May - SES Volunteers and celebrated the
23rd May 2021). remarkable work you do all year round.
It was a great opportunity for Having had a hectic last few months
everyone to recognise, celebrate with major flood and storm events, I
and thank the millions of Volunteers think the celebrations couldn’t have
we have Australia wide, for the vital come at a better time and it was great
role they play in our lives and the to see the appreciation and uplifting
significant contribution they make in messages from the community for all
our communities each year! your efforts. We are very proud of all
WOW Day also coincided with NVW our fellow Volunteers!
NSWSESVA.ORG.AU 7
FROM THE EDITOR
UNIT AMBASSADORS
The VA is seeking members to represent
their unit as a Unit Ambassador – this is an
exciting opportunity to work with the VA
& be part of a state-wide team committed
to providing a positive and supportive
volunteering experience. We held our first
zoom meeting earlier this month with the
Unit Ambassadors and look forward to
welcoming onboard new members as the
year progresses. If you are interested in
representing your Unit and the VA, please
read through the position description
which can be found on our website
and send your nomination through to
office@nswsesva.org.au
This quarter we are focusing on
developing our Member Benefits
program and are actively seeking
organisations and businesses to get
involved and onboard. If you know an
individual or business that would like to
offer our fellow SES Volunteers a discount
or special offer please let us know.
We want to make the program beneficial
for all our members throughout NSW
(metro and regional) and encourage your
feedback and input. All current member
benefits are listed on our Facebook
member benefits page – NSW SES
Volunteers Association Member Benefits
Please note when joining that all fields
and terms and conditions need to be
agreed to or the membership will not
be approved.
If you have any feedback or
suggestions for the VA please send them
through to office@nswsesva.org.au
EAT SLEEP RESPOND
Don’t forget to check out our Eat Sleep Respond merchandise
online and grab yourself some apparel to keep you warm
this winter! We have thick ESR Hoodies and beanies and also
large SES golf Umbrellas to keep you dry & out of the rain.
Our apparel and merchandise are available online at
www.eatsleeprespond.com.au and www.nswsesva.org.au/shop
8 THE VOLUNTEER | JUNE 2021FROM THE EDITOR
2022 CALENDAR
Each year the VA publishes and
distributes our yearly calendar to
Members. All images that feature
in the Calendar are provided by
our members and chosen by the
members (by way of vote). If you
have any high definition pictures that
you would like to see in the 2022
calendar, please send them through
to office@nswsesva.org.au. We are
taking submissions up until the 30th
October 2021 and there is no limit on
the amount of images you can submit.
We are now accepting content for
the September edition of the Magazine
– if you would like to feature in the next
magazine, please send in content to
editor@nswsesva.org.au by the 13th
of August 2021. Thankyou again to all
that have contributed to this edition!
NSWSESVA.ORG.AU 9NEWELL HIGHWAY TRUCK CRASH
Newell Highway Truck Crash
This is HEAVY Rescue!
Call received 0511hrs – Wednesday 21st April 2021. Car and truck
collided. Location – Newell Highway, between Gilgandra and
Coonabarabran. Approximately 25kms to the north of Gilgandra.
ACTUAL SCENARIO
1 x heavy vehicle (B-double
combination) heading south on Newell
Highway, lost control, rolls onto it’s
side, totally blocking the highway.
Prime mover remains partially upright
(unstable) whilst both trailers come to
rest on their side.
1 x heavy vehicle (semi-trailer)
ploughs into the first truck lying on it’s
side blocking the highway. In short it
was a case of a fully laden semi-trailer,
at full speed,‘t-boning’ a fully laden,
B-double which had rolled onto it’s side,
blocking the entire roadway.
Both trucks are fully laden and 1
x occupant in each vehicle. Driver of
first vehicle uninjured whilst the driver
of the second vehicle has significant
injuries and is severely trapped
(encapsulated) by confinement/
compression injury. No car involved as
per the initial call details.
Diesel fuel was freely leaking from
both trucks. Some of this was absorbed
by the use of soil and ‘kitty litter’ – dozens
and dozens of bags of which, made up for
some of the freight on one of the trucks. Members of the various agencies and resources on scene, hold a site briefing to discuss
On arrival of the Gilgandra SES the risks, the various options and agree on a ‘plan of attack’. There were a number of risks
identified and if these were to be managed. Due to the protracted scene time, the size of
Unit, we found paramedics and NSW the scene, and the number of response agencies involved, site co-ordination was going to
Fire + Rescue personnel had achieved be important.
