From a behind-the-scenes volunteer to the NSW SES spotlight
That all changed in early August when Inspector Whitaker was recognised on the state stage.
He was awarded the SES officer of the year and volunteer officer of the year at the Rotary Emergency Service Awards (RESCA) in early August.
The honour came as a surprise to Inspector Whitaker.
"I'm still a bit shocked about that. It's a huge honour," he said.
"When I looked around at all the other finalists and all the other people in the room, it was a pretty impressive bunch of people who have given so much to their communities."
The following morning, Inspector Whitaker returned to the region as strong winds and rainfall lashed the Mid North Coast.
About 140 jobs were logged within the Hastings cluster (Port Macquarie, Wauchope and Camden Haven).
Homes were without power, and roads were blocked due to downed trees.
The Hastings cluster had about 50 volunteers who assisted the community on August 2 and 3.
It has been a busy period for the region's emergency units as ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred and the May floods have all impacted the area this year.
However, it is after weather events that Inspector Whitaker has seen an increase in volunteer numbers.
Volunteers have been the mainstay in helping local communities throughout these natural disasters.
The SES's Hastings cluster alone responded to about 591 jobs during the May floods.
"It's a pretty exciting time to be a volunteer, to be honest. Because there are so many ways that you can serve," he said.
"You don't have to climb a ladder. Some people will choose to get involved in the technology, some would just simply like to do admin work."
Inspector Whitaker said there has been a large focus on fatigue management of unit members, particularly in years like 2025 where "we really haven't stopped".
The attrition rate is one of the factors, while some volunteers find that the roles do not suit them.
Inspector Whitaker said that five years of service from a member is about the average.
"But then others will stay on; it becomes their chosen activity," he said.
This is exactly the situation Inspector Whitaker finds himself in.
After retirement, he shares his time between the SES and the RFS's Yarramalong unit.
"Volunteering is pretty special. I like to go out, hoping that I've done some good," he said.
"I think a big part of that is encouraging, guiding and teaching the next generation and the one after that.
"Hopefully, we'll be able to keep this going for as long as we're on the planet."
His journey in volunteering started during Scouts, where he would complete Rovers (for people aged between 18 and 25) with the highest honour - the Queen's Scout Award.
Inspector Whitaker then entered the Civil Defence Service (which was later renamed the SES) as a friend's brother was part of the organisation.
"We thought it's a really great way to use the skills that we have and take it more broadly into the community," he said.
"Helping people is a huge part of it. But there's all the other elements of it, the camaraderie, the friends that you make, and the ongoing opportunities to do exciting things.
"There are always new things to learn as well. And I guess that's a passion of mine. I think if you go too many days without learning something new, you've wasted a bit of life."
Inspector Whitaker is also part of the ceremonial team that will represent the SES at an annual memorial service that will be held in October in Sydney.
Looking back at the recent natural disasters on the Mid North Coast, Inspector Whitaker said a few key lessons came out of them.
The "big flood" of 2021 will be talked about for a very long time, according to Inspector Whitaker, while 2025 to date has been plagued with weather events he has not seen for a very long time.
"Each time we learn a bit more, we get stronger, and we're able to respond better to the next event," he said.
"Nothing is ever perfect."
Advancements in technology over this period have also been a standout to Inspector Whitaker.
"We're bringing in new capabilities all of the time," he said.
On natural disasters as a whole, Inspector Whitaker said that every eight to 12 years there has been a major flood or storm event.
During the May weather event, Inspector Whitaker's role was to support the local commander who has the responsibility for making sure that SES operations run as smoothly as possible, and to also support the people who get out in the field and do the hands-on work.
Inspector Whitaker is now part of a team compiling a capability analysis.
The report will highlight where training shortfalls are, how the gaps will be filled and if there will be a need for a recruitment drive.
For over 50 years, SES Hastings Cluster Deputy Commander Garry Whitaker has been a volunteer working behind the scenes.
That all changed in early August when Inspector Whitaker was recognised on the state stage.
He was awarded the SES officer of the year and volunteer officer of the year at the Rotary Emergency Service Awards (RESCA) in early August.
The honour came as a surprise to Inspector Whitaker.
"I'm still a bit shocked about that. It's a huge honour," he said.
"When I looked around at all the other finalists and all the other people in the room, it was a pretty impressive bunch of people who have given so much to their communities."
The following morning, Inspector Whitaker returned to the region as strong winds and rainfall lashed the Mid North Coast.
