General News
29 June, 2023
Donations boost local SES’ response capability
The Maryborough SES unit’s ability to respond to emergency situations has been boosted by a new thermal imaging camera, vehicle and donated car wrecks to practice with. The local SES unit played a key role in mitigating impacts to the community...
The Maryborough SES unit’s ability to respond to emergency situations has been boosted by a new thermal imaging camera, vehicle and donated car wrecks to practice with.
The local SES unit played a key role in mitigating impacts to the community during significant flooding in October last year and as a result, received a number of donations to go towards the purchase of a thermal imaging camera.
Valued at around $3500, Maryborough SES unit controller Darren Cooper said the camera, along with a new SES issued four-wheel drive, had boosted the unit’s capability.
“There is an influx of electric and hybrid vehicles in town as they become more available and those vehicles can pose a greater risk in the event of an accident, not only for vehicle occupants but those responding as well if those electronic components fail or malfunction,” he said.
“To be able to monitor for possible thermal runaway at incidents gives us an ability to keep everyone safer.
“There are also applications for this camera when searching for people who may be lost at night and animals stuck in roofs.
“The new vehicle also gives us more flexibility and means we can carry more equipment suitable for storm response and light rescue.
“The camera and vehicle have really increased our ability to support the community.”
The unit have been supported for some time by local resident and Big Phil’s Wreckers owner Phil Spurgeon, who provides wrecked vehicles for members to practice rescues with.
“Practicing vehicle rescues is something we need to train on regularly because there are always new and updated methods for getting people out of cars,” Mr Cooper said.
“Having a community member like Phil who’s willing to provide us with these wrecks free of charge is a great help, he gives us a wide variety of vehicles to work with which makes us more prepared.”
Mr Cooper said the local unit is always on the lookout for new members and encouraged residents interested to get in touch.
“We’re always looking for members, we train from 7 pm each Wednesday and if anyone is curious about what we do or wants to learn more, they’re welcome to come and see what it’s about,” he said.
“Volunteering with the SES is quite rewarding, you’re able to help the community and to see the look on people’s faces when you have helped them out makes it worth while.”
For more information on becoming an SES volunteer or to sign up, head to www.ses.vic.gov.au/join-us