Everyone joins the SES for their own reasons, so last night we got together and discussed what we provide, expectations and processes to give the perspective members an overview of what we are all about.

With the night drawing to an end a total of 11 people signed documentation and took the first major step in joining the ranks of the Belmont/Victoria Park State Emergency Service.

The last induction was a huge success with 85% retention. 

In addition to that over the next 6 weeks we should be given 3 new sets of keys – 2 trucks are due to be delivered and our new premises is nearing completion. Something all members have been looking forward to.

The Session will be held at our temporary unit located at 12 Hehir Street, Belmont. See the new unit tab at top for information on building progression of our new u-bewt premises. Starting time is 7.15 pm. Hope to see you there, but if you still have some questions about the SES then see the FAQ below.

FAQ

So why Volunteer?

Every year the SES receive 1000s of calls for assistance. SES volunteers are ‘ordinary people doing extraordinary things’. 

The role of SES volunteers is vital to the safety of people, properties and communities in times of emergency and disaster. SES volunteers are people who care about their communities and are not paid for the great work they do. Whether helping people after a storm or natural disaster, assisting at a road crash, searching for a missing person, responding to a range of other incidents, SES members are there when their community needs them most. Belmont SES specialises in Flood Rescue and Airport Response.

How to volunteer?

Belmont SES trains every Monday night from 7-9.30 pm. At the information night we can tell you all about the SES what we provide, what we do and what you get out of it.

Who can join the SES?

There is a role for everyone – people from all walks of life and who are super-fit or of average health. Everyone can learn new skills and make their own contribution.

 If you have any questions please feel free to give us a call on                        040 864 4009

Thursday saw one of our volunteers Damian Allard deployed, and today Kyle Ellice was also deployed. Both leave their jobs and family behind for 7 days to assist those fighting the fires, working in extreme heat and exhaustion.

Both will be working to deliver food and water to the hungry firefighters on the frontline, which could involve quite some travel with a fire perimeter close to 800kms.

Have a look at the map below courtesy of DEC.

carnarvon_map_21012012

The boys have also been joined by 6 other SES volunteers from across the Metro Area.

Good luck to all the responders up there!

Fences are up, brickwork complete, doors locked and roller doors closed and its all look promising. Not long and we will be moving in.

Photos have been updated on the website.

Saturday and Sunday saw the floodies under assessment conduct flood rescue theory and land based practicals. This included reliving their childhood, using bathtime boats to practice the rules of the water.

Once this was mastered the crews set out for Guildford on Monday. The beautiful weather helped add to a successful day!

But the weather wasn’t as good on Tuesday when we had to recover the vessels early after a storm front started to move in on us out on Melville waters. An early finish, which meant the assessments were incomplete. But an excuse to take the boats back out on the water another…… warmer day!

4 people nominated for the upcoming course and tonight was the ultimate test with all having to complete a mandatory swim test.

All our members not only completed the required swim, but doubled the distance just to prove Belmont does what it takes and goes the extra mile!

Congrats to all and good luck on the course.

A few photos from day 2 are below (credit to John Saffrey).

Everything went well, except for the last leg when one member entered the co-ordinates wrong into the GPS and was a kilometre to the north of where they should be. The track is shown below from NURE4 in a NW direction. They were supposed to go to POI027. This will be a “Dip-Stick” award nomination for sure…

They realised their mistake and walked back to NURE3.

It will be a good course, with roughly 20 students and 5 instructors from Belmont, Mounted Section, Training Centre and Canning.

The training was run by Ken Dewhirst from Wanneroo SES along with two beautiful assistants who hid and acted dead.

Teams walked along the coast, climbing limestone walls searching for missing people. Meanwhilst the storm hit, the rain came pouring down.

With casualties in hand, teams evacuated them through the rough terrain out to safe ground.

Despite the hard work, all I could see was smiles, fun and laughter.

Teams had a great time, instilling their skills in a different environment.

Thanks to Wanneroo for the good time!