In six weeks, the unit has more than doubled its ranks from four to nine members and SES Cootamundra Controller Desmond Rowe believes the team is stronger than ever.

“In the past, we’ve had numbers fluctuating up and down – we only had two volunteers at one stage – but we’ve got a really strong unit at the moment and we’re constantly on duty,’ Controller Rowe said

“Four of our newest volunteers are completing their inductions and early training and some are looking to do further courses (such as Swift Water).”

Rowe said he was shocked to hear of speculation surrounding the Cootamundra unit and promptly quelled such rumours.

“I’m not sure why people have been saying that we’re being closed down but you hear rumours around town and we want everyone to know that we’re here,” he said.

“We’ve got great facilities, good communications systems and we’ve now got enough members to be able to assist other regions as well if needed.”

It’s not just the presence of an emergency team that makes a difference and long-serving SES volunteer Carla LeBreton said the value of having familiar faces serving the community in times of crisis could not be overstated. 

“When we are called to an incident or an emergency, we want people to see a local person helping out,” she said.

“It can be really daunting to deal with a stranger in times of crisis so it makes a huge difference having an SES team that you know as locals and regularly see down at the supermarket or across the street.”

The push for local membership is ongoing and Controller Rowe is strongly encouraging interested persons to stick their hand up and volunteer.

“It’s a great volunteer program and all training, equipment and uniform costs are covered for you,” he said.

“We’ll be running a stall soon – the more members we have, the more we can do to help out around our community and other communities in times of need.”