TAMWORTH’S volunteering stocks are running low, with locals called on to roll up their sleeves and consider giving back to the community.
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The State Emergency Service’s (SES) Tamworth unit is leading the charge, with recruiters saying the unit needs to double its current pool of local volunteers.
The Tamworth unit has been kept busy over the Christmas period, with a number of summer storms lashing the region, causing some notable damage.
Acting unit controller, Ann Bartimote, said Tamworth’s SES was getting the jobs done, but more members are required to ensure the volunteers “aren’t stretched as thin”.
Ms Bartimote said more resources were needed to call on, with the unit recently requiring Manilla SES to assist with a call-out.
“Everyone is not necessarily available when a storm hits,” Ms Bartimote said.
There are about 30 volunteers on Tamworth’s books at the moment and the unit wants to see that number climb to 60.
“People come up with all sorts of excuses for why they can’t volunteer,” she said.
“But it’s the people who put up their hand who have a chance to make a difference in the town.
“[Tamworth] is growing and the number of volunteers needs to grow with the town.”
There’s great rewards in volunteering “helping people who can’t help themselves”, but Ms Bartimote said the friendship and camaraderie was a bonus.
It’s the people who put up their hand who have a chance to make a difference in the town.
- Tamworth SES acting unit controller Ann Bartimote
Tamworth’s membership officer Chris Kane said there were “myriad of opportunities” available, not limited to call-out work, with chances for “less-abled” people to get involved with administration. Mr Kane said he had noticed many volunteer groups seemed to struggle with numbers.
The unit will recruit in the coming months, as it looks to form a group to start training in late February.
Locals can apply online at the SES website, or get in touch with Mr Kane at 0487 905 959.