Have you ever wanted to be a part of something bigger than yourself?

Every Monday evening members of the Douglas Shire Community from all diverse backgrounds, cultures, and life experiences get together and do just that.

They are the Shire’s State Emergency Services (SES) - a group of ordinary people doing extraordinary things to selflessly help their community when disaster strikes, and they are always looking for more volunteers.

Volunteering for the SES is arguably one of the most rewarding and fulfilling appointments you can do for your community. No previous experience is required - all training, gear, and equipment are provided at no cost.

Heart is the prerequisite needed for the SES – there is a role for everyone and in return, you’ll receive a great sense of fulfilment and purpose, meet other like-minded individuals creating a strong camaraderie and lasting friendships, valuable training that can help in your professional pursuits all wrapped up with an edge of excitement and adventure. 

With 2020 being, well 2020, it is little surprise that the Bureau of Meteorology has declared an El Nino event this year that can bring torrential rainfall, widespread flooding and severe tropical cyclones in the Far North.

The best thing you can do is be prepared for these events - but also take comfort knowing that there are brave people in the community ready to take action - your Douglas Shire SES group is lock and loaded, prepared to help when you’re in need.

The frightening fact is that when it comes to severe flooding the Douglas Shire is in a unique situation – it can literally become trapped, meaning nothing can come in or out, it is vital that the unit is able to look after themselves to serve the community.

To make this happen the unit needs to recruit more volunteers. The renewed Douglas SES has new leadership that will nurture recruits to develop the skills needed in the roles they want to assist in, there is a spot for everyone.

Without SES Volunteers our communities would be in trouble - they are the ones that people turn to in their time of need.

In a small community like the Douglas Shire it is important to remember that when the SES volunteers respond to an emergency, the victims they encounter may very well be someone they know – a neighbour, a co-worker, a friend.

At the core of the SES, it’s about receiving complimentary training for people to safely help people when it’s needed most.

If you would be interested in pursuing an exciting organization and are motivated by helping your community, becoming an SES member might just be for you – join them Mondays at 6.30 at the SES shed right behind the Council building in Mossman.

Follow Newsport over the next few weeks in our “Who is the SES” series, where we will meet the people in our community we see every day, who without hesitation will put themselves at risk for your safety.