About 140 jobs were logged within the Hastings cluster (Port Macquarie, Wauchope and Camden Haven).
Homes were without power, and roads were blocked due to downed trees.
The Hastings cluster had about 50 volunteers who assisted the community on August 2 and 3.
It has been a busy period for the region's emergency units as ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred and the May floods have all impacted the area this year.
However, it is after weather events that Inspector Whitaker has seen an increase in volunteer numbers.
Volunteers have been the mainstay in helping local communities throughout these natural disasters.
The SES's Hastings cluster alone responded to about 591 jobs during the May floods.
"It's a pretty exciting time to be a volunteer, to be honest. Because there are so many ways that you can serve," he said.
"You don't have to climb a ladder. Some people will choose to get involved in the technology, some would just simply like to do admin work."
Inspector Whitaker said there has been a large focus on fatigue management of unit members, particularly in years like 2025 where "we really haven't stopped".
The attrition rate is one of the factors, while some volunteers find that the roles do not suit them.
Inspector Whitaker said that five years of service from a member is about the average.
"But then others will stay on; it becomes their chosen activity," he said.
This is exactly the situation Inspector Whitaker finds himself in.
After retirement, he shares his time between the SES and the RFS's Yarramalong unit.
"Volunteering is pretty special. I like to go out, hoping that I've done some good," he said.
"I think a big part of that is encouraging, guiding and teaching the next generation and the one after that.
"Hopefully, we'll be able to keep this going for as long as we're on the planet."
His journey in volunteering started during Scouts, where he would complete Rovers (for people aged between 18 and 25) with the highest honour - the Queen's Scout Award.
Inspector Whitaker then entered the Civil Defence Service (which was later renamed the SES) as a friend's brother was part of the organisation.
"We thought it's a really great way to use the skills that we have and take it more broadly into the community," he said.
"Helping people is a huge part of it. But there's all the other elements of it, the camaraderie, the friends that you make, and the ongoing opportunities to do exciting things.
"There are always new things to learn as well. And I guess that's a passion of mine. I think if you go too many days without learning something new, you've wasted a bit of life."
Inspector Whitaker is also part of the ceremonial team that will represent the SES at an annual memorial service that will be held in October in Sydney.
Looking back at the recent natural disasters on the Mid North Coast, Inspector Whitaker said a few key lessons came out of them.
The "big flood" of 2021 will be talked about for a very long time, according to Inspector Whitaker, while 2025 to date has been plagued with weather events he has not seen for a very long time.
"Each time we learn a bit more, we get stronger, and we're able to respond better to the next event," he said.
"Nothing is ever perfect."
Advancements in technology over this period have also been a standout to Inspector Whitaker.
"We're bringing in new capabilities all of the time," he said.
On natural disasters as a whole, Inspector Whitaker said that every eight to 12 years there has been a major flood or storm event.
During the May weather event, Inspector Whitaker's role was to support the local commander who has the responsibility for making sure that SES operations run as smoothly as possible, and to also support the people who get out in the field and do the hands-on work.
Inspector Whitaker is now part of a team compiling a capability analysis.
The report will highlight where training shortfalls are, how the gaps will be filled and if there will be a need for a recruitment drive.
For over 50 years, SES Hastings Cluster Deputy Commander Garry Whitaker has been a volunteer working behind the scenes.
That all changed in early August when Inspector Whitaker was recognised on the state stage.
He was awarded the SES officer of the year and volunteer officer of the year at the Rotary Emergency Service Awards (RESCA) in early August.
The honour came as a surprise to Inspector Whitaker.
"I'm still a bit shocked about that. It's a huge honour," he said.
"When I looked around at all the other finalists and all the other people in the room, it was a pretty impressive bunch of people who have given so much to their communities."
The following morning, Inspector Whitaker returned to the region as strong winds and rainfall lashed the Mid North Coast.
About 140 jobs were logged within the Hastings cluster (Port Macquarie, Wauchope and Camden Haven).
Homes were without power, and roads were blocked due to downed trees.
The Hastings cluster had about 50 volunteers who assisted the community on August 2 and 3.
It has been a busy period for the region's emergency units as ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred and the May floods have all impacted the area this year.
However, it is after weather events that Inspector Whitaker has seen an increase in volunteer numbers.
Volunteers have been the mainstay in helping local communities throughout these natural disasters.
