Released 04/09/2018
Tonight I welcomed 64 new volunteers into the ACT State Emergency Service (ACTSES) at a graduation ceremony held at Thoroughbred Park.
The newest recruit volunteers recently completed 15 weeks of training, making them ready to respond to incidents involving floods and storms, and provide crucial support and assistance to other emergency service organisations.
During training the recruit volunteers developed their skills in storm water damage remediation, land-based floodwater rescue, and safety and first aid. The graduating volunteers will be undertaking roles as community educators, storm and flood operators, and providing incident management support.
Of the 283 expressions of interest received to join the volunteer service, 64 were selected to take part in the five month recruit college. The newest recruits bring the total number of ACTSES volunteer numbers to 314.
I am especially proud to be welcoming more women into the ACTSES. ACT Emergency Services Agency (ESA) has been actively promoting career opportunities for females as part of the ESA Women in Emergency Services Strategy, and I am very excited to say 46 per cent of the graduates are women.
I would also like to recognise the ACTSES and their commitment to inclusion and diversity, with the 64 graduates being diverse in ethnicity, gender, age, language and culture. The volunteer workforce is a true reflection of the community that they support.
This boost in membership is very timely with the ACT storm season to commence in September. I would like to remind Canberrans to ensure they prepare their homes and property for the threat of storm to keep you and your family safe, and to also help make the environment safer for our ACTSES volunteers to work in. ACTSES stands ready 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year to assist Canberra residents in the most trying of conditions. Thank you to all of the volunteers who make this service possible.
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Mick Gentleman, MLA | Media Releases
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