Lighting up the SES

Lighting up the SES

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Armadale SES deputy manager Ron Stroet, members Hilary Swain, Dave de Bont, Michelle Race and Daniel Knight and local manager Connie Eikelboom. Photograph – Aaron Van Rongen.

A local SES group has been given the gift of light, which will help with local searches and emergency operations.

Armadale SES local manager Connie Eikelboom said the organisation recently received a total of $3000 from a state government grant to assist with the purchase of portable lighting equipment.

“We bought three portable chargeable pelican lights, which can be used in either storm damage, searches, fire support, evacuations or any other emergencies that we may attend,” she said.

“The lights can be set up at any job or we can even take them on the roof to help us at night.”

The group, which is made up entirely volunteers, attends a number of incidents every year, including flooding, searching for lost children or adults, fallen trees and car versus house crashes.

Ms Eikelboom said the group trains every Wednesday rain, hail or shine from 7.30pm to 10pm.

“We have a great camaraderie between members and enjoy each other’s company,” she said.

“In order to join, the only restrictions are you need to be over 18, have a driver’s licence, be able to work well in a team environment and be able to climb on roofs.”

The grant for the lighting was received via Member for Armadale Tony Buti under the Local Projects, Local Jobs program.

Mr Buti said the SES were a jewel in the community, providing assistance across the state and Australia in many varied situations.