Ark angels have arrived

THE NSW State Emergency Service (SES) has received new boats, rescue and storm vehicles and ark angels at units across the state, including the Lismore electorate.

In the last financial year, 49 new assets have been distributed to enhance flood rescue and operational response, including six large flood rescue boats, 10 Gemini inflatable rescue boats (IRBs), six ark angels, 10 general purpose vehicles, two medium rescue trucks and two punts. Ark angels are critical for flood response, are easily transported on top of an operational vehicle, and can be deployed in many flood situations. The new Gemini IRBs will allow SES volunteers to undertake flood rescue, surveillance and support tasks.

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said the new boats and vehicles were needed.

“They will better support the SES volunteers to save lives, protect communities and minimise the impact of disasters,” he said.

“The bravery and selflessness of our SES volunteers over recent years have been remarkable, and during the last storm season alone, they responded to almost 16,000 flood and storm incidents across the state.”

All new vehicles will be equipped with ‘Vehicle as a Node’ (VaaN) technology, allowing crews to communicate using 4G and satellite networks to help stay connected during emergencies and overcome dangerous communication blackspots.

The NSW SES had its busiest year on record in 2022, with volunteers logging more than one million hours and completing more than 3800 flood rescues, 30 vertical rescues, more than 67,000 animal rescues, 575 road crash rescues, 2800 resupply missions and 628 medical resupply missions. Across north-eastern NSW, the SES responded to more than 1970 calls for assistance.

Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery and Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said the funding recognised the valuable contribution of SES volunteers.

“Particularly when they are on the frontline during floods and storms,” she said. “The SES plays a vital role in safeguarding our communities in times of crisis, and these additional vehicles and vessels in the local region will go a long way in helping prepare and respond to emergencies.”

Nearly 3000 new volunteers joined the SES ranks in the past year, and the service is encouraging more people to join their local unit.

For more information, visit ses.nsw.gov.au.