The Queensland State Emergency Service (SES) is continuing to mark its 50th year of service, recognising five decades of volunteers supporting communities across the state, including throughout the Isaac region.
Isaac Regional Council Disaster and Emergency Resilience Partner and SES Local Controller Brandon Goode said the milestone reflects both a significant anniversary and the continued growth of SES capability across Queensland.
“This year marks an important milestone for the Queensland State Emergency Service, which is celebrating 50 years of volunteer service to communities across Queensland.
“In the Isaac region, SES volunteers have played a vital role in supporting communities, industry and emergency services through storms, floods and other emergencies for decades.”
Established in 1975, the SES evolved from the Queensland Civil Defence Organisation, which had been operating since 1961 and was originally formed to respond to potential wartime emergencies.
“In November 1973, a tornado caused considerable damage in the Brisbane area and the Civil Defence Organisation was activated to assist for the first time in disaster relief. Following this was the 1974 devastating flood event which impacted Brisbane,” explained Brandon.
“The SCDO Act established two organisations, the State Counter Disaster Organisation and the SES, bringing together volunteer groups dedicated to helping their communities during disasters and emergencies.”
As the service expanded, SES groups were progressively established in regional areas like Isaac. Today, volunteers operate from Glenden, Moranbah, Clermont, Dysart, Middlemount, Nebo, Carmila and St Lawrence, delivering emergency response across one of the largest local government areas in the state.
“For many Isaac communities, the mining industry has been the backbone of the local economy for decades, and SES volunteers have long played a key role in supporting these towns during emergencies.
“From responding to severe thunderstorms and flooding, to assisting with road crashes and search operations, SES volunteers are often among the first on scene when communities need help. Their work frequently supports both residents and the large workforce connected to the region’s coal mining industry.”
That connection is also reflected within the SES itself.
“A unique feature of the Isaac SES Unit is its strong connection with the local resources sector. Many volunteers also work in mining, contracting or related industries across the Bowen Basin.
“Local mines, contractors and businesses regularly assist SES volunteers by supporting their staff who volunteer, allowing flexibility during call-outs or major weather events. Local industries also provide practical support through access to equipment, funding, facilities and partnerships during training or community activities.”
Across the Isaac region, the SES currently has 66 volunteers ranging in age from 16 to 70, each contributing to the safety of their communities.
“In the SES there is a role for everyone at every incident.”
Brandon said while large-scale disasters often draw attention, much of the SES workload comes from everyday incidents that still require trained responders.
“Across the Isaac region, common call-outs include providing road crash rescue response, particularly around Nebo, Glenden and the Isaac Coast, land search and missing person operations, remotely piloted aircraft system activations, storm damage and fallen trees, flood and water-related rescues, assisting other local emergency services, and interstate deployments for disasters and rescue coverage.”
As part of the 50-year milestone, the connection between volunteers and the mining industry was recently captured at Goonyella Riverside Mine.
“As part of the SES 50-year celebrations, a special photo opportunity was recently held at the Goonyella Riverside Mine. Whilst SES presented our annual statistics for volunteer numbers and activations, we also took the time to promote the SES turning 50 and the work we wanted to do to showcase our great region.
“Councillor and longtime proud coal miner Simon West approached the SES afterwards and was inspired by the work local SES volunteers do in the community. Simon offered to help promote the SES’s 50th year by organising a visit to one of the draglines.
“It’s well known in Moranbah and the wider Isaac region that the dragline is the official totem of the mining community.”
Volunteers posed in front of one of the draglines, with some stepping into the cab to see the machine in operation.
“The photos symbolise the strong partnership between the SES and the mining industry across the Isaac region. The backdrop of the dragline highlights both the scale of the local resources industry and the commitment of volunteers who work within it.”
For those looking to get involved, Brandon said SES volunteering remains open to people from all backgrounds, with training provided across a range of roles.
“New volunteers from 16 and older receive training in emergency response, technical rescue, safety and teamwork, and can contribute in a variety of roles including operational response, incident management roles, logistics and administration.
“Anyone interested in volunteering can contact their local SES group through Isaac Regional SES Facebook page or visit the Queensland State Emergency Service website to learn more about joining.”
