When disaster strikes, we are often grateful for the people in orange—State Emergency Services (SES) volunteers, in their signature bright orange uniforms, who volunteer to help their communities following natural hazards like storms, floods, and bushfires. Their commitment helps keep communities safe and resilient by responding to emergencies, aiding recovery efforts, and ensuring timely and coordinated relief.

Beyond immediate disaster response, SES volunteers also contribute to community wellbeing. They offer their time for training, professional development, and maintaining readiness, which enhances the region’s overall capacity to cope with future emergencies.

Facilities and support structures, such as the new multipurpose centre in Windellama, located in the NSW Southern Tablelands approximately an hour and a half northeast of Canberra, play a crucial role in supporting local communities.

The property includes facilities for professional development, kitchen and bathroom amenities, camping areas and spaces for members to relax, reconnect with family and friends and recharge.

In this close-knit community, access to such facilities is vital for SES volunteers, providing essential resources that enable them to recuperate and sustain their mental wellbeing. Well-supported SES volunteers are fundamental to building resilient communities, and their valuable contributions significantly enhance the safety and recovery of the regions they serve.

Describing the new centre, NSW SES Volunteers Association President Kim Davis said, ‘The centre will be used for storage, emergency operations, training programs and to promote and provide for the wellbeing of SES volunteers, with a particular emphasis on mental health education and support.’

The $1.35 million facility received funding under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements and from the NSW SES Volunteers Association.

The Minister for Emergency Services The Hon Kristy McBain MP said, ‘Investing in facilities that back the wellbeing and mental health of SES volunteers is an essential part of recovery, because strong communities depend on strong and supported emergency services.’

As we celebrate the opening of the new Windellama multipurpose centre, it’s important to remember the vital role SES volunteers play in our lives. By investing in their wellbeing and providing the facilities they need, we are not just saying thank you, we are ensuring our communities remain safe, prepared and resilient for whatever challenges lie ahead.