HALL OF FAME

Tell us a bit about yourself and your role within NSW SES?

I am from Goodooga, a very small community in the far west region. I joined SES as a volunteer when I was 17 years old, having my first experience with a flood emergencies at 18.

My experience being with the SES is absolutely amazing, not only are you gaining skills and knowledge but you're meeting amazing people along the way from all over NSW. I like to motivate and encourage people to join and make the most out of being a volunteer, I see myself as a team leader.

Why did you join NSW SES? Anything that was deciding factor for you?

I joined the SES simply to help out my community. Being completely cut off as a small town from flood, everyone needs to stick together and give a helping hand. The main reason I joined was to start up our own unit. Goodooga didn't have a unit of their own until we had enough people interested to create a team, from there we now have our own unit.

What is your favourite part about being a member of the NSW State Emergency Service?

My favourite part about being a member of the NSW SES is learning new things and gaining incredible skills. Being able to help in any small way is rewarding at the end of the day.

What are the various skills you have learnt along the way?

I have learnt quite a few skills such as learning how to communicate with the community and team members.

Other skills I have learnt include:

• learning how to communicate over the radio
• constructing a fence
• using a high pressure hose and of course sandbagging,

However my favourite would have to be learning how to steer a flood boat. To me the most important lesson thus far is being a team player and working together as a group, that's a skill I can take anywhere.

What advice would you give to others that are thinking to join?

Go for it! It's okay to step outside of your comfort zone and try something new, for me this was one of the greatest choices I have made. It's not all about doing the hard work and getting your hands dirty, there's jobs to suit everyone.