SES builds around youth training program

A YOUTH internship program by the Lismore City SES Unit will train a new crop of volunteers to be ready to assist in floods and future disasters.

The 10-week program will include first aid training, boat work, knot tying, navigation skills and learning how to use new disaster apps.

It is aimed at teenagers aged 15 and 16 and is an extension of the six-week program the unit ran last year.

It is timely, with the unit hit by flooding and destructive weather from Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

“It was always on the agenda, but definitely a great time to run a program like this,” event organiser Jenna Finnigan said.

“We can never have enough members, especially in a unit which is as active as what ours is.

“The older ones aren’t going to be around forever, so we need to start planning for the younger generation.

“It’s been a hectic couple of weeks and we can always find a role for all skill and fitness levels.”

About 14 children are expected to be part of the program this year.

Some of the younger graduates from last year were already part of the army cadets and can now join the SES once they turn 16.

“We got them out on the boats one night, which the kids absolutely loved,” Finnigan said.

“I’ve been involved with the SES for 21 years and my daughter has grown up around it.

“She brought in a few of the army cadets last year and hopefully we’ll get some of them to join up.”

The training program will also include information and sessions with other ambulance, fire and police emergency services in the region.

Participants will learn transferable skills to help them work under pressure in a variety of fields.

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Di said the program helps train future leaders.

“This internship program is a great example of innovative volunteering. It allows young people to learn new skills through practical experience,” he said.

“The internship program provides great insight into the benefits of volunteering with an emergency service.”

The group will meet at the Brunswick Street building at 6pm every Tuesday from this week.

A sign-up link and information can be found at the NSW SES Lismore City Unit Facebook page.