Why volunteer as a State Emergency Services (SES), first responder? Well, that is an answer that is as individual as each person buttoning up the orange uniform taking action to serve their community when disaster strikes.

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

Karen Petherbridge, who has worked at the Mossman Hospital for over 10 years in operation services, always had a desire to join the SES but it was a matter of waiting for the right time.

The clock chimed at the begging of the year when time freed up for Karen allowing her the opportunity to join the Douglas Shire SES – she eagerly took on the new adventures in training and fellowship of the group.

Like so many SES volunteers Karen’s actions to join were motivated by a strong sense of helping the people she shares the region with.

“I wanted to do something for the community, especially now that we are reaching storm season -the SES do it pretty tough, they get out there in the community in tragic conditions and I wanted to be a part of that.

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“There is a forecast for serious weather conditions that chances are we’ll get – I think the community would struggle without the extra support that they get from the SES,” said Karen.

The SES offers a role for everyone who is interested in helping their community in a time of necessity and meeting likeminded individuals.

You can do as little or as much as you would like, but take note, the possibilities are endless.

“In the SES I’m really interested in learning everything, every aspect. Some people have certain preferences, but for me wherever possible I want to be trained up in a variety of skills to be utilised when needed,” said Karen.

SES training covers such things as cyclones and severe storms, floods and flood boat operations, search and rescue operations, crime scene/forensics searches, provide community preparedness, safety education, support other emergency service agencies as well as administrative roles and much more.

The Douglas Shire SES has recently gone through new leadership, they are committed to giving their members the absolute best training and tools to succeed.

Karen beautifully said the lovely thing is that we are relatively new and learning together.

“One of the highlights is learning everyone’s background because each of our life skills and work experience can be utilised in some way shape or form in the SES.

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“That’s when you have a good efficient team – when everyone brings something different, utilising their strengths and in training, we can support any weakness if they want to,” said Karen.

Diversity and numbers in the group are the keys to success, new members are always welcomed to join the group that meets every Monday - 6.30 pm at the SES shed behind the Council building in Mossman.

“If we have a vast and versatile team with multiple skills then we are not just relying on a handful of people.

“Especially in cyclone season where we might have to dispatch multiple teams – it could be search and rescue, floods, or storm damage – you need a good reliable team and a large group to cover the Shire,” said Karen.

At the end of the day in the beautiful Douglas Shire – this is our community, our hometowns or home beaches, the places we wish to live and raise our families – we are proud of the brave people in our community who serve us when things go pear shape.

“The SES is good strong community support – I Think it makes people feel good to know that they have people like us to rely on if they need it – and in turn that makes us feel good to be a part of it.”

The only prerequisite to volunteering with the SES is one thing: HEART. Do you have what it takes to help your community in a time of need?

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 or visit them on Facebook at Mossman Area SES Unit, Qld State Emergency Service