SES volunteer numbers reach record levels
[4 April 2006 | State Emergency Services]
The State Emergency Services (SES) deployment of volunteers to the region affected by Tropical Cyclone Larry is the largest in Queensland's history.
So far 837 volunteers have so far worked their way across the cyclone affected areas of Far North Queensland.
Many of SES volunteers in Far North Queensland rode out the cyclone in their own homes, before coming to the assistance of the local community. Their initial tasks included clearing roads, helping to restore basic services, taping damaged rooves and working with the community.
They were joined by volunteers from across the state who arrived in the region as part of 15 Task Forces.
"It's been a huge effort by SES volunteers both from within the Far North region and those who have travelled to the region from across the state," said SES Director Eddie Bennet.
"We began deploying volunteers from outside the Far North region the day after the cyclone hit. They came in to support the 326 volunteers from the Far Northern region already on the ground.
"There have been some wonderful stories of mateship and assistance over the past two weeks since the cyclone and all involved were a credit to their units and their communities.
"We have had volunteers from all over Queensland put their hands up to help out. They have left their jobs, families and homes to travel to the affected region."
Following is a list of SES units who have contributed to Tropical Cyclone Larry Rescue Effort between 21 March and 5 April:
Brisbane Region
Brisbane, Caboolture, Kilcoy, Pine Rivers, Redcliffe, Redlands
Central Region
Banana, Bauhinia, Gladstone/Calliope, Livingstone, Mackay, Mirani, Mt Morgan, Peak Downs, Rockhampton/Fitzroy, Sarina, Whitsunday
Northern Region
Bowen, Burdekin, Charters Towers, Hinchinbrook, Townsville/Thuringowa
North Coast Region
Biggenden, Bundaberg, Caloundra, Eidsvold, Gayndah, Hervey Bay, Kingaroy, Kolan, Munduberra, Murgon, Nanango, Noosa, Perry, Tiaro, Tin Can Bay, Woocoo
South East Region
Beaudesert, Esk, Gold Coast, Ipswich, Logan
South West Region
Allora, Dalby, Gatton, Goondiwindi, Laidley, Stanthorpe, St George, Toowoomba, Wallangarra, Warwick.