‘Giant tool box’ boosts SES help

By Lia Bichel
THE Narre Warren SES has received a giant boost to keep up with the increasing demand from the growing population.
The organisation recently received a new mid rigid truck, which is the unit’s primary rescue vehicle.
Deputy unit controller training Damien Burns likened the new vehicle to a ‘giant tool box on wheels’ because of its numerous features.
It has a lighting tower, portable generator and compressed air. It carries all rescue tools for rope rescue, storm damage response including chainsaws, and utilises SES’s new integrated radio system which allows the unit to communicate with other emergency services including CFA, Victoria Police and Coast Guard.
Mr Burns said it was a welcome addition to the unit.
“The new truck will be extremely useful for big storm events like the storm and flash flooding we experienced in February this year.”
The unit is expected to receive another vehicle by the end of the financial year which will boost the vehicle assets to four rescue trucks, one rescue boat and one lighting trailer.
“VICSES recognises our commitment to the needs of the growing community and the City of Casey continues to be generous in their support with the Narre Warren SES Unit’s daily running,” Mr Burns said.
Narre Warren SES recently received a Casey Volunteer Organisation Award for its contribution to the municipality.
Formed in May 2005, the Narre Warren Unit of the SES has grown into a highly capable unit, comprised of 27 operational members and seven administrative members who are all volunteers, Narre Warren SES unit controller Tim Howell said.
It responds to numerous emergencies in and outside of Casey. Over the past 12 months the group has attended 1145 calls for assistance, 686 of them were within a 48 period during the recent floods in February.
Mr Howell said the unit was recruiting new members and looked forward to building on the unit to keep pace with the City of Casey’s rapid population growth.