The SES's Hastings cluster alone responded to about 591 jobs during the May floods.
"It's a pretty exciting time to be a volunteer, to be honest. Because there are so many ways that you can serve," he said.
"You don't have to climb a ladder. Some people will choose to get involved in the technology, some would just simply like to do admin work."
Inspector Whitaker said there has been a large focus on fatigue management of unit members, particularly in years like 2025 where "we really haven't stopped".
The attrition rate is one of the factors, while some volunteers find that the roles do not suit them.
Inspector Whitaker said that five years of service from a member is about the average.
"But then others will stay on; it becomes their chosen activity," he said.
This is exactly the situation Inspector Whitaker finds himself in.
After retirement, he shares his time between the SES and the RFS's Yarramalong unit.
"Volunteering is pretty special. I like to go out, hoping that I've done some good," he said.
"I think a big part of that is encouraging, guiding and teaching the next generation and the one after that.
"Hopefully, we'll be able to keep this going for as long as we're on the planet."
His journey in volunteering started during Scouts, where he would complete Rovers (for people aged between 18 and 25) with the highest honour - the Queen's Scout Award.
Inspector Whitaker then entered the Civil Defence Service (which was later renamed the SES) as a friend's brother was part of the organisation.
"We thought it's a really great way to use the skills that we have and take it more broadly into the community," he said.
"Helping people is a huge part of it. But there's all the other elements of it, the camaraderie, the friends that you make, and the ongoing opportunities to do exciting things.
"There are always new things to learn as well. And I guess that's a passion of mine. I think if you go too many days without learning something new, you've wasted a bit of life."
Inspector Whitaker is also part of the ceremonial team that will represent the SES at an annual memorial service that will be held in October in Sydney.
Looking back at the recent natural disasters on the Mid North Coast, Inspector Whitaker said a few key lessons came out of them.
The "big flood" of 2021 will be talked about for a very long time, according to Inspector Whitaker, while 2025 to date has been plagued with weather events he has not seen for a very long time.
"Each time we learn a bit more, we get stronger, and we're able to respond better to the next event," he said.
"Nothing is ever perfect."
Advancements in technology over this period have also been a standout to Inspector Whitaker.
"We're bringing in new capabilities all of the time," he said.
On natural disasters as a whole, Inspector Whitaker said that every eight to 12 years there has been a major flood or storm event.
During the May weather event, Inspector Whitaker's role was to support the local commander who has the responsibility for making sure that SES operations run as smoothly as possible, and to also support the people who get out in the field and do the hands-on work.
Inspector Whitaker is now part of a team compiling a capability analysis.
The report will highlight where training shortfalls are, how the gaps will be filled and if there will be a need for a recruitment drive.
For over 50 years, SES Hastings Cluster Deputy Commander Garry Whitaker has been a volunteer working behind the scenes.
That all changed in early August when Inspector Whitaker was recognised on the state stage.
He was awarded the SES officer of the year and volunteer officer of the year at the Rotary Emergency Service Awards (RESCA) in early August.
The honour came as a surprise to Inspector Whitaker.
"I'm still a bit shocked about that. It's a huge honour," he said.
"When I looked around at all the other finalists and all the other people in the room, it was a pretty impressive bunch of people who have given so much to their communities."
The following morning, Inspector Whitaker returned to the region as strong winds and rainfall lashed the Mid North Coast.
About 140 jobs were logged within the Hastings cluster (Port Macquarie, Wauchope and Camden Haven).
Homes were without power, and roads were blocked due to downed trees.
The Hastings cluster had about 50 volunteers who assisted the community on August 2 and 3.
It has been a busy period for the region's emergency units as ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred and the May floods have all impacted the area this year.
However, it is after weather events that Inspector Whitaker has seen an increase in volunteer numbers.
Volunteers have been the mainstay in helping local communities throughout these natural disasters.
The SES's Hastings cluster alone responded to about 591 jobs during the May floods.
"It's a pretty exciting time to be a volunteer, to be honest. Because there are so many ways that you can serve," he said.
"You don't have to climb a ladder. Some people will choose to get involved in the technology, some would just simply like to do admin work."
Inspector Whitaker said there has been a large focus on fatigue management of unit members, particularly in years like 2025 where "we really haven't stopped".
The attrition rate is one of the factors, while some volunteers find that the roles do not suit them.
Inspector Whitaker said that five years of service from a member is about the average.
"But then others will stay on; it becomes their chosen activity," he said.
