Call out for Barraba SES

Barraba SES on the job

On Sunday evening, 22nd June, a call-out was issued to multiple SES units requesting assistance with a land search for a missing person in the area between Pilliga and Wee Waa.

5.30am the following morning saw 4 members from Barraba heading west and arriving just in time for the briefing, along with members from other SES units, as well as RFS and VRA volunteers, the whole being overseen by Police Rescue.

Of particular interest was the new Side by Side vehicle which is currently being trialled, and which proved to be invaluable in this challenging terrain.

We were appointed to one of the three search teams which searched the scrub in line formation, scrambling over and through the undergrowth while looking for clues.

The search was over by 11am, when we were called back in to the search base, after which our 4 tired volunteers were happy to pile back into the vehicle for the long drive home.

The next day we were most gratified to receive an email from the Deputy Zone Commander who heartily congratulated all who participated, saying that this was the largest land search which the North Western Zone has participated in since its inception, and that the sea of orange SES uniforms was impossible to miss. He also said that our dedication, teamwork and professionalism made a real difference and showcased the best of what we can achieve when we work together.