The South Australian State Emergency Service (SASES) continues to support the NSW emergency flood response, deploying an Incident Management Team to assist further affected areas to be there in recent days.
Chief Officer of the SASES, Chris Beattie said eight team members supported emergency services in northern and mid-coast NSW as heavy rainfall and thunderstorms caused further flooding to already impacted areas.
Chief Officer Beattie said 72 personnel had already contributed about 3,500 hours across 300 shifts in support of the NSW SES, which was responding to, and supporting local communities as they experienced some of the worst flooding recorded in these areas.
“Emergency services personnel share the same dedication to community, commitment to helping others and concern for those in crisis,’’ Chief Officer Beattie said.
“The work can be physically and mentally challenging and even dangerous at times, but all our personnel are expertly trained and well prepared for the tasks,” he said.
“We will continue to respond to requests for support from our sister organisation in NSW for as long as we are needed and we know they will always be there if we need them.’’
Newly sworn in Minister for Emergency Services, Joe Szakacs paid tribute to South Australia’s emergency services personnel.
“South Australians don’t hesitate when it comes to helping those in need,’’ Mr Szakacs said.
“The floods in New South Wales have had a devastating impact on individuals and communities across a wide area,” Mr Szakacs said.
“With further heavy rain forecast in coming days our thoughts are with those who have already lost so much,” the Minister said.
