Mr Barilaro was joined at the official ceremony by NSW SES representatives, Palerang Council Deputy Mayor Paul Cockram, volunteers of the Braidwood SES Unit, representatives of other emergency services and community groups.

The new response vehicle, a Mitsubishi Triton dual cab, valued at $45,000 was fully funded by the State Government in the recent budget under the NSW SES fleet management program. 

Mr Barilaro said the new vehicle will help strengthen the capacity of the NSW SES to assist the community in times of floods, storms and other emergencies.

“The State Government is pleased to support the volunteers and the Braidwood community in the provision of this new vehicle.

“The Braidwood SES plays a vital role in protecting the district in emergencies such as floods and storms, supporting the Rural Fire Service during bushfires, and supporting the NSW Police by attending to highway accidents and searches for missing persons.” Mr Barilaro said.

Mr Barilaro also thanked the volunteers for their hard work in responding to requests for assistance from the local community. 

“The commitment by the volunteers to the NSW SES and their local community is to be congratulated.

“The people of our region know they can rely on the NSW SES to help them in emergencies. The volunteers deserve our thanks and gratitude,” Mr Barilaro said.

LONG SERVICE AWARDS

Commencing with terrific celebrations on Thursday night on what was appropriately ‘Storm Season Week’ – the members of the Braidwood Unit were firstly congratulated for having served for over 25 years. Mr John Barilaro presented long service awards to a number of volunteers of the Unit at the ceremony.

Five members of the Unit were recognised, and received their ten and 15 year Long Service Awards. An additional 13 members also received their ‘pin’ denoting five years’ service.

In handing over the awards, Mr Barilaro thanked the members for their outstanding work on behalf of the community.

Those receiving the medals were:

NSW SES 10 Year Long Service Medal:

Frances Cassilles - joined the SES on 1 April 2000.

Stefan Sykes      - joined the SES on 2 September 1997.

National Medal for 15 Year Long Service:

Harry Cassilles - joined the SES on 5 April 1996.

Narelle Saunders - joined the SES on 6 January 1996.

James Warman - joined the SES on 17 May 1996.

A fine feast was enjoyed to mark the recognition process. Some apologies were received and considering the soaking wet night this was to be expected – to those members who did attend, we extend our thanks.

STORM SEASON

Appropriately, the weather played its part on the commencement of our storm season which extends from now till March.

Friday morning set the tone of things to come with snow, wind and rain bringing down trees, damaging garages and fences. So far we have had dten calls for assistance (likely to increase as people check their properties).

First unit was called at 3am and headed out in treacherous conditions and even while travelling in a 4WD at 40kph, many cars and trucks passed doing 100kph (obviously ignorant of the conditions). Many skid marks were seen where vehicles had come upon black ice.

Why? Well the answer to that lies in the blowing of the wind?

A second crew started at 9am and were even called to Braidwood Central School where a huge part of their pine tree had broken off. This was eventually taken care of and the rubbish removed.

The unit remains on standby for any future developments which may occur.

Therefore it is a constant reminder to be prepared for the season ahead and if you have a problem or seeking advice, please do not hesitate to call.

In a life threatening situation call 000 direct!