communication with the trapped
patient. This required a climb onto The prime mover of the rolled truck, held involving all agencies and services
the top of the semi-trailer (some 3m+ as shown in the right of the photo on scene so as to decide on a ‘plan of
off the ground) to a point where one above, was sitting at an angle which attack’. The early resources on scene
could gain visual access to a portion of made it highly unstable. This was initially included 2 x heavy duty tow trucks with
the patient only. He was conscious and stabilised by the use of 2 x Stab Fast a third and a heavy crane, on their way.
conversing with the paramedics. XL® units from our heavy rescue trailer The cab containing the driver was
The access to the trapped patient (these were later removed in preparation well encapsulated by the first trailer and
was extremely limited in the phase for vehicle the relocation activity). mixed freight contents of the B-double
of initial assessment. Access required We knew from the moment of combination truck. It was soon decided
climbing onto the truck body and only arrival on the scene that it was not that the most realistic option was
a small gap was available for visual going to be any ordinary RCR call – that of CONTROLLED vehicle relocation
contact with the patient. The patient it was going to be a complex, heavy whilst the trapped drive remained in
was trapped in the cab of the truck and protracted operation. situ, in the cab of the second prime
(seen above in the red truck body, Due to the complexity and number mover. This relocation was going
adjacent the 2 x paramedics). of resources required, a briefing was to have to be highly measured and
10 THE VOLUNTEER | JUNE 2021NEWELL HIGHWAY TRUCK CRASH
This relocation was
going to have to be
highly measured
and controlled.
Any inappropriate
or unplanned
movement could
well see significant
injury to the trapped
driver – or worse
still, death.
controlled. Any inappropriate or
unplanned movement could well see
significant injury to the trapped driver
– or worse still, death.
The paramedics on site, in
conjunction with the retrieval doctor,
felt the patient was stable and that we
had some degree of time on our side,
for release. Pain relief, oxygen and IV
fluids were being administered.
In the event of unsuccessful After the initial vehicle relation manoeuver was completed we undertook a 2nd vehicle
relocation attempts, ‘Plan B’ was to relocation step. This involved the 2nd heavy duty town truck, being placed behind the
semi-trailer and carefully winching, the semi-trailer (as a whole unit) slowly backwards.
involve the dismantling of the truck The 1st heavy duty tow truck remained in place on the other side as an anchor. This
cab – piece by piece, which would be manoeuvre gave us around 2.5m of space – the extrication could now begin in earnest.
a painfully slow operation.
We were a little nervous. We had
undertaken vehicle relocation activity
previous but this was with a passenger
car and not two heavy vehicles with
weights of 30 to 50 plus tonnes each.
The vehicle relocation was to be
undertaken in two steps and a third
step would be the actual release of the
patient from the truck cab.
During the entire vehicle relocation
activity, ALL personnel (apart from the
winch operator and paramedic) were
moved back from the site for reasons
of safety i.e. in case of flying debris or
a winch rope breaking. The winching
operation was controlled by a single
winch operator (with a winch remote
control) placed on the roof of the
The initial or first step of the vehicle relocation activity was to slide the rear trailer away
semi-trailer. This allowed for easy visual from the prime mover of the second truck, whilst leaving the prime mover still, for fear
inspection of the ‘moving parts’, and of it undertaking an uncontrolled roll back onto it’s wheel. It was in a rather precarious
easy contact with the senior paramedic position on the embankment. This activity saw the rear of the second trailer move around
2.5m. This gained us some valuable space between the cab, containing the driver, and the
trailer. A NSW RFS, category 1 fire tanker, was used as anchor point on the rear of the
»» continued on page 12 second semi-trailer to keep it still – to help with separation.
NSWSESVA.ORG.AU 11NEWELL HIGHWAY TRUCK CRASH
Our portable elevated work platform can be seen being readied for work and at work in the photographs above. A highly useful resource.
»» continued from page 11
(who was also on the roof of the
semi-trailer, observing the activity and
chatting with the trapped patient).
This worked well and was seen as safe.
Next it was:
»» Flattening of the driver’s side front
tyre as it was feared it was about to
burst, due to it’s heavy contact with
sharp edges of metal
»» removal of the driver’s side door
»» removal of the cab tool box door
»» a lift of the front portion of the
cab roof
»» a dash lift.
All the work on the cab undertaken
with the aid of our portable elevated
work platform. This device proved to
be a highly valuable resource. It made
life much easier and reduced risk to
both the rescuers and the patient.
The patient was trapped for a total
time of around 5 hours.
