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National Volunteering Week is here, presenting a perfect opportunity to encourage volunteers to share their NSW State Emergency Service (SES) stories of origin. 

After raising seven children in the Illawarra district, Local Commander for Shoalhaven, Adam Carney thought it was time to give back to his community.  

After exploring various emergency services, he was drawn to the NSW SES because of his strong swimming skills and interest in flood rescue. His focus later shifted to incident management. 

In 2017, Adam was tasked with a flood rescue mission that involved two people stranded in their car after crossing a creek which had swelled to approximately eight metres deep and was flowing like a river.  

Upon Adams arrival, the location of the stranded individuals was uncertain. After forty minutes, the car was found – but it was empty.  

While he waited for further instruction, he spotted a light about fifty metres away. He paddled towards the light and discovered not only the two individuals but also their 10-month-old baby and their dog.  

They were all seeking refuge in a tree from the rising waters. Everyone was successfully rescued.  

Adam spoke of the mental challenges volunteering can have on him and his team of volunteers. 

“The most significant challenge isn’t the physical demands but the psychological pressure of the “What If” scenarios—what if we couldn't get this family home safely?” He said. 

This story is a glimpse of the work that Adam has done with the NSW SES. Being the Local Commander has meant that Adam has faced fifteen natural disaster declarations in Shoalhaven units in the last four years.  

When asked to speak on his role as Local Commander, Adam expressed his gratitude towards his role. 

“I have the privilege of leading exceptional volunteers, whose dedication and resilience continually inspire me. Being a Local Commander is not just a job; it's a privilege,” he said. 

With fifteen natural disasters - ranging from floods to bushfires, being declared in the Shoalhaven, Adam speaks of the continued commitment from his team of volunteers to assist their communities. 

“They are some of the most motivated and dedicated individuals who have repeatedly come together to help the community, their community. Their ability to overcome personal challenges while giving back to the community has shown me the true essence of selflessness,” he said.  

“I am passionate about laying a strong foundation for new recruits and find it just as rewarding to see them succeed in their choice to join the NSW SES as it is to undertake a flood rescue.” 

Are you ready to make a difference in your community? Find out more on how you can become an NSW SES volunteer: https://www.ses.nsw.gov.au/get-involved/volunteer/