The free “Disaster” kits contain a radio and a mini-torch as well as useful emergency information; Lawson, 4, and Harrison Braithwaite, 5, of Kingaroy, were very happy with their new radios

November 14, 2013

It was Kingaroy’s turn to say “thank you” to our SES volunteers today when the “Truckload Of Thanks” rolled into Glendon Street for Day 3 of its South Burnett tour.

The free Disaster kits again proved popular … as did the free sausage sizzle, and “Mongrel”, the musical tractor, which is also accompanying the tour.

The Truckload Of Thanks tour, part of SES Week, is designed to provide an opportunity for the public to thank SES volunteers for the incredible effort they made during the 2011 floods, and whenever an emergency happens.

A film crew joined the SES volunteers in Kingaroy today to film various “flood stories” and an SES training session.

Tomorrow the convoy will move on to Nanango.

The SES volunteers will be at Reg McCallum Park from 7:30am to 9:30am with a free sausage sizzle, a talk by a special guest speaker from Emergency Management Queensland, and more free Disaster kits.

CROW-FM will again be broadcasting live on site.

The last South Burnett pitstop will be at Blackbutt on Friday.

* * *

The “Truckload Of Thanks” tour is coinciding with a push to attract more members to join the SES.

Community Safety Minister Jack Dempsey said today residents could help lighten the load of the SES by becoming a volunteer ahead of the storm and cyclone season.

“SES groups are seeking new members who are able to commit to attending training and respond to tasks that will assist their community,” Mr Dempsey said.

“We need people who are physically capable of performing regular SES functions needed within the local area. This may include helping the community during natural disasters to educating and preparing residents for storms and cyclones.

“During uncertainty and crisis the orange SES uniform has become a symbol of hope.”

Emergency Management Queensland Assistant Director-General Bruce Grady said there was a wide range of roles available for SES volunteers.

“SES members are all community-spirited volunteers who are committed to their local area whether that be a remote town or a large city,” Mr Grady said.

“I would encourage all people with a strong spirit of community and a little spare time to talk to other SES volunteers and find out exactly what the SES offers.

“Education and training is provided to all volunteers and members can expect to learn useful life skills like first aid, navigation, road crash rescue, land search techniques and how to train others.”

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Council employees paused on their way to work to sign the “thank you” banners

Robert Rackemann, 8, from Kingaroy took the opportunity to “drive” the musical tractor

Nic Mooney (Wondai) and Ailsa Spiro (Murgon) were dishing out the free sausages
Grant Kerkow (Kumbia), Joe Hafemeister (Kingaroy) and John Kefford (Kingaroy) were kept busy handing out the popular “Disaster” kits
Peter Verbakel, Kingaroy SES, with the South Burnett’s musical tractor which seemed happy to be taking part in the SES celebrations; Peter has clocked up 10 years service with the SES and will be presented with a Meritorious Service Medal on Saturday at Gympie