The NSW SES Harden Unit recorded an unprecedented spike in emergency call outs due to the heavy storms in the Harden Murrumburrah region last week.
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Unit Commander Ros Bickford said there has been a real upturn in the number of Emergency call outs recently to the Harden unit.
“We have had 44 call outs since the beginning of January,” Ms Bickford said.
“We received 22 call outs on Tuesday alone, mostly due to the storm fronts that came through Harden.”
Jobs included assisting Fire and Rescue NSW after an incident reported at the Council Depot in Murrumburrah; and assisting the Yass SES unit with vehicle rescues after people became trapped in rising water.
“Other jobs included sand bagging Bunyip Preschool in Binalong Street after the centre became inundated with flood water.” Ms Bickford said.
“We also had to sand bag areas of the Cemetery in Murrumburrah due to the ferocity of the storm.”
More rain hit the area on Friday, stalling the completion of some of the clean up work.
“We couldn’t complete all of the jobs until Sunday morning; we are a small crew and we had another six call outs on Friday.” Ms Bickford said.
“I would like take this opportunity to say thank you to all our volunteers, they do a wonderful job; they are committed to the Harden Murrumburrah community and really pull together when the community needs them.”
NSW SES Harden Unit will be holding an open day in March this year on a date yet to be advised.
“We like to hole these oped days so that the community can get an idea of what we actually do in the SES.” Ms Bickford said.
“Volunteering in the SES gives members training opportunities, and a real chance to give back to their community.”
The SES are currently running a recruitment drive. For more information on volunteering for the SES Harden Unit, please go to their Facebook page, or contact Unit Commander Ros Bickford on 0427 772 162.