This is exactly the situation Inspector Whitaker finds himself in.
After retirement, he shares his time between the SES and the RFS's Yarramalong unit.
"Volunteering is pretty special. I like to go out, hoping that I've done some good," he said.
"I think a big part of that is encouraging, guiding and teaching the next generation and the one after that.
"Hopefully, we'll be able to keep this going for as long as we're on the planet."
His journey in volunteering started during Scouts, where he would complete Rovers (for people aged between 18 and 25) with the highest honour - the Queen's Scout Award.
Inspector Whitaker then entered the Civil Defence Service (which was later renamed the SES) as a friend's brother was part of the organisation.
"We thought it's a really great way to use the skills that we have and take it more broadly into the community," he said.
"Helping people is a huge part of it. But there's all the other elements of it, the camaraderie, the friends that you make, and the ongoing opportunities to do exciting things.
"There are always new things to learn as well. And I guess that's a passion of mine. I think if you go too many days without learning something new, you've wasted a bit of life."
Inspector Whitaker is also part of the ceremonial team that will represent the SES at an annual memorial service that will be held in October in Sydney.
Looking back at the recent natural disasters on the Mid North Coast, Inspector Whitaker said a few key lessons came out of them.
The "big flood" of 2021 will be talked about for a very long time, according to Inspector Whitaker, while 2025 to date has been plagued with weather events he has not seen for a very long time.
"Each time we learn a bit more, we get stronger, and we're able to respond better to the next event," he said.
"Nothing is ever perfect."
Advancements in technology over this period have also been a standout to Inspector Whitaker.
"We're bringing in new capabilities all of the time," he said.
On natural disasters as a whole, Inspector Whitaker said that every eight to 12 years there has been a major flood or storm event.
During the May weather event, Inspector Whitaker's role was to support the local commander who has the responsibility for making sure that SES operations run as smoothly as possible, and to also support the people who get out in the field and do the hands-on work.
Inspector Whitaker is now part of a team compiling a capability analysis.
The report will highlight where training shortfalls are, how the gaps will be filled and if there will be a need for a recruitment drive.
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From a behind-the-scenes volunteer to the NSW SES spotlight
For over 50 years, SES Hastings Cluster Deputy Commander Garry Whitaker has been a volunteer working behind the scenes. That all changed in early August when Inspector Whitaker was recognised on the state stage. He was awarded the SES officer of the year and volunteer officer of the year at the Rotary Emergency Service Awards (RESCA) in early August. The honour came as a surprise to Inspector Whitaker. "I'm still a bit shocked about that. It's a huge honour," he said. "When I looked around at all the other finalists and all the other people in the room, it was a pretty impressive bunch of people who have given so much to their communities." The following morning, Inspector Whitaker returned to the region as strong winds and rainfall lashed the Mid North Coast. About 140 jobs were logged within the Hastings cluster (Port Macquarie, Wauchope and Camden Haven). Homes were without power, and roads were blocked due to downed trees. The Hastings cluster had about 50 volunteers who assisted the community on August 2 and 3. It has been a busy period for the region's emergency units as ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred and the May floods have all impacted the area this year. However, it is after weather events that Inspector Whitaker has seen an increase in volunteer numbers. Volunteers have been the mainstay in helping local communities throughout these natural disasters. The SES's Hastings cluster alone responded to about 591 jobs during the May floods. "It's a pretty exciting time to be a volunteer, to be honest. Because there are so many ways that you can serve," he said. "You don't have to climb a ladder. Some people will choose to get involved in the technology, some would just simply like to do admin work." Inspector Whitaker said there has been a large focus on fatigue management of unit members, particularly in years like 2025 where "we really haven't stopped". The attrition rate is one of the factors, while some volunteers find that the roles do not suit them. Inspector Whitaker said that five years of service from a member is about the average. "But then others will stay on; it becomes their chosen activity," he said. This is exactly the situation Inspector Whitaker finds himself in. After retirement, he shares his time between the SES and the RFS's Yarramalong unit. "Volunteering is pretty special. I like to go out, hoping that I've done some good," he said. "I think a big part of that is encouraging, guiding and teaching the next generation and the one after that. "Hopefully, we'll be able to keep this going for as long as we're on the planet." His journey in volunteering started during Scouts, where he would complete Rovers (for people aged between 18 and 25) with the