Ipswich SES top orange angels in Queensland
20 October 2021
The Queensland State Emergency Service Ipswich City Unit was recognised at the state awards for their efforts in response to the Halloween hailstorm on 31 October 2020.
The local SES unit received the Assistant Commissioners Shield for Operational Response of the Year for the support they gave the communities impacted by the devastating hailstorm.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said the SES relies on volunteers who are dedicated and committed to helping keep the community safe.
“The dedication shown by the volunteers in response to the 2020 Halloween hailstorm was outstanding,” Mayor Harding said.
“Within hours of the storm hitting parts of Ipswich, there were local SES volunteers on roofs tying down tarps.
“During the storm aftermath, there were more than 2,100 calls for SES assistance in Ipswich with teams from all over Queensland, and as far away as South Australia, sending volunteers.
“Each and every one of them should be very proud of their achievements and it is great to see these orange angels recognised with a state award.”
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services alongside council provides support to the SES.
The SES perform the essential role of assisting in disaster management, helping communities prepare for, respond, and recover from a disaster along with supporting other emergency services.
Local Disaster Management Group Deputy Chair Councillor Kate Kunzelmann said a sustainable and skilled volunteer workforce is essential to meet the increasing demand for support as a result of more frequent and severe events and disasters.
“Council supports the SES with facilities, vehicles and equipment among other financial support, but it is the volunteers and their commitment that we rely on for assistance when the community needs it most,” Cr Kunzelmann said.
“I congratulate the outstanding efforts of the volunteers who have excelled in their service and behalf of the community, thank you.”