O'Connor Students helping out in the SES

Willem Nillesen and Jack Simmons 

Over the past few months, a number of O'Connor Catholic College Students have joined the Armidale-Dumaresq Unit of the New South Wales State Emergency Service (SES) .  The SES is a volunteer emergency service primarily focused on the prevention of damage caused by storms, floods and natural disasters. As well as this the SES provides general land, vertical and flood rescue capability to NSW and in regional areas, the SES also acts as the primary rescue service for road crashes. The SES covers areas of response not covered by other services and is an essential addition to Australia’s emergency services. 

PHOTO: (L to R) Nick Cawley, Alex Macmahon, Willem Nillesen, Nikolai Tursan D’Espaignet, Jack Simmons, Will Killen. 

As well as this it’s voluntary nature provides an opportunity for community members to join and make a difference in their own areas. The recent hail storms saw the Armidale-Dumaresq unit become operational, responding to jobs throughout the night and into the next day. With the assistance of other units from Guyra, Glen Innes and Maitland a large number of jobs were completed in a remarkably short time. Three year eleven students formed part of a storm team over the two days acting throughout the night and next day to complete the jobs. 

The teams were deployed and worked diligently throughout the night to support the Armidale community during the rough night. The SES operational command provided support and a friendly environment to the other members in the field. Road crashes, water in ceilings, leaking roofs, fallen trees and flooding were secured and resolved over the two days. Experienced members taught and guided the newer members the ropes as over 70 jobs were reported in just the two days. Each house is a different story and the friendly homeowners are always willing to cooperate providing no risk and aid. The SES is a welcoming and supportive part of the community happy to welcome any new members. Although there is a friendly and supportive atmosphere a sense of formality and seriousness is needed on the job, during the two days professionalism and the hard work of the members cleared the jobs in under two days. 

Helping Armidale through the rough, especially the past weeks, the SES unit has been there for the community, a warm and welcome unit welcomes any new members to continue supporting Armidale.