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THE SES is sending an SOS: volunteers are needed who can help keep the city going in the face of a crisis.
The Bathurst State Emergency Service – one of the first responders to floods, storms and other emergencies – is running on just 20 volunteers.
While the organisation has the back-up of surr-ounding units such as Portland, Orange and Lithgow, more hands are needed on deck in Bathurst.
SES volunteer Sharon Bowrey was part of a recruitment drive held at Bunnings on Sunday.
“We had a few people show interest, mainly locals and a few parents as well,” she said.
“At the moment we don’t have many people involved. We’ve really only got about 20 volunteers, and we’d really like more,” she said.
Ms Bowrey said the SES provided full training.
“We teach first-aid and also do different courses,” she said.
“You don’t need qualifications to sign up. You can come in raw and we train you up.”
She said people can do general training, such as chainsaw work, or train to do specific tasks such as using the flood boat in swift waters.
Ms Bowrey said members train once a week for two hours from 7pm until 9pm, and go to call-outs as required.
“But if a call-out happens and you can’t go, you don’t go.
“We are very flexible and realise some people’s availability is limited.
“I’m a single mum, so my availability is small, but then we have other members who are uni students, so in uni holidays they are available more.”
She said people who work full-time can also be volunteers, and attend call-outs when it suits their employers.
Anyone wanting to find out more about volunteering with the SES can go to the SES headquarters at 2a Lloyds Road or phone 1800 201 000.
Ms Bowrey, who has been an SES volunteer for three years, said she joined up after seeing an ad on television and has loved every minute.
“I like being outdoors and helping others, and I’ve met great people along the way,” she said.