highest honour - the Queen's Scout Award. Inspector Whitaker then entered the Civil Defence Service (which was later renamed the SES) as a friend's brother was part of the organisation. "We thought it's a really great way to use the skills that we have and take it more broadly into the community," he said. "Helping people is a huge part of it. But there's all the other elements of it, the camaraderie, the friends that you make, and the ongoing opportunities to do exciting things. "There are always new things to learn as well. And I guess that's a passion of mine. I think if you go too many days without learning something new, you've wasted a bit of life." Inspector Whitaker is also part of the ceremonial team that will represent the SES at an annual memorial service that will be held in October in Sydney. Looking back at the recent natural disasters on the Mid North Coast, Inspector Whitaker said a few key lessons came out of them. The "big flood" of 2021 will be talked about for a very long time, according to Inspector Whitaker, while 2025 to date has been plagued with weather events he has not seen for a very long time. "Each time we learn a bit more, we get stronger, and we're able to respond better to the next event," he said. "Nothing is ever perfect." Advancements in technology over this period have also been a standout to Inspector Whitaker. "We're bringing in new capabilities all of the time," he said. On natural disasters as a whole, Inspector Whitaker said that every eight to 12 years there has been a major flood or storm event. During the May weather event, Inspector Whitaker's role was to support the local commander who has the responsibility for making sure that SES operations run as smoothly as possible, and to also support the people who get out in the field and do the hands-on work. Inspector Whitaker is now part of a team compiling a capability analysis. The report will highlight where training shortfalls are, how the gaps will be filled and if there will be a need for a recruitment drive. For over 50 years, SES Hastings Cluster Deputy Commander Garry Whitaker has been a volunteer working behind the scenes. That all changed in early August when Inspector Whitaker was recognised on the state stage. He was awarded the SES officer of the year and volunteer officer of the year at the Rotary Emergency Service Awards (RESCA) in early August. The honour came as a surprise to Inspector Whitaker. "I'm still a bit shocked about that. It's a huge honour," he said. "When I looked around at all the other finalists and all the other people in the room, it was a pretty impressive bunch of people who have given so much to their communities." The following morning, Inspector Whitaker returned to the region as strong winds and rainfall lashed the Mid North Coast. About 140 jobs were logged within the Hastings cluster (Port Macquarie, Wauchope and Camden Haven). Homes were without power, and roads were blocked due to downed trees. The Hastings cluster had about 50 volunteers who assisted the community on August 2 and 3. It has been a busy period for the region's emergency units as ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred and the May floods have all impacted the area this year. However, it is after weather events that Inspector Whitaker has seen an increase in volunteer numbers. Volunteers have been the mainstay in helping local communities throughout these natural disasters. The SES's Hastings cluster alone responded to about 591 jobs during the May floods. "It's a pretty exciting time to be a volunteer, to be honest. Because there are so many ways that you can serve," he said. "You don't have to climb a ladder. Some people will choose to get involved in the technology, some would just simply like to do admin work." Inspector Whitaker said there has been a large focus on fatigue management of unit members, particularly in years like 2025 where "we really haven't stopped". The attrition rate is one of the factors, while some volunteers find that the roles do not suit them. Inspector Whitaker said that five years of service from a member is about the average. "But then others will stay on; it becomes their chosen activity," he said. This is exactly the situation Inspector Whitaker finds himself in. After retirement, he shares his time between the SES and the RFS's Yarramalong unit. "Volunteering is pretty special. I like to go out, hoping that I've done some good," he said. "I think a big part of that is encouraging, guiding and teaching the next generation and the one after that. "Hopefully, we'll be able to keep this going for as long as we're on the planet." His journey in volunteering started during Scouts, where he would complete Rovers (for people aged between 18 and 25) with the highest honour - the Queen's Scout Award. Inspector Whitaker then entered the Civil Defence Service (which was later renamed the SES) as a friend's brother was part of the organisation. "We thought it's a really great way to use the skills that we have and take it more broadly into the community," he said. "Helping people is a huge part of it. But there's all the other elements of it, the camaraderie, the friends that you make, and the ongoing opportunities to do exciting things. "There are always new things to learn as well. And I guess that's a passion of mine. I think if you go too many days without learning something new, you've wasted a bit of life." Inspector Whitaker