Who are the Douglas Shire superheroes, otherwise known as the SES (State Emergency Services) that selflessly help the community when disaster strikes?

In this series “Who is the SES” we meet the regular everyday people with jobs, families, bills, school - doing something extraordinary for our community.

Mild-mannered with a quiet confidence was my impression from Corin Teague when I first met him at the SES shed in Mossman, however, it didn’t take long to realise that the hospitality worker was no ordinary person, who has a true humanitarian perspective as to why the SES is so important.

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- Join the local SES and make a difference in the community

Spending years teaching Karate in an ancient Dojo on the Japanese island of Okinawa, Corin has devoted a large part of his life to the martial arts, which has instilled core values that he brings to the SES.

“We would train to make the community stronger; the Dojo was a focal point for the village, similar to the SES, and I would like to see that here,” said Mr Teague. 

It’s instantly clear Corin’s super virtue is integrity – the way he speaks with sincerity and truth, acting with dignity and respect - characteristics of his natural leadership.

Among the training he has received through the SES to take action in the face of emergencies like storm damage and land search; Corin also fronts as the Media and Communications Officer for the group – skills that will allow him to better help the community and drive more recruitment to the organisation.

“I have always thought strongly about community, there comes a time when it’s not enough to think, you need to be the change and do something to help.

“The need for community support hasn’t been greater – proven by more intense fires down south and a La Niña expecting to bring a longer and heavier wet season,” he said.

Gaining more time in the midst of the pandemic, Corin took the opportunity to give back. Joining the SES allowed him to meet like-minded people and learn new skills that can help him in professional pursuits.

The Douglas Shire SES has recently undergone a changing of the guard with new leadership, a refreshed organisation that is accepting new members to ensure a more functioning group.

“We have a diverse mix of male and females ranging from 20 – 60, there is a role for everyone with every physical level,” Mr Teague said.

If you would like to get involved with the SES and make a difference in your community, they meet every Monday evening at 6.30 at their headquarters located behind the Douglas Shire Council building in Mossman.

Corin’s SES IQ: If there is the potential of your property flooding when severe weather strikes, be prepared - at any time you can visit the SES shed in Mossman to fill up your own sandbags.