Upon release the driver was
assessed fully by the retrieval doctor trains and B-double combination units. Interagency Teamwork
and critical care paramedic on site, We will soon see the day we have a call The inter agency teamwork evident on
prior to air lifting to the Tamworth involving a B-triple combination as we the day was exceptional. There was of
Base Hospital for further care. are seeing more and more of these on course the standard ‘police, ambulance,
the road, on a daily basis. Just 6 x days fire and rescue’ type response agencies
IN REVIEW prior to this crash we were called to and in addition we also had the
Heavy Rescue Capability a farming accident which involved a Roads & Maritime Safety, heavy tow
Coming from this event, it showed the person pinned in a combine harvester truck operators and the aeromedical
need for the recuse units on the Newell – again a machine with a gross weight retrieval rescue helicopter and
Highway to have a HEAVY RESCUE of some 26 tonnes. It is time to review crew present on the day. All worked
capability. Yet again, the Gilgandra SES the RESCUE capability of the Gilgandra together, exceptionally well.
Unit has responded to a crash involving Unit with a possible upgrade to HEAVY It must be made mention of the
not only semi-trailers but also road RESCUE status. professionalism and manner in which
12 THE VOLUNTEER | JUNE 2021NEWELL HIGHWAY TRUCK CRASH
The above photographs provide you with an idea of the degree of damage suffered to the cab of the prime mover in which the driver was
trapped for some hours.
the heavy tow truck operators were Ladder Access immediate medical assessment,
willing and prepared to work with the One need identified was the need ambulance transport, additional
emergency service crews. All were for a short ladder, of around 2.5m hospital treatment in the ED and
calm, professional and skilled. to 3m in length to facilitate access absence from work for some days.
Another specific mention must onto overturned trucks and into
be made of the critical care paramedic truck cabs. Geoff Kiehne
from the Westpac Helicopter SES Member Injury Inspector/Unit Commander
Service (Tamworth) and the manner Sadly, one of our members received a Gilgandra Unit
in which he controlled the medial severe bruise injury to the mid thigh
aspects of the patient care. Calm, when hit with the end of a set of
Note: All of the above photographs were
confident and professional are words hydraulic cutters which were thrown
taken, for training and review purposes.
which could be used to describe backwards by a steel rod which had This was done so with full approval and
his actions. just been cut. The injury required knowledge of police present on scene.
NSWSESVA.ORG.AU 13WARWICK CARY INTERNMENT
Warwick Cary
Internment
O
n Friday the 7th May 2021
Warwick Cary’s ashes were
finally put to rest with his
family. The Minister for Emergency
Services The Hon. David Elliott MP, the
Commissioner Carlene York, majority of
Emergency Services Protocol Officers
and many of Warwick’s friends from
NSW SES and other organisations were
in attendance.
Kogarah SES provided the Guard
of Honour as a mark of respect for their
old Unit Commander.
Commissioner Carlene York also
presented a framed NSW SES Flag
to the family at the wake after the
interment.
The Family would like to thank the
NSW SES Volunteers Association for
the production of 150 booklets that
were handed out at the Interment.
I have included a message sent to the
family from the staff at the cemetery
which is very rare indeed.
Peter Lalor
Hi Esther
I didn’t
Just wanted to email as
at the end of
want to interrupt you
d to say I
the ceremony, just wante
ll for you
hope everything went we
Myself and
and your family today.
at the end
Simon said to each other
ul ceremony
it was the most beautif
hing was
we have ever done everyt
d very happy
so well put together an
If there is
the rain held off for you.
uire please
anything further you req
know.
don’t hesitate to let me
Thanks Esther THE WORDING ON THE PLAQUE IS:
Regards WARWICK GEORGE CARY AM, ESM, MStJ
29.7.1949 – 16.4.2020
Hannah Langdon In recognition of his Distinguished Service to the members of the NSW State
Customer Care Support Emergency Service.
rk
Woronora Memorial Pa Photo Credit Peter Lalor
14 THE VOLUNTEER | JUNE 2021PORT STEPHENS FAMILY FUN DAY
Port Stephens
Family Fun Day
O
n Saturday, 15th of May the
Port Stephens SES Unit held
a Family Fun Day at Riverside
Park, Raymond Terrace. It was a great
opportunity to involve the families of
our Unit Members in a fun and safe
environment where they could learn
more about the SES and the equipment
we use.
Everyone enjoyed the day with a
BBQ for lunch, fun and games for the
kids (with prizes kindly donated by
the NSW SES Volunteers Association)
give-aways, truck + boat displays and
family fun for all the members and
their families.
NSWSESVA.ORG.AU 15NSW SES FLEET SHOWCASE
NSW SES Fleet replacement Program
NSW SES Fleet Showcase Day
O
n Friday, 14th May 2021 the
NSW State Emergency Service
launched the first of hundreds
of new vehicles to be rolled out over
the next 10 years. The Showcase was
held at the Wingecarribee unit with a
number of Government officials, SES
Staff and Members and staff from
other Agencies in attendance.
