New SES recruitment campaign calls for more people in the regions to get into an orange uniform

Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib with NSW SES Commissioner Carlene York and Member for Wagga Wagga Dr Joe McGirr. Photo: Supplied.

Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib was in Wagga Wagga this week calling for locals to consider donning the orange and joining the NSW State Emergency Service (SES).

The SES has launched one of its biggest volunteer recruitment campaigns, with NSW SES Commissioner Carlene York APM joining the minister, local MP Dr Joe McGirr and members of the local units at Wagga Beach.

“Volunteering gives you the opportunity to make lifelong friends, learn new skills and improve your physical and mental health,” said Ms York.

“Our volunteers come from all walks of life, bringing with them many different skills, interests and backgrounds.”

The SES plays a leading role during all manner of emergency situations with an army of around 10,000 volunteers on standby to help communities in crisis and to assist police and other emergency services when required.

The campaign has focussed on regional areas like Wagga which have been recently impacted by extreme weather, including extensive flooding in 2022.

“We have seen the amazing work our SES volunteers do for their communities,” said Minister Dib.

“Particularly over recent times when NSW has been impacted by serious flooding and storm events.

“Whether it’s rescuing someone trapped in a flooded vehicle, assisting police and other emergency services with bush searches and road crashes, or tarping a roof after an intense storm, our SES volunteers are there and ready to help.

“I would encourage anyone who is considering volunteering to check out what this vital emergency service has to offer.”

Dr Joe McGirr and Minister Jihad Dib take a trip on the Murrumbidgee at Wagga. Photo: Supplied.

The new recruitment drive includes advertising across regional media networks and encourages people from all walks of life to consider joining the NSW SES.

The call for volunteers highlights the message that ‘everyone counts’, recognising the importance of all roles across the agency from field positions to logistics.

“We offer incredible training opportunities for all ages and abilities,” said Ms York.

“Our volunteers do everything from using chainsaws to cut fallen trees to performing logistics or intelligence roles in an incident management team.

“There is a role for everyone at the NSW SES, which is one of the greatest benefits of joining as a volunteer.”

There are 261 SES units across NSW, with 217 located in regional NSW.

For more information on how to join the SES visit their website.