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AUGUST 2016

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AFTER THE recent flooding the Meander Valley State Emergency Service (SES) were excited and grateful to receive a $1000 donation from the Federal Group’s Helping Hand initiative in recognition for their involvement in sandbagging, digging trenches, warning people who needed to evacuate, patrolling flood prone areas and assisting people to safety.

Usually Meander Valley SES Rescue Unit’s main role is Road Rescue, using hydraulic tools like the ‘ jaws of life’ to cut people out of the wreckage of vehicle collisions.

However, they may also help police, fire and ambulance services in other emergencies, and are trained to assist in storm damage, flooding, traffic management, and searches as well. And this year has seen the team involved in a greater than normal proportion of weather- related incidents.

Members are volunteers who come from all walks of life including farmers, cleaners, chefs, nurses, sign writers, truck drivers, painters, factory workers and electrical workers, all contributing their unique talents to the team.

They train every second Thursday evening to ensure their continued preparedness for emergencies.

New members are welcome.

[udesign_icon_font name="fa fa-camera" color="#000000"] Karin Ketelaar