Member for Reynell Katrine Hildyard (three from the left) with SA SES volunteers at the official opening of the brand new Noarlunga Unit. Photo: Katrine Hildyard.
The new $5 million South Australia State Emergency Service (SA SES) Noarlunga Unit in Adelaide’s south is officially up and running.
Sitting on a 5000 square metre block, the new facility was built to accommodate the increased capacity demanded by the population boom in Adelaide’s southern suburbs.
More than 50 people participated in a ceremonial march from their old premises to the new facility, where volunteers and staff will meet to train and coordinate emergency response activities.
“The old Noarlunga Unit opened in 1979 and has serviced the local community with distinction over the past 44 years,” Noarlunga Unit manager Allan Coster said.
“The new purpose-built facilities will provide extra training space, ensuring we can expand our skills and continue to deliver a modern emergency response to the southern area as well as promoting the great work of the SES.”
A backup generator, a 55-panel solar system, and a fire and essential water storage tank with mains water pressure allow the unit to sustain itself for up to 48 hours without external utilities.
The facility also features a dedicated communications room, internal and external training areas, offices, kitchen, male and female change rooms, laundry, bathroom and storage.
SA SES Chief Officer Chris Beattie said the new unit ensured the SA SES could increase its capacity in line with community needs.
“Last year, the Noarlunga SES Unit responded to more than 850 requests for assistance from their local community,” he said.
“It was time to create a more modern facility to ensure we maintain our high-level response capabilities, such as vertical rescues.”
Member for Reynell Katrine Hildyard said Adelaide’s south was growing with more and more people enjoying all it has to offer.
“As our community grows, we need infrastructure that enables these brilliant volunteers to keep being there with people,” she explained.
“I am so happy for our southern community and our SES volunteers that the day has finally arrived to open this important, new, state-of-the-art facility.
“Thank you to everybody who has worked so hard to bring it to life; it will make a difference to our southern community and these remarkable volunteers for decades to come.”
SA Police, Emergency Services and Correctional Services Minister Joe Szakacs joined Ms Hildyard in paying tribute to the Noarlunga Unit’s approximately 70 volunteers.
“It is important that we grow and foster the capability to support local communities with an appropriate emergency service response,” he said.
“I thank our valued volunteers for their ongoing service and trust they will enjoy the upgraded facilities of the new unit.”
Visit the SA SES website or call 1300 364 587 for further volunteering-related support and information.