is also part of the ceremonial team that will represent the SES at an annual memorial service that will be held in October in Sydney. Looking back at the recent natural disasters on the Mid North Coast, Inspector Whitaker said a few key lessons came out of them. The "big flood" of 2021 will be talked about for a very long time, according to Inspector Whitaker, while 2025 to date has been plagued with weather events he has not seen for a very long time. "Each time we learn a bit more, we get stronger, and we're able to respond better to the next event," he said. "Nothing is ever perfect." Advancements in technology over this period have also been a standout to Inspector Whitaker. "We're bringing in new capabilities all of the time," he said. On natural disasters as a whole, Inspector Whitaker said that every eight to 12 years there has been a major flood or storm event. During the May weather event, Inspector Whitaker's role was to support the local commander who has the responsibility for making sure that SES operations run as smoothly as possible, and to also support the people who get out in the field and do the hands-on work. Inspector Whitaker is now part of a team compiling a capability analysis. The report will highlight where training shortfalls are, how the gaps will be filled and if there will be a need for a recruitment drive. For over 50 years, SES Hastings Cluster Deputy Commander Garry Whitaker has been a volunteer working behind the scenes. That all changed in early August when Inspector Whitaker was recognised on the state stage. He was awarded the SES officer of the year and volunteer officer of the year at the Rotary Emergency Service Awards (RESCA) in early August. The honour came as a surprise to Inspector Whitaker. "I'm still a bit shocked about that. It's a huge honour," he said. "When I looked around at all the other finalists and all the other people in the room, it was a pretty impressive bunch of people who have given so much to their communities." The following morning, Inspector Whitaker returned to the region as strong winds and rainfall lashed the Mid North Coast. About 140 jobs were logged within the Hastings cluster (Port Macquarie, Wauchope and Camden Haven). Homes were without power, and roads were blocked due to downed trees. The Hastings cluster had about 50 volunteers who assisted the community on August 2 and 3. It has been a busy period for the region's emergency units as ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred and the May floods have all impacted the area this year. However, it is after weather events that Inspector Whitaker has seen an increase in volunteer numbers. Volunteers have been the mainstay in helping local communities throughout these natural disasters. The SES's Hastings cluster alone responded to about 591 jobs during the May floods. "It's a pretty exciting time to be a volunteer, to be honest. Because there are so many ways that you can serve," he said. "You don't have to climb a ladder. Some people will choose to get involved in the technology, some would just simply like to do admin work." Inspector Whitaker said there has been a large focus on fatigue management of unit members, particularly in years like 2025 where "we really haven't stopped". The attrition rate is one of the factors, while some volunteers find that the roles do not suit them. Inspector Whitaker said that five years of service from a member is about the average. "But then others will stay on; it becomes their chosen activity," he said. This is exactly the situation Inspector Whitaker finds himself in. After retirement, he shares his time between the SES and the RFS's Yarramalong unit. "Volunteering is pretty special. I like to go out, hoping that I've done some good," he said. "I think a big part of that is encouraging, guiding and teaching the next generation and the one after that. "Hopefully, we'll be able to keep this going for as long as we're on the planet." His journey in volunteering started during Scouts, where he would complete Rovers (for people aged between 18 and 25) with the highest honour - the Queen's Scout Award. Inspector Whitaker then entered the Civil Defence Service (which was later renamed the SES) as a friend's brother was part of the organisation. "We thought it's a really great way to use the skills that we have and take it more broadly into the community," he said. "Helping people is a huge part of it. But there's all the other elements of it, the camaraderie, the friends that you make, and the ongoing opportunities to do exciting things. "There are always new things to learn as well. And I guess that's a passion of mine. I think if you go too many days without learning something new, you've wasted a bit of life." Inspector Whitaker is also part of the ceremonial team that will represent the SES at an annual memorial service that will be held in October in Sydney. Looking back at the recent natural disasters on the Mid North Coast, Inspector Whitaker said a few key lessons came out of them. The "big flood" of 2021 will be talked about for a very long time, according to Inspector Whitaker, while 2025 to date has been plagued with weather events he has not seen for a very long time. "Each time we learn a bit more, we get stronger, and we're able to respond better to the next event," he said. "Nothing is ever perfect." Advancements in technology over this period have also been a standout to Inspector