Joint media release with the Hon Jihad Dib MP and the Hon Tara Moriarty MLC
A new facility in the Southern Tablelands will offer welfare support and advocacy for thousands of volunteers, with the new NSW State Emergency Service (SES) Volunteer Association multipurpose centre now open.
The Albanese and Minns Governments provided $543,620 to the NSW SES Volunteers Association for the facility through the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund under the jointly funded Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
This was supplemented by more than $800,000 by the NSW SES Volunteers Association.
Located in Windellama in the Southern Tablelands, the property includes facilities for professional development, kitchen and bathroom amenities, camping areas and spaces for members to enjoy the Australian rural lifestyle.
The centre will support emergency operations, training programs and equipment storage, while promoting the wellbeing of SES volunteers.
It will have a strong focus on mental health education and support, as well as providing a place for members to relax, reconnect with family and friends and recharge.
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain:
"This new multipurpose centre in Eden-Monaro is much-needed and will give our SES volunteers a place where they can rest, connect with one another and learn.
"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.
"By creating a space where volunteers can train, recharge and reconnect, this project helps ensure that SES members feel valued and ready to keep serving their communities long after disaster strikes."
Quotes attributable to NSW Minister for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib:
"This centre shows our commitment to investing in the very backbone of our emergency response - our volunteers.
"This purpose-built space is designed to strengthen the welfare, training and advocacy available to our volunteers, who give their time so selflessly to protect communities right across the state."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW Tara Moriarty:
"The NSW State Emergency Service plays an extraordinary role in protecting our communities during floods, storms and other natural disasters.
"This new facility is about giving back to those who give so much. It will provide a place where members can rest, recharge and access the wellbeing and mental health support they need after long and often difficult deployments.
"With around 10,000 SES volunteers across the state, this investment is an important step in supporting the people who are always there when NSW needs them most."
Quotes attributable to NSW SES Volunteers Association President Kim Davis:
"These facilities are just another way the Volunteers Association is providing support to our members, who give so much of themselves for their communities."
"The funding from the Australian and NSW Governments has made this project possible and we are incredibly grateful.
"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."
