“I was pleased to see the completed refurbishments which make the SES shed safer and more
comfortable for our SES volunteers who give up their valuable time to deliver vital services to our community,” she said.

“The upgrade includes the installation of new handrails on the stairwell to the mezzanine level,
improving the safety in the shed.

“The SES volunteers will also benefit from this upgrade which includes an airconditioned
kitchenette and a new coat of paint, improving the sheds safe working order, so these volunteers
can continue to deliver for the community.

“We would also like to thank the Airlie Beach Fire Station who donated a $3,000 prefabricated
steel stairwell to add to the upgrade.

“The local SES volunteers do a fantastic job helping to keep our local community safe, especially in disaster events.

“It’s great the state and local governments can give back to these volunteers by improving their
SES shed, it is an acknowledgement of the important role the SES plays in disaster and
emergency management in the Whitsunday community,” she said.

Mark Connors Officer in Charge at Cannonvale SES said as soon as the current response to
Cyclone Marcia is over and if the weather is kind to us, we will begin a recruitment drive with a
focus on the beach area.

“The refurbishment means a more comfortable environment for members to train in,” he said.

“SES members, supported by the Whitsunday Regional Council responded to Rockhampton and
Livingston Shires even before the cyclone hit and we still have a presence there.

“It is these kinds of dedicated members we will be seeking in the near future to join our team at the Cannonvale shed.

“Therefore, we are thankful to council, and particularly to Scott Tellegen, the Whitsunday Disaster Management Coordinator for giving us a more presentable headquarters to train and operate out of.”

The SES Non-Recurrent Subsidy Program is funded 75% by the Queensland Government
and 25% by the Whitsunday Regional Council, this funding was allocated in the 2014-15 financial year.

Ends

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For media enquiries, contact:
Kate Adams, Communications Manager
Phone: 07 4945 0614, 0427 458 369 or Email: kate.adams@whitsundayrc.qld.gov.au