“When the King showed up, me and a few of the guys got to shake his hand. He asked us how we manage to find the time to volunteer, to which I replied, “we do it because we love it!” That made him smile,” he said.
“None of these experiences would have been possible without joining the SES, and that’s why it’s a very rewarding decision for young people to join the service.”
NSW SES Ballina Unit Volunteer Alannah Salkeld, 18, was also on the frontline of the Ex TC Alfred response, where she supported her local community with sandbagging and flood rescues.
“Our Unit filled more than 40,000 sandbags and it was great to meet community members and help them out during this difficult time – they were all very thankful,” Alannah said.
Having recently completed her Land Based Flood Rescue Operator training, Alannah was also able to attend her first flood rescue call out during the cyclone response.
“We got driven out under lights and sirens to help an elderly couple who were on a jetty that had loosened in the wind,” she said.
“Thankfully, the couple were safe and the job didn’t turn out to be much, but it was all very exciting.
“I’d like to further my qualifications to become an In Water Flood Rescue Operator, so I can continue to be more hands on with the community.”
Alannah joined the Ballina Unit when she was 16 years old and said it has enriched her studies as she sits the HSC this year.
“When I am studying and a job comes through, it’s a good way to have a break and clear my mind before coming back to my studies,” she said.
NSW SES Deputy Commissioner Debbie Platz APM said the NSW SES is proud to welcome and support young volunteers like Koen and Alannah.
“We’re lucky to have an awesome bunch of 1,400 volunteers under the age of 24 in our organisation,” Deputy Commissioner Platz said.
“They are the future of the SES and it’s inspiring to see we are in good hands with such a dedicated and passionate group of young people.
“Whether it’s learning new skills, getting real-world experiences or meeting lifelong friends, there’s so much to gain from volunteering and I encourage all young people to consider giving it a go.”
When reflecting on the future of the NSW SES, Alannah said she hopes to continue volunteering for many years, while she aspires to one day work with the Police or Army. Coincidently, Koen also aspires to become a Police Officer, while continuing his volunteering with the SES.
“My hope is that I can help as many people as I can, whether it’s a small task or a big task. It’s very rewarding being in emergency services and if I can do that for as long as I can, I’ll be very, very happy!” Koen said.