Saturday, October 15 marks the start of national State Emergency Service (SES) Week, and there’s at least half a million reasons to say thank you to our valuable volunteers.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) Commissioner Katarina Carroll said there were more than 6,000 active SES volunteers across Queensland who dedicated thousands of hours to their communities. “Last financial year alone, SES volunteers from around the state contributed over 500,000 hours of their time to help Queenslanders,” Ms Carroll said.

“Our dedicated SES volunteers provide much-appreciated assistance to communities across the state every time they are called upon. They help communities during and after severe weather events, they search for the missing, rescue the stranded, and also support other agencies with road crash rescues and traffic management.”

“This week we wholeheartedly thank our volunteers for their selfless contribution to communities, and we’re urging everyone in Queensland to do the same.”

QFES Deputy Commissioner for Emergency Services Volunteers Mike Wassing said SES volunteers would be recognised officially during award ceremonies across the state.  “As a symbol of appreciation, outstanding SES volunteers will be presented with an award during one state ceremony, and several regional ceremonies,” Mr Wassing said. “The volunteers recognised during these ceremonies have demonstrated extraordinary dedication and service to their communities and deserve our congratulations.

“Every single one of our volunteers plays an integral role in our state, and we are grateful to have such amazing individuals bolstering the SES.”