The organisation, which has been helping thousands of people over the years, now needs new local members and has started a recruitment drive.

Tenterfield SES has a band of dedicated members who you see regularly during storm and flood events helping patch roofs, search for missing people and performing road crash and vertical rescues.

However, there are a lot of behind the scene jobs that we need help with also, these include administration work, ordering resources, and organising people.

Tenterfield Unit Controller Richard Dennison said joining the SES was a great way to learn new skills which are recognised nationwide.

“Many of these skills are life skills that can be applied in everyday life and in future careers,” he said.

“If you are a person who loves to help your community and enjoy working in a supportive team environment then the SES has a lot to offer you! Being a part of a community group such as the SES is a proven way to form long lasting, lifetime relationships,” Mr Dennison said. 

The minimum joining age for the SES is 16, although they have Cadet Programs available in some High Schools across the area.

Ask your school Principal. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer and would like to find out more about the service, the Tenterfield Unit trains regularly on Tuesday nights from 7pm until 9pm at Lot 2 Cowper Street (entrance via Western Boundary Street).

There are many roles that a NSW SES volunteer can do, from on-the-ground work to operational support roles including media liaison and community engagement.

NSW SES volunteers commit time and energy in training to learn, maintain and update their skills. The friendships forged with fellow volunteers make this fun and easy. NSW SES is a Registered Training Organisation, so you can also receive nationally accredited competencies as a volunteer.

For more information please contact: Tenterfield Unit Headquarters on 6736 2923 or you can apply online at www.ses.nsw.gov.au/volunteering/.