Taking a look: Maxine Dunn (Dunn’s Newsagency), left, and David Stevenson (Daltrak), are shown one of the flood boats by Tamworth SES unit controller Heather Hunter. Photo: Geoff O’Neill 180912GOG01
EMPLOYERS had a taste of life in the State Emergency Service (SES) in Tamworth on Tuesday with an open night at the unit’s Lockheed St headquarters.
Tamworth SES unit controller Heather Hunter said all bosses, supervisors and colleagues of the Tamworth volunteers were invited to the open night that included demonstrations and scenarios to show what SES volunteers did when they were out serving the community.
“The evening was to thank them (the employers) for the support they give in letting people take off during work hours,” she said.
“We hoped to give them a bit of an insight into some of the things we do in the community, mainly during storms and floods, and to give employers some idea of the skills people are developing here that will translate to their workplace.”
During the open night, the SES conducted chainsaw, flood boat, sandbagging and roof damage scenarios, demonstrating the skills learned in the organisation and some of the emergencies volunteers attended.
The more than 20 employers were also given a tour and overview of what happened in the operations room of the SES.
“Our main issue is getting people who are available during the day,” Ms Hunter said.
“We hope the night gave them (employers) a better understanding of what we do.”
The employers and SES volunteers enjoyed a barbecue together to finish off the evening.
