Waverley Woollahra SES helps out in floods
Waverley Woollahra SES volunteer Paul McQueen spent his Christmas helping out in the North West of the state during the recent floods.
McQueen, the Unit’s Rescue Officer, arrived on Christmas Day and joined a team that over the next seven days responded to many requests for assistance.
These included vehicle recoveries, setup and clearing of helipad area, filling hundreds of sandbags, taking gauge readings (water levels) which involved driving up river 20km every two hours, helping the Coonamble local SES Unit with storm damage jobs, monitoring roads and closing them if necessary, and loading vehicles and choppers for food drops for cattle.
He was also tasked to drive NSW Premier Kristina Keneally and SES Commissioner Murray Kear around the area.
Due to his contribution to SES over the past 15 years, McQueen was recently chosen by NSW SES to meet Prince William when he tours Sydney this month.
The Waverley Woollahra Unit had a busy year in 2009 with lots of training in preparation for storms, and responding to requests for assistance with storm damage. They were also active in a number of community events.
The Unit is holding Info Nights for new volunteers on Tuesday February 16 or February 23 at 730pm at their headquarters at 97 Portman Street, Zetland. For information call 9698 4477 or email waverleywoollahra.ses.ops@bigpond.com.
