In the March Newsletter, I spoke about the launch of the NSW SES Plan for 2011-2015. By the time you read this edition the plan will have been launched.
If you look in a dictionary, the definitions of launch are many, but one took my fancy. Launch “to send forth, catapult, or release, as a self-propelled vehicle or weapon”.
Before I look at the similarities between this definition and our plan, first let me consider the reason for our plan.
When I took on the role as then Director General, now Commissioner, the plan in place was from 2007 to 2011. From that moment I set myself a task to create as many opportunities as I could to discuss with members what we needed to focus on to make our organisation the best it could be. So in essence, this new plan is a result of all of those discussions.
Every person in the SES looks at things from a different perspective, and it is a result of the rich and numerous opinions, that I have been able to lead the development of our new plan.
The plan begins with a focus on our people; our volunteers and paid staff. It outlines our plans for, in the first instance, ensuring that we are kept safe. The plan then outlines strategies to improve the way our members are supported and developed.
The plan then outlines the way forward with our systems and processes, to ensure we are all focusing our energies in the same direction. This governance part of the plan is the glue that really makes us the “One SES”.
The third part of the plan will focus on the services we deliver to communities across NSW.
So looking at my selected definition of launch, I believe this plan will … ‘send forth’ or … introduce an opportunity to harness what is great about this organisation and make it even greater.
Without sounding too corny, it is an opportunity for us all to … ‘catapult or release’ our ideas and energies, and continue to build the best unit and region and the best SES we can.
Not too sure about the ‘self-propelled vehicle or weapon”, but if that means we will continue to be a really effective organisation that eliminates or reduces the impact of emergencies on communities, then so be it.
Throughout the plan you will see a number of recurring words. Three that I think capture the essence of being an SES member are versatility, commitment and excellence. The saying that we are a versatile organisation will be enhanced by this plan, by ensuring that we engage with communities and deliver a rangeof services that suit their needs.
There is no question about your commitment to your communities, and this plan will combine all our committed efforts and result in excellence.
Naturally you will see the words “One SES” throughout the plan, but alongside these words you will now see the words “Thousands of Faces”. This is again to acknowledge that we all have different things to offer – different skill sets and opinions, and through this plan we will focus these attributes on ensuring we minimize the impact of weather based disasters and tsunamis, and respond as a result to a variety of needs.
Can I take this opportunity to thank the literally thousands of members who have discussed with me their thoughts on where we should place our effort in the next 4 years.
The development of the plan was a complex process, but together with the launch, is not what will achieve great things for the SES; this will come as we realize the plan and continue from this point to provide me feedback on its success.
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