These new state-of-the art vehicles
are part of an initial $56.4 million dollar,
four year (FY2018/19 – FY2021-2022)
commitment by the Government
to ensure NSW SES Volunteers are
well equipped, well trained and well
prepared to respond to floods and
storms, saving lives and creating safer
communities. We are currently in
Year 3 of this program and have seen
expenditure of over $36 million dollars.
The different types of fleet assets
delivered included
»» Over snow machines
»» Command,
»» General Purpose,
»» Light Storm Light Rescue, High Clearance (Flood said SES fleet renewal manager Keith
»» Medium Storm, Operations), Class 1, 2 and 3 Vessels, Simmons.
»» Medium Rescue, General Purpose Trailers, Light Storm “Previously there were well-funded
»» Heavy Rescue, Trailers, Community Engagement councils where the local SES unit
»» A 22-Seater Bus, Snowmobiles, Trailers along with refurbishing our was well supported and had highly
»» Class 4 Bowloaders and a General important Sandbag Filling Trailers. capable vehicles, and there were some
Purpose Trailers. The Government has allocated councils with less capable vehicles,”
The latest and newest capability, a total of $116 million dollars over said Mr Simmons. In one instance, one SES
the first of 6 Unimogs were there 10 years through to June 2028 for the unit was using an old removalist truck.
after recently arriving from Mercedes NSW SES Fleet Replacement Program Since the SES vehicle replacement
Benz in Germany. They will be able to so the NSW SES can continue to deliver program commenced, it has replaced
provide a significant increase in safety high quality vehicles, vessels and vehicles that were more than 30 years old.
and capability to our members during trailers to our Volunteers so they can “The average age of the fleet is
floods, storms, tsunamis and support continue to save lives and create safer now below 20 years, and the aim of the
operations. communities. program is to keep the fleet below an
Next Financial year the SES will be The NSW SES fleet was previously average of 15 years,” said Mr Simmons.
rolling out additional new fleet assets “a mixed bag” of vehicles with varying “SES volunteers need to have
including, Community First Responder, levels of equipment and capability, vehicles with modern safety features.
16 THE VOLUNTEER | JUNE 2021NSW SES FLEET SHOWCASE
Our members are doing a hard job The heavy rescue trucks are While Toyota LandCruiser Prado
in circumstances where most of us equipped with “the jaws of life” vehicles are used in the alpine
wouldn’t go outside,” said Mr Simmons. to extract occupants in severe region, the NSW SES fleet primarily
“They are giving up time with their vehicle crashes, plus flood rescue uses Isuzu D-Max utes and Isuzu
families to run towards danger when equipment, and countless other MU-X four-wheel-drives across the
the rest of us would run away.” tools used to save lives in dangerous state to assist with communications
“SES volunteers do everything predicaments. technology, deploying volunteers
from protecting a scene, assisting The Isuzu six-seater mid-wheelbase to a scene quickly, and towing vital
with searches, assisting with rescues trucks have also had lap-sash seatbelts equipment installed in specialised
at serious road crashes, as well as fitted to the centre back seats trailers.
supporting first responders when there (rather than lap only belts) to boost Many of the vehicles are fitted with
are fires, floods, and storm damage to occupant safety when responding to satellite communications to keep the
homes,” said Mr Simmons. an emergency. lines open in remote areas.
NSWSESVA.ORG.AU 17FLOODS IN PENRITH
Penrith Unit Flood Rescue Team
Response to the March
Floods in Penrith LGA
U
nder the direction of our Flood but also had the equipment and went a long way to assist with fatigue
Coordinator & Deputy Flood capacity to operate as a single team management and prevent prolonged
Coordinator with the predicted should the need arise. We assisted hypothermia.
rain/floods coming, a unit IAP and flood within our LGA with numerous flood We had an issue with a battery
roster was developed and disseminated rescues, as well as out of area within on one of our RIBs that had gone
to the flood rescue team prior to the The Hills and Hawkesbury area. completely flat, while you could jump
event occurring. As part of the IAP Some of the more challenging rescues start it to get it going, it meant there
the flood rescue team prepared our included the rescue of 27 Military dogs was no tilt control on the motor.
flood equipment and vehicles ready to at Londonderry which took 4 hours, We were incredibly fortunate that
respond should the need arise. responding in torrential rain at night we identified this during our pre
Preparation included pumping up with poor visibility for long distances deployment checks in the morning and
and roof mounting both arks to two and the rescue of two members of the managed to get a replacement battery.
