HECS DISCOUNT FOR NEW SES STUDENT VOLUNTEERS
Mt Tamborine State Emergency Services (SES) manager Mr Bryan Adams is calling for new young university students to volunteer, with the Queensland Government offering a HECS discount and voucher for expenses.
Mt Tamborine SES will also provide training that will range from first aid to recue procedures, welcoming both male and female students that have the spare time, as long as they are fit, healthy and have a positive attitude that they can contribute to the team.
Mrs Racheal Overton, head of the Department of Emergency Services, which runs the SES, announced the incentives the Queensland Government will provide to the SES service.
“All new volunteers will receive a $1500 voucher to pay for fuel and any other expenses for 12 months,” Mrs Overton says, “their HECS debt will be reduced by 20% if they remain with the SES for five years.”
Mr Bryan Adams, manager of the Mt Tamborine SES, explains why they need new volunteers, as many of the current volunteers are over 40 years of age and cannot keep up with the service needed.
“University students, who only go to campus for a few days a week, would make great volunteers,” says Mr Adams, “volunteering for the SES is a great thing to do for the community.
“I am pleading with local university students, many of whom study hard, to lend a hand to help a neighbor,” Mr Adam says.
The urgent call comes from Mr Adams after the service is told they may have to close if they don’t receive new volunteers, meaning the next SES team would be 20 minutes away in an already isolated area.
“Unless 10 younger people volunteer, then the service may have to close and the equipment handed to another SES,” Mr Adams says, “help will be delayed for our locals here at the scenic Mt Tamborine and that will cost lives.”
An enrolment information evening will be held next Saturday at the SES unit, Blower Street, Mt Tamborine, from 5p.m., with the local Lions Club providing a free BBQ.
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