Don't forget about Queensland farmers! Volunteers are still urgently needed to assist in rural areas to help with flood and storm clean-ups. Let us know you can help by registering, updating your registration or emailing us at emergencyvol@volunteeringqld.org.au.
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Image provided by Queensland Ambulance Service First Responder Groups
Emergency service volunteers devote 27 million minutes
More than 40,000 Queenslanders committed in excess of 27 million minutes of their time volunteering in emergency situations and disaster preparation activities last year.
Police and Community Safety Minister Jack Dempsey said National Volunteer Week (May 13-19) was the perfect time to recognise the efforts of our local heroes.
“Rural Fire Service (RFS) crews, SES volunteers, Local Ambulance Committee members and other emergency volunteers give their time and services to protect the lives and property of Queenslanders,” Mr Dempsey said.
“Recent weather events have highlighted the vital role volunteers play in our community whether it be lending their time and skills during flood recovery, providing food and shelter for those displaced or even just a shoulder to cry on.
“They are the real heroes of our community and during National Volunteer Week I encourage everyone to say ‘Thanks a Million’ to them.
“The Department of Community Safety recruits, trains and supports more than 40,000 volunteers in a wide range of roles and could not provide the outstanding front-line services it is renowned for without their dedication.”
Assistant Minister for Emergency Volunteers Ted Malone said more than 5,900 SES volunteers dedicated almost 100,000 hours helping the community, including nearly 20,000 hours in storm damage response, more than 15,000 hours in search operations and in excess of 3,000 hours in flood boat operations.
"There are more than 35,000 Rural Fire Service volunteers including almost 12,300 volunteer firefighters who committed in excess of 355,000 hours to hazard reduction burns and emergency incidents last year," Mr Malone said.
"The Queensland Ambulance Service has approximately 1,750 volunteers. These include almost 250 first responders who provide lifesaving advanced first aid in remote areas while an ambulance vehicle is en route, and 1,400 volunteers on Local Ambulance Committee’s, which promote community participation and ambulance services awareness.
“I want to acknowledge and thank all of those individuals who are committed to the safety of Queenslanders.
“As well as recognising the tremendous work of volunteers, I would also encourage anyone who has considered becoming a volunteer to explore the options available.”
Volunteering Qld CEO Perry Hembury said National Volunteer Week was a time to celebrate the contribution of all Queensland’s 1.2 million volunteers.
“Volunteers come from all different ages, backgrounds and professions but are united in their efforts to help the causes they care about,” Mr Hembury said.
“No matter what phase of our lives we are in, there is a world of opportunity open to each of us through volunteering.”
For more information, visit:
ambulance.qld.gov.au/volunteer
ruralfire.qld.gov.au/Volunteering
