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- 27 June 2007
Barwon Electorate State Emergency Service Medals Awards
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Page: 1973
Mr KEVIN HUMPHRIES (Barwon) [6.00 p.m.]: Last Sunday I was honoured to attend the presentation of State Emergency Service long service medals to members from Moree, Boggabilla and Garah. I acknowledge that the Minister for Emergency Services is in the Chamber. For more than 50 years the State Emergency Service has been an integral part of our community, providing invaluable coordination and support in times of emergency, particularly during flood, fire, rescues and more recently community events. The camaraderie within the service is outstanding, as is its commitment to serve the community in times of need. Not only is this group an iconic element within our local community but also it is an excellent role model for both young and old when it comes to community service. Over time, I have been impressed by the service's commitment to training. The members are highly skilled in their work, train on a regular basis and have certainly gained the respect and confidence of our community.
Following the presentation the last of the Moree crew arrived home from the Hunter after the devastating floods. A number of crews had been commissioned to help out in the Hunter, with the final crew returning after 10 days of clearing trees and helping residents resettle in their homes. The much-acclaimed newly formed Aboriginal State Emergency Service unit members were also part of this crew. A sign of how well these volunteers work together is reflected in the fact that the unit now comes under the one banner of Moree State Emergency Service.
As we live on a flood plain it has always been recognised that we can expect emergencies. Towns such as Garah, Boggabilla, Boomi, Mungindi and Moree are regularly inundated with floodwater. The State Emergency Service, which grew out of the Civil Service after the 1955 floods, came early to Moree, with the first controller, Bill Tait, appointed in 1957. Over time, a flood warning radio network was developed in the Gwydir Valley, comprising a series of gauges linked by radio to the regional headquarters in Moree. During the 1971, 1974 and 1976 floods this network proved invaluable as State Emergency Service workers sought to evacuate more than 400 residents, who were temporarily accommodated at the showground. I might add that the 1976 flood went through our house at about two foot.
Unit members work closely with other service-based groups, such as the Salvation Army, in times of need and emergency. Over the past 30 years State Emergency Service members have been called more and more not only to help police with car accident support but also during times of storm and tempest, helping to secure residences, businesses, farms and livestock. The service's expanded role has meant further growth in equipment, ranging from boats, motor vehicles and rescue equipment. The profile of the State Emergency Service across the north-west has been recognised within government, the local community and beyond, with funds raised and allocated going towards the significant expansion of headquarters in each of our centres. All levels of government must maintain their support for this vital service, as recently demonstrated by the Hunter experience. As the Premier acknowledged in Parliament, if left to the Government and paid service personnel the response in the Hunter would have been neither affordable nor adequate.
I congratulate all State Emergency Service volunteers and staff. The recipients of 10 years service medals were Chris Clark from Boggabilla; David Denyer from Garah; Mary Mather from Garah; Robyn Peters from Garah; Ashton Campbell from Moree; Rob and Ruth Armstrong from Moree; Lola Hurst from Moree; Steve Martin from Moree; and Susie O'Brien from Moree. A 35 years service medal was awarded to Allan McLachlan from Moree. The 40 years service medal was awarded to "Mr SES", Des Hurst, from Moree. The 50 years service medal was awarded to Elmer Knobel from Moree, who is a founding member. He served originally in the Civil Service, and has seen the unit transform into the current-day State Emergency Service. Elmer Knobel is one of the three remaining founding members in New South Wales. Congratulations to you all: our community is both proud and thankful for your outstanding contribution and service to our communities.
Mr NATHAN REES (Toongabbie—Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister for Water Utilities) [6.05 p.m.]: I join the member for Barwon in congratulating State Emergency Service members and Rural Fire Service [RFS] volunteers throughout the State, but particularly the locals in his patch. They have done an absolutely outstanding job in recent weeks in the disaster zone in the Hunter and on the Central Coast. I had the chance to meet a number of volunteers at the Rural Fire Service annual conference at Mudgee, where I took the opportunity to congratulate members who had come from far and wide to help with the recovery effort. As the Premier and the Leader of the Opposition have said, our community and Australia as a whole are better for having people who are prepared to give their time and assistance during recovery operations. Each time they swing into action it is an absolutely tremendous example of Australian heroism. They enjoy the support of both the Government and the Opposition. On behalf of the people of New South Wales, I congratulate the State Emergency Service members in the electorate of the member for Barwon who recently received long service medals.
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