Editorial
Rain, hail or shine. No matter the weather or the time of the day there are people in our community ready and willing to leave the comfort of their own home to help us all in our hour of need. These are our guardian angels.
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These are the people who volunteer for the State Emergency Service, people like Ben Jackson, from the Kiama SES unit who features in our stunning front page image captured by Illawarra Mercury photographer Sylvia Liber.
And the catastrophe which has been 2020 has meant these guardian angels have been on call more than ever through fires, floods, pandemics and more floods.
Read more: How COVID has shaped the region's commute
People like Ben are among selfless thousands across the state of New South Wales who chose to give their service to others.
They come from all walks of life and do all sorts of tasks when a time of emergency dictates it.
What is clearly common to each of them is the reward and satisfaction they get from helping others.
Ben's fellow Kiama unit volunteer Deb Dunster, a scohol teacher by day, summed it up perfectly.
"I didn't picture myself doing the adventurous jobs but I have been involved in land searches, flood rescues, road crashes, vertical rescues and community liaison roles," she said.
"I have enjoyed learning news skills and I love working as part of team that looks out for each other.
"I trust the people looking out for me when I put on a harness and now after six years I am often looking out for the newer volunteers."
Former Ghanaian diplomat Kofi Annan once said "if our hopes of building a better and safer world are to become more than wishful thinking, we will need the engagement of volunteers more than ever".
Guardian angels like Ben and Deb are indeed helping us build a better, safer world.
If you would like to register or learn more about becoming a volunteer visit www.ses.nsw.gov.au/get-involved/volunteer/unit-volunteers/ or you can contact the SES volunteering information line on 1800 201 000.
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