Our invaluable volunteers are there when we need them
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I meet so many wonderful people in my job and this week Bendemeer’s Faith Dixon is one from the top shelf.
Faith has been the volunteer secretary of the Bendemeer Pony Club for 40 years and this tremendous record of service was recognised with the presentation of a certificate and badge.
Recognition of this kind is part of what makes my job as the local member so enjoyable. Faith is now in her mid-80s and still has a passion for Pony Club and continues to instruct at Rally Days and fundraisers for the Club regularly.
Today I will be in Gunnedah representing the Emergency Services Minister Troy Grant, when more than 230 years of dedicated volunteer service will be celebrated at the NSW SES Namoi North West Region Awards Presentation.
Eight SES Units from Namoi North West Region will attend this presentation ceremony including Barraba, Boggabri, Gunnedah, Manilla, Narrabri, Pilliga, Tambar Springs, and Namoi Region Headquarters Unit.
The men and women in orange do such amazing work for the local community, often under the most challenging of circumstances.
These volunteer members do an incredible job responding to storm and flood operations across numerous Local Government Areas throughout the State.
In addition to storm and flood response, the volunteer members also provide support to other emergency services including the Ambulance Service of NSW, Fire and Rescue NSW, NSW Police Force, and NSW Rural Fire Service.
The devoted volunteers are the lifeblood of their units, and it is my pleasure to be able to acknowledge their hard work and commitment.
The Namoi North West Region members have a strong commitment to promoting resilience through community education programs, and engaging in community-based events and activities.
The awards recognise 50 regional members with National Medals and Clasps, Long Service Medals, Clasps and Certificates in recognition of their diligent service to the NSW SES.
These volunteers respond rapidly to natural disasters and emergencies, saving lives and protecting our communities.
Their work ethic is extraordinary, often out in the worst of weather battening down houses, helping families to leave in safety from dangerous situations and helping with the clean up after the event.
It has been a busy operational time for all the Units in the Namoi North West Region responding to more than 380 requests for assistance in the last financial year.
I thank each and every one of these members for their incredible community spirit and their ongoing contribution to our emergency services.
If you are interested in joining the NSW SES as a volunteer please go to www.ses.nsw.gov.au/volunteering/ or call 1800 201 000.
Kevin Anderson is the Member for Tamworth.
