Broome SES local manager Nathan Donald shares story for Wear Orange Wednesday
'It never made it to the caravan park, thank God, but it did do quite a bit of damage in town,' Mr Donald said.
'I was working at a local electrical supplier in town, and one of the reps just happened to be an SES volunteer, and we were talking about the storm, and he said I should come down, and the rest is history.'
Now the local manager of the Broome unit, Mr Donald has been volunteering with the SES ever since, and said it was the experiences and the camaraderie that kept him coming back.
'It's the experiences. I get to do so much with what SES can provide. I've learnt so much . . . I just enjoy passing those skills on, and every call-out's different,' he said.
'Some of these people have never picked up a power tool in their life. And handing them a power tool and showing them how to use it safely, and then watching them have a crack — it gives you a warm, fuzzy feeling.'
Mr Donald said he got the same feeling during one of his most recent rescues, helping airlift an injured hiker out of Bell Gorge.
'We were on site well into the early hours of the morning before we retired back to some form of accommodation, and then in the morning, when we got back to site, she was being airlifted out,' he said.
'We would have happily walked her out if it was the middle of the day when we got there, but unfortunately we didn't get there until 5pm and the sun was quickly going down, so she was airlifted out, which added to the unique challenge of the rescue.'
Ahead of Wear Orange Wednesday, a day to recognise and celebrate the hard work of State Emergency Service volunteers, on May 21, Mr Donald said it was always great to see local support for the SES.
'We don't do it for the recognition, but it is really nice to have a day where everyone dresses up in orange to thank us for what we've done,' he said.
To those considering joining their local SES unit, Mr Donald said 'just do it'.
'You won't regret it. We come from all backgrounds and we're open and welcoming,' he said.
WOW Day takes place during National Volunteer Week, which runs from May 19-25.
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The Advertiser
a day ago
- The Advertiser
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.
ABC News
4 days ago
- ABC News
More than 300 people dead in Pakistan after heavy rains, floods
More than 300 people are dead in north-west Pakistan after two days of intense rains and floods, local officials said on Saturday. Rescue efforts and clearing of blocked roads were ongoing with the release of emergency funds, they said, adding that the heavy rains would continue until August 21. Cloud bursts, flash floods, lightning strikes, landslides, and the collapse of buildings caused the most deadly spell of this year's monsoon season. By early Saturday, 307 people were confirmed dead, with more missing, in the hills and mountains of the region of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, according to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority. Not only Pakistan but also parts of neighbouring India and Nepal have been hit hard by heavy rains, flooding, and other rain-related incidents over the past week. Buner district, a three-and-a-half-hour drive north from Pakistan's capital, Islamabad, in normal times, was among the country's worst-hit, with 184 killed and widespread damage to infrastructure, crops, and orchards, local officials said. A cloud burst, fallen trees, and flash floods swept away people and possessions. People, including women and children, remained trapped by floodwaters in some areas of Buner, with 93 bodies recovered. In another area, Shangla, the collapse of the roof of a building due to the downpour caused many of the 34 deaths, said the provincial Chief Secretary, Shahab Ali Shah. He said that local officials had been dispatched to the flooded areas to supervise relief operations and assess the damage. Medical camps, he said, were being established for the flood victims, along with arrangements for families who lost their homes to be provided with cooked meals. Shah said that heavy machinery would be deployed to clear and restore roads. Ishaq Dar, the deputy prime minister and foreign minister, said that civilian and military teams were carrying out rescue and relief operations, while the prime minister had chaired an emergency meeting. "Our hearts go out to the families who have lost loved ones, to those who are injured, and many whose homes and livelihoods have been swept away," Mr Dar said in a statement on social media. On Friday, a rescue helicopter crashed due to bad weather, killing its five crew members. Reuters
Sky News AU
4 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.
