President's Newsletter March 2015

It’s hard to believe that we aren’t still in the middle of summer! Unseasonably hot days and balmy nights…I only hope we don’t have to pay the price for an extended summer with an extra workload for the rest of the year!

March has been a busy month for non-operational activities for the Volunteers Association. We had three young volunteers take part in the Young Endeavour, we were a major sponsor for the annual Operation Orange and attended the 2016 launch of the Rotary Emergency Services Community Awards- of which last year Sydney Southern SES volunteer, Shannon Crofton took out the Volunteer Category.

Our board members have also been participating in refresher training around good Board management and the office has been continuing with the preparation for the 2016 Volunteers Association Conference.

Looking forward, we have the annual Volunteer’s Council meeting in early April, which will take place in Canberra as well as the 2016 Scholarships and Grants Funding Scheme being open and elections taking place in a number of areas for Region Coordinators.

I would like to extend my condolences to the Marrickville Unit, after the death of one of our volunteers. We share in your loss both personally and as a Service.

Operation Orange

Woronora Dam was the stunning venue for the 4th SES Operation Orange, held on Saturday 12th March 2016 and was sponsored by the Volunteers Association.

Involving 125 SES members on the day, we had nine teams from Sydney Southern Region units and one team from Namoi Region competing for the coveted trophy.

The day began at sunrise with bleary eyed Stand Managers and Catering arriving to set up for the day. Teams arrived shortly after to be briefed and welcomed by the Acting Commissioner Greg Newton. Teams then eagerly departed for a number of team building and SES Skill based stands.

A close competition, the day was decided only by the final Egg Challenge.

Congratulations to Liverpool who were the champions of the day, with Sutherland in 2nd place and Camden in 3rd.

Presentations to teams were made by the Sydney Southern Region Controller Samantha Coldwell, Acting Assistant Commissioner Nicole Hogan and Mr Lee Evans, MP for Heathcote, representing the Minister for Emergency Services.

New Area Represenatives

Our  vacant  Area  Representative  positions  have  now   been  filled. The  successful applicants for the Areas are as follows:

• Sydney Western Area – Adam Rollinson
• Richmond/Tweed Area – Kristine McDonald
• Namoi Area – Dennis Buck
• Murrumbidgee Area – Madison Harvey
• Hunter Area – Peta Luke 

Congratulations and welcome aboard all.

We are now seeking nominations for District Coordinators in various areas throughout the State. If you would like to help improve the way we communicate with and support our members then please have your nomination form to us by 15 April 2016.

Don;t Forget to update Your Details

Our member benefits program has been successfully rolling out over the last couple of months.

We have had some cards returned to the office due to incorrect addresses. Remember you can update your address by logging on to our website at:

Social Media

You can now connect with us on:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/nswsesva

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nsw-ses-volunteers-association

Emerging leaders development Program

We are seeking Expression of Interest from all members who may be interested in participating in this program which aims to give participants an understanding of the operation of the Volunteers Association and provide them with the necessary skills to become a Not-for-Profit Board member.

Applications close on Friday 8 April 2016. Further information on how to apply is available at:

https://secure.nswsesva.org.au/default.aspx

2016 Funding Scheme Applications are open Now!

Applications forms and guidelines are available from the member section of our website: 

https://secure.nswsesva.org.au/default.aspx

Vale

Penny Rogers