Fatigue sets in as SES crews return north - Batemans By Post

by By Emily Barton | May 1, 2015

Eurobodalla SES crews returned to Gosford this week to help in the recovery effort after last week’s wild weather.

Batemans Bay volunteer Daniel McDermott said hundreds of jobs were outstanding.

“They are still coming in as people get internet and phone lines connected again,” he said.

Mr McDermott said crews from South Australia and Queensland were helping .

He said a crew sent on Monday from the shire would return today, but would be replaced by another Eurobodalla crew.

“They are expecting more severe weather over the weekend,” he said.

Mr McDermott said volunteers were becoming tired.

“Fatigue is really starting to show,” he said.

“We are worried about the weather.”

Mr McDermott said the work was mentally draining.

“You can see the devastation in people,” Mr McDermott said.

“Some have lived there all their lives and have lost everything.

“There was a 68-year-old man who had a tree through his house and you could see him tearing up as we cut it off.

“You can feel their pain.”

Mr McDermott called for new members.

“We have roughly 20 active members,” he said.

“The more we get, the better.”