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Yass SES Deployed to Menindee

A Yass SES unit made the day-long trip to Menindee in South-West NSW last week. The Yass team Carissa, Vici, and Warwick assisted with Flood Intel and public relations. The unit met several Menindee locals, including local woman Aunty, whose adorable newborn goat kids escaped just prior to the team’s arrival. The Yass unit helped with some quick fence repairs before continuing their Flood Intel work. 

‘During the trip to Menindee, SES attended sites and reported back with Flood Intel. The Yass Unit also did public relations work, talking with Menindee locals, providing reassurance, and answering any questions they are able to.’

During the same week, other Yass SES units have also attended regions suffering from flooding and storms, responding to requests for assistance to help residents with water inundation, roof and property damage. Yass Units have rescued people and animals from flood water and driven trucks for resupply and personal movement. Answering phones and using Communications equipment to coordinate members and teams, organising Logistics and catering and working within an Incident Management Team are also jobs Yass SES units have done during the week.

Yass SES Deployed to Menindee, Warwick

“Yass SES will travel as far as needed,” said Sector Commander Carissa. “Menindee was a day’s travel, my team caught the plane first thing in the morning and didn’t arrive at Broken Hill until the afternoon.”

Yass SES was the only unit at Menindee that week, with another unit arriving once they left. The SES is currently using a five-day work, two-day travel rotation model at Menindee to organise their units and make sure the town has the support it needs. This was Yass SES member Warwick’s first deployment and was a great experience for him, according to Commander Carissa.

“For me, and I know for the team as well, working in the SES is really good for your mental health because you’re able to give back, and help out,” said Carissa.

“I helped out with the fires and it actually helped me cope with what was going on. With the floods, it’s the same situation. I think because you can actually go out and help, it helps you cope better,” she explained.

Yass SES continues to serve Australia from our own town to remote regions like Menindee, to combat floods, storms and tsunamis. They also provide support to fire and police services during events such as bushfires and road crashes. They are dedicated to helping communities and are volunteer-based. Yass SES is always looking for new members— if you can ‘see yourself in orange’ don’t hesitate to get involved.

Southerly Jones.

 

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