News release: Flinders Power donation a boost for the SES

NEWS RELEASE – 11 January 2018

Flinders Power donation a boost for the SES

State Emergency Service (SES) volunteers in the north of the State have received a welcome boost at one of their busiest times of the year.

Flinders Power will provide them with $60,000 worth of rescue and emergency equipment, including breathing apparatus, a rescue trailer with hydraulics, hazard material boxes and fire blankets.

The equipment was previously used as part of the emergency response capability at the Leigh Creek Coalfields, which are now being de-commissioned.

“SES has a long history of working closely with Flinders Power and we were delighted to receive – and to accept – this generous offer,” said the SES Commander for the North Region,” Trevor Arnold.

“This is incredibly valuable equipment that has been well maintained and will certainly enhance our capability to respond in a range of situations. We are always looking to upgrade our smaller units and community response teams.”

The SES is on call 24/7 to assist in everything from structural collapses to marine rescues and also supports fire services teams with logistics and base camps. It is the largest provider of road crash rescue services in South Australia.

The North Region covers around 90% of the State and calls on around 700 volunteers as needed.

“The SES workload has been increasing each year and the demand for our services has seen an increase in the number of call outs that our volunteers need to leave their normal lives to attend,” Mr Arnold said.

“SES North Region volunteers responded to more than 2000 call outs last financial year and even provided assistance to interstate agencies.”

Media contact: Chris Rann 0418 832 512