WATER COURSE: Warwick SES volunteers refresh their floodboat skills in preparation for storm season.
WATER COURSE: Warwick SES volunteers refresh their floodboat skills in preparation for storm season. Samantha Oneil

Orange will be the new black in honour of SES volunteers

TOMORROW is the day to don your finest orange outfits in support of your local SES volunteers.

Wear Orange Wednesday is an opportunity for community members to show their support for the dedication and hard-work of SES volunteers.

Local Controller for the Warwick SES Unit John Newley said they have about 40 active members.

"When a person joins the SES, it is a big commitment for the first six months with training every Tuesday night.

"Members have to attend 60% of the training each year to stay current," Mr Newley said.

Members with specialist skills also have to attend part weekend training, he said.

Warwick SES floodboat operators have participated in training over the past two weekends.

"We have specialist members in vertical rescue - which there are only a few units in the state that do that - as well as flood boat, height safety, traffic control, chainsaw operations and land search," Mr Newley said.

"We can assist with anything to do with natural disasters like storms and floods."

"We also assist all emergency services as required."

While this year has been quieter than most, members have been assisting the community with emergency roof repairs, refuelling the CareFlight helicopter and assisting rural firefighters in the communication centre, as well as with food drops.

The Warwick SES was also called for the recent successful search for three people reported missing at Leslie Dam.

For volunteer enquiries, phone 4661 1906.

For emergency assistance, phone the SES on 132 500.



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