ARE you community minded and keen to learn some interesting and useful new skills? Did you know anyone over the age of 16 can join their local SES (State Emergency Service) group? It is not only a great way to support your local community but also opens a wealth of exciting skills and training opportunities.
GC&M News caught up with Daniel Sandeman, the new group leader at the Maleny SES Group, to find out more about belonging to the SES and why he encourages others to consider joining their local group.
Q: Can you tell me about yourself and what made you join the SES?
I’m 34 with a young family and employed full time with Queensland Fire and Emergency (QFES) in the fire communications centre for more than eight years. I first began volunteering with SES back in 2003 as some friends were involved and I thought it would be interesting.
I took a break in 2016 from the SES to focus on other things and am now back in the fold as the new group leader. I am also a volunteer in the Rural Fire Service and have been since 2003.
Q: What do you love about working with the SES?
With all volunteer organisations, it is about serving the community. Maleny has given me so much personally and professionally. It is just a small way I can pay it back. I love the interactions we have with locals and seeing a smile when we can help.
Q What are some of the new skills people can learn if they get involved?
People can learn new skills that they may not be able to get somewhere else, such as first aid, height safety, flood boat, storm damage and traffic control, to name a few.
There are also things such as radio communications, which are a massive part of our day-to-day operations. There are a range of support roles available such as grant writing and fundraising for those who want to be involved but would prefer not to do the physically active work. These are also important roles that assist our organisation. You can also get a Cert II in SES operations that can be appealing to senior school students.
Q: Why would you encourage people to get involved?
I would thoroughly encourage anyone to join who wants to give something back to their local community.
To find out more, drop into the weekly training session at the SES shed at the Maleny Showground on Mondays at 7pm or call Daniel on 0407 587 266.
Main photo: Maleny SES were activated recently to assist QLD Health and QAS with a medivac from the Maleny Showgrounds Photos courtesy of ODS Media