2 days ago
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.