Whitaker. "We're bringing in new capabilities all of the time," he said. On natural disasters as a whole, Inspector Whitaker said that every eight to 12 years there has been a major flood or storm event. During the May weather event, Inspector Whitaker's role was to support the local commander who has the responsibility for making sure that SES operations run as smoothly as possible, and to also support the people who get out in the field and do the hands-on work. Inspector Whitaker is now part of a team compiling a capability analysis. The report will highlight where training shortfalls are, how the gaps will be filled and if there will be a need for a recruitment drive. For over 50 years, SES Hastings Cluster Deputy Commander Garry Whitaker has been a volunteer working behind the scenes. That all changed in early August when Inspector Whitaker was recognised on the state stage. He was awarded the SES officer of the year and volunteer officer of the year at the Rotary Emergency Service Awards (RESCA) in early August. The honour came as a surprise to Inspector Whitaker. "I'm still a bit shocked about that. It's a huge honour," he said. "When I looked around at all the other finalists and all the other people in the room, it was a pretty impressive bunch of people who have given so much to their communities." The following morning, Inspector Whitaker returned to the region as strong winds and rainfall lashed the Mid North Coast. About 140 jobs were logged within the Hastings cluster (Port Macquarie, Wauchope and Camden Haven). Homes were without power, and roads were blocked due to downed trees. The Hastings cluster had about 50 volunteers who assisted the community on August 2 and 3. It has been a busy period for the region's emergency units as ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred and the May floods have all impacted the area this year. However, it is after weather events that Inspector Whitaker has seen an increase in volunteer numbers. Volunteers have been the mainstay in helping local communities throughout these natural disasters. The SES's Hastings cluster alone responded to about 591 jobs during the May floods. "It's a pretty exciting time to be a volunteer, to be honest. Because there are so many ways that you can serve," he said. "You don't have to climb a ladder. Some people will choose to get involved in the technology, some would just simply like to do admin work." Inspector Whitaker said there has been a large focus on fatigue management of unit members, particularly in years like 2025 where "we really haven't stopped". The attrition rate is one of the factors, while some volunteers find that the roles do not suit them. Inspector Whitaker said that five years of service from a member is about the average. "But then others will stay on; it becomes their chosen activity," he said. This is exactly the situation Inspector Whitaker finds himself in. After retirement, he shares his time between the SES and the RFS's Yarramalong unit. "Volunteering is pretty special. I like to go out, hoping that I've done some good," he said. "I think a big part of that is encouraging, guiding and teaching the next generation and the one after that. "Hopefully, we'll be able to keep this going for as long as we're on the planet." His journey in volunteering started during Scouts, where he would complete Rovers (for people aged between 18 and 25) with the highest honour - the Queen's Scout Award. Inspector Whitaker then entered the Civil Defence Service (which was later renamed the SES) as a friend's brother was part of the organisation. "We thought it's a really great way to use the skills that we have and take it more broadly into the community," he said. "Helping people is a huge part of it. But there's all the other elements of it, the camaraderie, the friends that you make, and the ongoing opportunities to do exciting things. "There are always new things to learn as well. And I guess that's a passion of mine. I think if you go too many days without learning something new, you've wasted a bit of life." Inspector Whitaker is also part of the ceremonial team that will represent the SES at an annual memorial service that will be held in October in Sydney. Looking back at the recent natural disasters on the Mid North Coast, Inspector Whitaker said a few key lessons came out of them. The "big flood" of 2021 will be talked about for a very long time, according to Inspector Whitaker, while 2025 to date has been plagued with weather events he has not seen for a very long time. "Each time we learn a bit more, we get stronger, and we're able to respond better to the next event," he said. "Nothing is ever perfect." Advancements in technology over this period have also been a standout to Inspector Whitaker. "We're bringing in new capabilities all of the time," he said. On natural disasters as a whole, Inspector Whitaker said that every eight to 12 years there has been a major flood or storm event. During the May weather event, Inspector Whitaker's role was to support the local commander who has the responsibility for making sure that SES operations run as smoothly as possible, and to also support the people who get out in the field and do the hands-on work. Inspector Whitaker is now part of a team compiling a capability analysis. The report will highlight where training shortfalls are, how the gaps will be filled and if there will be a need for a recruitment drive.