vehicles, as well as loading the back public from a roof at Wilberforce. We collected the battery from Battery
of both vehicles with our flood rescue Some of the lessons learnt World just as the rescue for the dogs at
equipment. This consisted of a battery- (and some of the things we did well), Londonderry came in, so it meant we
operated chainsaw and equipment included members packing extra were changing out the battery onsite
(in case access to a flood rescue was clothes, a swag and sleeping bag to prior to launching. This didn’t affect the
restricted by a tree), our rope kits sleep at headquarters during down rescue in any way while the incident
consisting of numerous ropes along time. This was important from a fatigue controller was developing a plan with
with their hardware, throw bags, reach management perceptive & also due to the in-water operators, one of the land
poles, PFDs, Inflated hose, helmets, a number of road closures, members base operators managed to change the
Blankets, AED, and Oars. Both vehicles were at times unable to get home. battery in no time.
were positioned within the yard for Flood rescue members, land-based As a member of SES for 9 years and
quick response should the need arise. operators and on water operators having been involved in flood events
We were incredibly fortunate specifically came back after each flood before, for me a breath-taking moment
enough to have enough flood rescue rescue completely wet and cold, with was the rescue that we affected at
members to make two teams for members bringing all their clothes to Wilberforce. This rescue reminded me
majority of the event. During the HQ. This meant the team were able of just how dangerous flood waters can
event, teams often responded to change regularly and put the wet be and just how vulnerable we are at
together to assist at flood rescues, clothes in the drier to dry out. This times. This rescue involved the launch
18 THE VOLUNTEER | JUNE 2021FLOODS IN PENRITH
of M33 our small RIB with a 25Hp that I thanked NSW SES for all the Hawkesbury, or Sutherland, every
motor. What we didn’t realise at the training and professional development single member I worked with was an
time was the sheer speed of the water. that they had provided to me. absolute pleasure. Everyone looked out
As we headed from our launch location During this event, I worked with for each other and some even offered
into the main river it became apparent some incredible flood rescue operators suggestions on better ways to perform
that the engine on the boat was not - from land based through to in-water a task. To me this is what SES is all
powerful enough to match the speed operators, new volunteers that had about.
of the water. Using various boating never experienced flood water before To the many flood rescue operators
techniques, glides, eddy hopping etc, along with seasoned operators with that I did work with during this event
I managed to eventually get to the a wealth of knowledge. For me, I was – Thank you, it was a pleasure working
location only to find a large boil line completely humbled to be working with you.
that we needed to cross to get to the with so many amazing volunteers
rescue location. It was definitely a there to do a job. It didn’t matter if Sal Suckling
heart stopping moment and a moment you were from Penrith Unit, The Hills, WHS Coordinator | Penrith
NSWSESVA.ORG.AU 19HASTINGS CATCHMENT FLOODS
Port Macquarie Unit
People helping People and Interagency Cooperation proved essential
in managing the floods in the Hastings Catchment.
T
he BOM suggested we might through shifts, our flood boat operators
receive some rain on the coast and and swift-water techs managing what
some rain in the upper catchment seemed like endless Flood Rescue
with possible minor flooding … well callouts on Friday night, with even more
72hours later we had record breaking still flowing in on Saturday and Sunday.
river heights and a MAJOR FLOOD on I remember one request to evacuate 10
our hands with 329 flood rescues and people ended up with evacuations for
1200+ requests for assistance within 80 people. “All hands-on deck” and all
our Hastings cluster of Port Macquarie, available resources were being tasked
Wauchope and Camden Haven. to assist and help manage this major
Friday 19th March started at 0630 a couple of locals tried unsuccessfully flood event. All the local emergency
with a bull in floodwater near our to drive through flood water. services were activated with Fire &
northern boundary, and then two By lunchtime the tempo was escalating, Rescue, Surf Life Saving, Marine Rescue,
racehorses in floodwater in the South. requests for assistance were streaming Police Rescue, Ambulance, Busways,
The morning continued with the usual in and our LEMO and LEOCON set up Council, Welfare, RFS and Essential
sandbag/water diversion requests due the Emergency Operations Centre Services organisations all contributing
to the significant rain in our catchment. and the SOC issued multiple Flood and helping us to gain intel, assist
Council was kept busy with road Evacuation Orders in our region. with evacuations and perform life
closures due to localised flash flooding The following 24hours were hectic threatening flood rescues.
