Community & Business
8 March, 2024
Donation equips local SES groups
FOUR State Emergency Service groups on the Tablelands will be better equipped after the Atherton Rotary Club gave a significant contribution to the Atherton, Malanda, Ravenshoe and Mt Garnet groups.
The donation of $4000 was spread across the four groups to purchase new items to assist the volunteers while out on emergency tasks.
A new battery-powered pole saw was purchased for the Malanda group, while Mt Garnet and Ravenshoe received an ezijack and small power bank for members to be able to charge their phones while on duty.
Atherton acquired a battery-powered chainsaw, a four-bank fast charger for the batteries, and a Bluetti power bank.
Atherton State Emergency Service acting local controller Kylie Lang said having battery-powered items eliminated the need to carry fuel and oil.
“...they are much more user-friendly for our volunteers. While on activations, we use phones and iPads for recording and receiving information so having that backup power, especially in some of the remote areas we go, is essential,” Kylie said.
Rotary Club president Leigh Woltmann said it was the first time, to her knowledge, they had made a donation to the SES.
Considering the number of extreme weather events, emergency situations and the demand for SES assistance, Ms Woltmann said she was amazed at how many unpaid volunteers there were.
She said the donation was made through funds they raised at the Far North Queensland Rotary Field Days, along with other small fundraisers.
“What people put in there we distribute back into the community,” Leigh said.
Kylie said the SES hosted several recruitment courses throughout the year with the next one in April.
For more information about becoming an SES member, contact the head office in Cairns on 4032 8677 or email SESFNR.Membership@qfes.qld.gov.au
