Patience has paid off for members of the Uralla SES who have waited three years in shared facilities to finally move into their state-of-the-art depot which was officially opened on Saturday by Member for Northern Tablelands Richard Torbay. Also in attendance were NSW SES Commissioner Murray Kear and Uralla Mayor Isabel Strutt. The building was funded jointly through the NSW SES who contributed $125,000 and a further $30,000 from Uralla Council for the building pad, retaining walls and drainage. The council also donated the land. $20,000 has been spent on the fit out of the building, with the majority of those funds generated from fundraising activities by Uralla SES members, with the rest provided by the NSW SES.
NSW SES Commissioner Murray Kear praised the tremendous work of Uralla SES Controller Therese Press and all the volunteers who have helped to make this day a reality.
“This is a great moment for the Uralla community and for the volunteers,” said Mr Kear.
“This gives them a purpose built building, very functional for the needs of the NSW SES and all the services that they deliver here locally.”
The slab for the building went down in November last year with Uralla Council handing the keys to the volunteers at the end of March this year. Uralla SES Controller Therese Press has 20 volunteers based in Uralla and it took them five weeks to fill the shed with all their equipment.
“It is just fabulous to get our own facility,” said Therese.
“I have a great team here who enjoy their work with the SES, we have a great team spirit.
“We get to learn so many skills and have a great time doing it, we always cook before our training, so there is also a social element to volunteering.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the Uralla community who have supported us through our fundraising and donation.”
During his official speech Member for Northern Tablelands Richard Torbay particularly thanked Mayor Isabel Strutt and the leadership of Uralla Council for their enthusiastic support of the facility.
“It is not just about the building, it is about the wonderful organisation that is the SES and what it does for the community and the terrific appreciation for the work that all the volunteers do,” said Mr Torbay.
Uralla Council has also provided a neighbouring block of land for SES to use during training and development of members.
The Uralla SES are always looking for volunteers. If you are interested contact Uralla SES Controller Therese Press on 6778 4271.
Story: Jo Harrison