and then the first two ‘human’ flood with low lying areas being evacuated, I am very proud of our local
rescue jobs came in mid-morning after storm crews operating and rotating community especially those who helped
20 THE VOLUNTEER | JUNE 2021HASTINGS CATCHMENT FLOODS
their local community! People who awesome and very positive feedback A week later we had closed all
owned boats assisted those surrounded from many of those in our community outstanding jobs and were now
by flood water or helped to evacuate that they helped during the floods. assisting NSW Resilience as we
their neighbours. And even those not This rain and flood event resulted transitioned from the ‘Rescue and
in the flood zone had friends check in in many homes and businesses Response’ stage to the ‘Recovery
on them if they were affected by the being inundated with water, whole & Resupply’ stage. Throughout this
torrential rain to help collect and lay neighbourhoods being flooded with flood event the main feature was
sandbags. The resilience demonstrated power and phone outages across the a focus on getting the job done,
by our local community helping each district. Many of our communities collaboration and cooperation
other, was certainly an essential and in our upper catchment were also between all emergency organisations
a vital part of managing this event. isolated, and even when the flood and people helping people. I honestly
We were also very appreciative waters receded, they were still isolated believe this is why we had zero
when Out Of Area crews rolled in from as the bridges and causeways were fatalities and why we were able
the VRA, NSW SES, QFES (QLD SES and undermined by the sheer volume and to manage and coordinate such a
QLD Fire & Rescue) and even VIC SES. force of the water. However, as the mammoth event so successfully –
They brought with them extra boats, weather cleared, we were able to deploy so here is a BIG THANKYOU to all our
arc angels, radios, and extremely helpful helicopters to run welfare checks and volunteers and to all those who helped
and qualified personnel to increase evacuate others who needed medical our communities in our time of need!
our response capabilities. They were treatment, resupply isolated homes with
welcomed by our Local Units and the essential food, gain and provide intel on Katie Blake
wider community. We have had some the situation in the upper catchments. Port Macquarie Unit
21COMMUNITY EDUCATION INITIATIVE
Randwick Unit
Community
Education Initiative
N
SW SES Randwick Unit have ways beyond social media to reach out contemplate climbing into a roof space
partnered with Randwick- and connect” she said. to fix a leaking tile and were only glad
Waverley Community Transport The idea came about after Regina, to assist.
Service to launch an exciting new who works as a casual driver for “So here I was now meeting them
initiative to connect with the local the Randwick-Waverley Community again albeit in a different capacity. It gave
community and build resilience. Transport Service, recognised that me a real sense of community and the
Community Transport drivers several clients of the service had also couple were delighted to find I had been
from the Randwick-Waverley branch been assisted by the NSW SES. part of the SES crew that helped stop
have become ambassadors for NSW “About three months into my job water leaking into their living room.
SES, acting as a conduit to provide as a driver, I was sent to an address in “I find it immensely rewarding
information from NSW SES to clients Coogee to collect an elderly couple and to live in a community that looks
of the transport service. take them to a medical appointment. after people in need, be it help with
Many of the transport clients “To my surprise I found that I transport or having a leaking roof
are elderly, frail or are living with a had met the couple who are in their fixed.” Regina said.
disability. nineties a few years before, having With the generous support of
“A personal touch, a friendly chat, attended an SES job at their house. Ben Whitehorn, Manager of Randwick-
can make all the difference in getting “As I recalled the husband was Waverley Community Transport, a
our message across” said Regina apologetic for calling the SES saying partnership between the NSW SES
Böhler, Community Capability Co- he found it difficult nowadays to Randwick unit and Randwick-Waverley
ordinator at NSW SES Randwick Unit. climb up a ladder or he would have Community Transport was launched.
“We have a diverse community, fixed the roof himself. We were all Drivers were recruited after Regina,
so it’s important we use a variety of impressed that at his age he would still in her capacity as the Community
22 THE VOLUNTEER | JUNE 2021COMMUNITY EDUCATION INITIATIVE
Their professionalism and community
minded spirit makes them ideal
We have a diverse community, ambassadors for the NSW SES.
“A big thank you to my lovely
so it’s important we use a variety of colleagues of the Randwick-Waverley
Community Transport service for
ways beyond social media to reach helping me get this of the ground.
Thank you also to Wolf Villalta my
out and connect. fellow SES Volunteer for assisting me in
handing out SES information kits to the
drivers,” said Regina.
The partnership with Community
Transport helps the unit to build
community resilience in the local
Capability Co-ordinator, spoke at a them with information. The feedback area. With the ongoing support of
staff meeting about the SES and the from both drivers and clients so far has Ben Whitehorn, General Manager of
assistance available to clients of the been incredibly positive.” the Randwick-Waverley Community
transport service. Randwick-Waverley Community Transport Service, and Dorothy Tran,
“My colleagues are a fantastic Transport provides an invaluable NSW SES Community Capability Officer
bunch and very community minded. and much needed service in the – Metro Zone, plans are in progress
They jumped at the opportunity to chat Eastern Suburbs. The clients have to possibly extend the initiative
to our clients about the SES and provide nothing but praise for the drivers. throughout NSW.
