Goondiwindi Emergency Services Day is great kick-off to SES Week – now it’s time to Get Ready, says Mayor

Mayor of the Goondiwindi Region the Honourable Cr Lawrence Springborg AM has thanked the community for their support of the Emergency Services Day in Goondiwindi, which saw hundreds of people in attendance.

Goondiwindi Regional Council proudly supported the event, which gave people the opportunity to have a first-hand look at some of the speciality vehicles and equipment used by local emergency services groups.

The day also featured demonstrations from local service groups such as the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES), Rural Fire Service (RFS), Queensland Ambulance Service, Queensland State Emergency Service (SES) and Queensland Police Service (QPS), as well as local hospital staff.

The event was held at Riddles Oval on Sunday and kicked off SES Week in the Goondiwindi Region. SES Week runs from 9-17 October and honours the hard work and outstanding efforts of the staff and volunteers across Queensland who form the SES.

Cr Springborg said the day gave residents a glimpse of the kind of hard work and dedication that local emergency services provide to our local communities every day.

“We saw some wonderful displays from local groups of what they do and the many extraordinary ways in which they help to keep us, our families and communities safe,” he said. “Everything from water-bombing from a helicopter to rescuing someone trapped inside a vehicle - these demonstrations were just a glimpse into the everyday work these groups do, and I think they helped many of us to realise just how indebted we are for their service and commitment.

“I want to thank all our wonderful emergency services staff and volunteers who gave their time to take part in the day. It was a wonderful community event and we were just so pleased to have them there,” the Mayor said. “I also want to thank QFES Community Engagement Officer Tracey Brown and Inspector Chris Martial in particular, for all their efforts and partnership with Council to organise the day.”

This week also marks Get Ready Queensland Week, which runs from 10-16 October. Cr Springborg said it makes this week the ideal time to prepare ourselves and our households for the severe weather season ahead.

“As we all know, it’s not a matter of if but when severe weather strikes in Queensland,” he said. “The best thing we can all do to help our emergency services is to be prepared for when it does.”

The Goondiwindi Region faces increased risk of flooding this summer, following heavy rainfall throughout the year and a wet forecast ahead.

“Does everyone in your household know the plan if flooding strikes?” Cr Springborg asked. “What if roads are cut or power is lost? Now is the time to prepare and I ask all residents to make it a priority this week to visit the Get Ready website for all the information they need on how to know your risk, how to make an emergency plan, and what to pack in an emergency kit.”

For more information about how to Get Ready, visit: www.getready.qld.gov.au.

For up-to-date local information and advice, including weather warnings, road closures, river heights and more, visit: http://dashboard.grc.qld.gov.au/