Volunteers have moved into a brand-new NSW State Emergency Service (SES) Unit at Stroud, in the Mid North Coast region.
The new $2.1 million headquarters is about three times the size of the former facility and brings volunteers, vehicles and equipment together in one location.
It will support the work of Stroud SES volunteers who respond across a large area stretching from Barrington Tops National Park to Tea Gardens and the northern coast of Port Stephens, helping during storms, floods, road crashes and other emergencies.
Over the past three years, the unit has responded to about 350 incidents, and in recent weeks, membership has grown by five new recruits.
While the former unit consisted of a small portable building originally acquired from the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games, the new building includes a training room, kitchen, office, change facilities, showers, vehicle garage, and additional equipment storage.
Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington joined NSW SES Acting Commissioner Daniel Austin, local leaders and volunteers over the weekend to open the new headquarters.
The original unit was established about 40 years ago with the help of the late Kim Piper who recruited volunteers and secured an early base for members to work from.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib:
“This new facility is an investment in the people who give their time to help the Stroud community.
“From the volunteers who helped establish the team decades ago to the five new members who have recently joined, Stroud has a proud history of people stepping forward to help others.
“This facility will give them the space and resources they need to continue that work for many years to come.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Port Stephens, Kate Washington:
“This is more than a new and improved home for the SES Stroud Unit, it is a new chapter that recognises the important role these volunteers play in keeping our community safe.
“Communities know they can depend on SES volunteers to lend a hand in times of storms and floods. This new facility will allow the Stroud Unit to continue their valuable work, safely and effectively, for the community.
“It’s wonderful to see new volunteers joining the ranks of the Unit, continuing the proud Stroud tradition of locals looking out for one another.”
Quotes attributable to NSW SES Acting Commissioner, Daniel Austin:
“Stroud volunteers cover a large and varied part of the region and are called on to help during storms, floods, road crashes and other emergencies.
“This new facility gives them a home to be proud of, more room to train together, store their vehicles and equipment and prepare for the next call for help.
“It is a significant milestone and recognition for a team with such a strong history in the local community.”
Quotes attributable to NSW SES Stroud Unit Commander, Stephen Harris:
“I’ve been a Stroud volunteer for 25 years, so seeing this new facility open means a great deal.
“We now have the space to train together, keep our vehicles and equipment in one place and get on the road quickly when someone needs us.
“Along with the new members we’ve had join, it feels like the beginning of a really positive new chapter for Stroud.”
Quotes attributable to former NSW SES Stroud volunteer, Roma Piper:
“When Kim and I moved to the Stroud area, he could see there was a need for a local SES crew. He was very good at bringing people together and encouraging them to volunteer.
“One of my fondest memories is our children seeing us helping people through the SES, and even their grandparents became involved. It became something our whole family shared.
“To see where the Stroud team is today and the new generation of volunteers coming through is very special.”