NSWSESVA.ORG.AU 23VERTICAL RESCUE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Vertical Rescue
Professional
Development
S
ome years ago, back when Late last year the VRCDG decided to Around the same time we became
we had a small team of State push ahead and do something itself. aware that a number of our GLR Units
Learning and Development Fortunately for us VR is a relatively were receiving an Arizona Vortex
Officers, regular Professional small, specialized capability with only to replace their Arachnipod frames
Development (PD) workshops were 29 of our Units accredited for VR along that were approaching their end of
run for Trainers and upcoming Trainers with a few more who train in it for a life. Given that the Arizona Vortex is
in some of our more advanced skills supporting role. That said, NSW SES probably our most complex piece of
like Vertical Rescue (VR). These helped has more VR accredited Units than any VR equipment and there was no plan
to ensure that our Trainers were other agency so we’re a major player in to provide any training in their use to
delivering current and consistent this space, which is even more reason these GLR Units we decided to include
training whilst developing their why we need to ensure our VR Units these Units in our PD workshops.
knowledge and experience of new are well trained. We have run two workshops
techniques and equipment. In December 2020 we ran a pilot so far this year (in Queanbeyan and
Many members have lamented workshop in Wollongong for our three Port Macquarie), with more planned
the demise of this professional busiest VR Units, and based on the for other areas. The feedback has been
development and the Vertical Rescue feedback from this we decided to run a really positive:
Capability Development Group number of similar workshops in various “PD workshops are essential
(VRCDG) along with others have been locations around the State to provide to gain skills and update our
asking for something like this to be the same PD opportunity for all our operational capability and
brought back for a number of years. VR Units. effectiveness! Thank you for coming
24 THE VOLUNTEER | JUNE 2021VERTICAL RESCUE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
up, sharing your expertise, knowledge
and enthusiasm. We all learnt a lot.”
“Great to see the inclusion of so
many units”
“PD workshops are a must
for capability improvement and
networking. Thanks for great
learning opportunity”
“Thanks team, was a great day
of learning and refreshing!!!”
Like the SESVA motto “Volunteers
supporting volunteers” these workshops
are being organised and run by the
volunteer members of the VRCDG but
we’ve also had some valuable support
from the staff in Operational Capability
and Zones we’ve run them in.
Steve Cliffe
VRCDG Chair
NSWSESVA.ORG.AU 25WA DEPLOYMENT
Western Australia Deployment
NSW Task Force 001 –
Tropical Cyclone Seroja
O
n the 5 April 2021 Tropical in the Central West District in the a non-bureau site, recorded a gust
cyclone Seroja formed in the evening. This was a rare occurrence of of 170 km/h (92 knots) on the 11th.
Timor Sea and moved in a a severe cyclone tracking so far south, Kalbarri and the nearby town of
south-west direction well offshore but and the significance of this is that Northampton sustained significant
parallel to the Kimberley and Pilbara building standards in communities this damage, with 70% buildings with
coast. It interacted with another tropical far south are not required to build to roofs lost or structures destroyed.
low (which briefly intensified into cyclone ratings. (Meteroroligy, 2021)
Tropical Cyclone Odette) then changed Wind gusts over 100 km/h to On Monday the 12th of April, the
direction and headed south-east 120 km/h were recorded in locations Western Australian Department of Fire
towards the Western Australian Coast. between Carnavon in the Gascoyne & Emergency Services (DFES) formally
TC Seroja intensified to a category coast to Dalwallinu in the Central Wheat requested interstate assistance in
3 cyclone on the 11th of April and Belt on the 11th and 12th of April; and response to the effects of TC Seroja.
made landfall just south of Kalbarri the Meanarra Tower east of Kalbarri, New South Wales agreed to provide
26 THE VOLUNTEER | JUNE 2021WA DEPLOYMENT
immediate support and formed a joint would work our way south back to the affected communities as soon as
task force consisting of three NSWSES Perth being supported by the ADF who they could and start work was inspiring.
teams, one NSW Fire Rescue team and would set up camps ahead of us as we After we left Cataby the effects
one NSWRFS Team. This task force was progressed back down the coast. of the Cyclone started to emerge.
to be joined by a Victorian SES task Shortly after midday we departed Power failure and supply limitations
force being formed concurrently. Perth in convoy and headed north to of essential goods pushed affected
At 0700 on Tuesday the 13th of Geraldton, 420km north. The only thing communities out of Geraldton to
April, the task force assembled at that’s consistent with any disaster southerly towns for supplies and fuel.
Sydney Airport and departed for response is that the plan is always Adding additional demand to fuel
Western Australia. On arrival to Perth subject to change and this deployment and essential supplies was the tourist
we were greeted by the DFES Deputy would keep its end of the bargain. population that were returning from
Commissioner and driven to the DFES At our halfway refuel stop in Cataby school holidays.