Sky News AU
5 days ago
- Sky News AU
Wet weather to hit southeast Queensland and New South Wales on Monday with cold weather to return in Melbourne
Wet weather is expected to return next week to southeast Queensland and New South Wales with residents in Sydney and Brisbane expected to cop the worse of it. Residents in New South Wales will see rain on Monday whilst Brisbane is expected to cop a drenching on Tuesday. Within that rain band, some gauges may see totals between 100-110mm, but it is unclear where it is expected to hit. This weekend, it is expected to be a cold one in Melbourne and Hobart as a cold front sweeps across the southeast of the country, but Perth will be spared the worse of the weather on Saturday breaking a six-week streak of wet weather. Across the weekend, conditions across the capital cities are expected to be mostly settled ahead of a change in the weather next week. On Saturday, Darwin will be mostly overcast with tops of 33C, Brisbane will be sunny with tops of 24C whilst Sydney will have a mostly cloudy start to the day with tops of 18C. Residents in Canberra will wake to a cold start before mostly cloudy skies, with a top of 12 degrees, whilst Melbourne and Hobart will shiver through a cold front with tops of 12. Adelaide will be warm with tops of 14 whilst Perth will be sunny with tops of 20. The sunny weather on Saturday breaks a six week weekend of wet weather for the western Australian capital which saw a 30 year record broken for the wettest winter in the Perth area. But on Sunday, conditions are expected to change as a rain band begins to cross the eastern states, with temperatures falling in Sydney to 17 and a frosty and cold start to the day in Canberra with lows of -4 and highs of 13. Conditions will also be cool in Hobart, Melbourne and Adelaide with a top of 12 in the Victorian and Tasmanian capitals whilst a mostly cloudy but warm day will greet residents in Perth. Brisbane and Darwin will be sunny. Sky News Weather Meteorologist Rob Sharpe said that the rain gauges across the eastern states were expected to be high, but could not pinpoint where the totals were expected to surpass 100mm. 'Somewhere between the Sunshine Coast and Illawarra will almost certainly exceed 100mm next week with even a chance of somewhere notching up more than 150mm," Sharpe said. The Bureau of Meteorology has not issued any weather warnings for the two states and the SES has not issued any flood warnings, but it is expected that warnings could be issued if rivers are likely to peak. However, the BoM has issued a marine wind warning for the Hunter Coast, Sydney Coast, Illawarra Coast, Batemans Coast and Eden Coast for Saturday.
Perth Now
08-08-2025
- Perth Now
‘Fun police': Council move slammed
A local council has taken drastic action to stamp out a decades-old pastime which has delighted generations, after ratepayers were stung thousands to repair the damage left behind. The City of Gold Coast council announced it will install multiple sandstone terraces across Kirra and Burleigh Hills to prevent people from creating a 'mudslide' by sliding down the grass area during rain or storms. The damage bill has cost ratepayers thousands to replace the grass destroyed from mudslides, which left many locals disgusted by the mess left behind after ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred. The City of Gold Coast will install sandstone block terraces across Kirra and Burleigh Hills to prevent people from using the area for mudslides. Gold Coast City Credit: Supplied Footage of a muddy North Burleigh Hill showed the area strewn with boogie boards and sheets of cardboard from residents that slid through the mud. One resident posted on social media it stunk like a sewer and was disappointed to see all the boards left everywhere. 'I can say all those that slid down it will have diarrhoea for weeks,' she captioned in a video on Instagram. City of Gold Coast councillor Gail O'Neil posted on Facebook that Kirra and North Burleigh Hills were turned into dangerous mudslides during the cyclone. 'Not only did this cause significant damage to the parks, but it also created serious safety concerns,' she said. 'This has been an ongoing issue for years with both hills continually having to be fixed after storms, using rate payers money to bring them back to an acceptable standard each time. 'To help deter this behaviour in future weather events, the City has made the decision to reshape and strengthen the hillsides, making them more resilient and much safer for the community.' The area was littered with boards after ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred angering residents. Credit: Supplied The council will install sandstone block terraces across the hills to prevent people from creating mudslides and to reduce the risk of erosion. The work is expected to start later this month and will be finished by mid-October. But the work has had a mixed reaction from locals who have enjoyed the mudslides during rain events for decades. Some residents believe the money could be better spent labelling the city the 'fun police.' 'Grass grows very quickly. I'm sure Gold Coast council has plenty of rate money to spend on better things,' one person commented. Residents had a mixed reaction about the City's plan with some people commenting there was better things to spend the money on. ABC News Credit: ABC 'Let the kids have a bit of fun. The grass has grown back! Money better spent putting in a second bike track from Kirra to Greenmount,' another person said. 'That's absurd. It's been there for thousands of years and done an all-right job,' a person said. 'Rather tax dollars go to fixing the grass on a hill from some locals having fun than some silly new stadium,' another person commented. City of Gold Coast have been contacted for comment.