Training Academy a short distance away we met up with the ADF team that had As we continued north we drove
for our situation briefing and updated been deployed to establish the base through the town of Dongara (70km
deployment instructions. camp. In a general conversation they south of Geraldton) where travelers
Our deployment concept of let us know that the camp equipment and evacuees were attempting to
operations was to drive a mix of 10 was yet to leave Perth, and it was resupply to either return to Geraldton
DFES and hire vehicles from Perth to unlikely to be ready for tonight. or continue to Perth resulting in ques
Geraldton, meet up with the Victorian It was at this point I saw something 200m long for fuel and the majority of
SES task force that evening and remarkable with the team that had essentials sold out or not available.
commence tasking on Wednesday the deployed. Even after hearing that On dusk we arrived in Geraldton
14th, staging out of Geraldton. Our they didn’t have anywhere to sleep for to be greeted by the DFES Incident
area of operations was to be working the night, they wanted to take their Controller and provided with an
within the isolated towns between chances and keep heading north. Their
Geraldton and Perth and that we energy and determination to get into »» continued on page 28
NSWSESVA.ORG.AU 27WA DEPLOYMENT
»» continued from page 27 the 14th of April. On arrival, glitch was consistent with a strong east
number 2 reared its ugly head again coast low pressure system, with a
updated brief. Our accommodation and the Victorian Teams were in lot of the sever structural damage
issues had been resolved but the the same position we were 6 hours you would associate with a cyclone
fog of war continued and the earlier. By this point both elements absent but the standard infrastructure
Operations Officer was under the of the interstate task force had been failures of mobile reception and
impression that we were bringing deployed for 30 hours and wanted to power loss.
response equipment up with us – get our hands dirty so the Victorian SES The task force spent a day and a
we now encounter glitch number teams partnered with the NSW teams half at Mingenew, repairing damage
2 – 5 storm teams, empty hire cars and we set off with what equipment that ranged from slight roof damage
and 5 roof safety kits. Some creative we could get our hands on to a town through to homes requiring full
thinking, a $25 000 adjustment to called Mingenew 100km to the South roof tarping. At the end of the day
our liaison officers purchasing card East of Geraldton. on Thursday the 15th of April the
and a trip to bunnings later and glitch The interstate task force arrived interstate task force completed 92
number 2 disappeared as quickly as it in Mingenew around 13:00 and met requests for assistance with very basic
presented itself. the local DFES commander who had tools and equipment.
The interstate task force also been assessing the damage in the Having completed our tasking
consisted of 5 teams from the town and provided us with a list of at Mingenew, we returned to
Victorian SES. A change to their RFA’s. After a short discussion we set Geraldton and were tasked to the
travel arrangements delayed their up an operations cell and commenced town of Northampton, 50km north
arrival until midday Wednesday our taskings. Damage in the town of Geraldton. Northampton had
28 THE VOLUNTEER | JUNE 2021WA DEPLOYMENT
more substantial damage than what »» Thomas Jory (SEZ) – NSW SES Joint Western Australia. Most significantly
we saw at Mingenew. Most of the Liaison Officer were 1. The plan will constantly
town had been severely affected »» Elliot Davis – NSW SES Bungendore change so be prepared for changes,
by the cyclone and 70% of the »» Paul Davis – NSW SES Bungendore 2. Be personally prepared – the same
homes sustained substantial roof »» Lily Bokulic – NSW SES Bungendore consumable items that you need will
and structural damage. The issues »» Sean Henry – NSW SES Bungendore be the same things the community
encountered were also more significant »» Brad Jacobs – NSW SES Sutherland needs and probably won’t be available
with some homes being beyond repair »» Julian Weaver – NSW SES Cronulla to you. 3. Infrastructure failure goes
and unfortunately most homes also »» Anne Davies – NSW SES Menai hand in hand with disasters – family
containing asbestos of one form or »» Taylor Kerewaro – NSW SES Heathcote and friends should be prepared
another and couldn’t be repaired. »» Robert Cooper – NSW SES not to hear from you regularly.
At the completion of our Northampton City of Sydney 4. Accommodation will be basic base
operation, the teams completed »» Stephen Nielson – NSW SES camp style accommodation. 5. Food
24 requests for assistance. City of Sydney options will be limited. If you can
For their hard work, the task force »» Patrick Owen – NSW SES be prepared to accept those take
was rewarded with a well-earned meal City of Sydney away points you will be one step
at the Geraldton Hogs Breath and a »» Regina Bohler – NSW SES Randwick ahead for the next disaster we find
return flight back to Perth on an RAAF »» Chris Nelson – NSW SES Canterbury. ourselves in.
C-130J. The team learnt a great deal and
I would personally like to recognize has taken away a lot about disaster Barry Griffiths
and thank the team consisting of: response from their deployment to Deputy Zone Commander
NSWSESVA.ORG.AU 29You can also read
