This week the Harrington SES Unit and its 14 active members are celebrating 10 years and they are inviting the community to come along too. 

Tomorrow (Wednesday December 6) the unit, which is located at Lot One Hogan Street in Harrington, is opening its door to the community from 11am. There will be sandbag filling races, tours of the unit, birthday cake and more. 

Tomorrow night they will celebrate with sister units including Wingham, Taree and Camden Haven.

In recent years the unit has received a large increase in call outs. 

Between 2013-14 they had three, between 2014-15 they had 28 and between 2015-16 – 56. 

Unit controller Kryssy Jones said the huge growth comes from the dramatic changes in climate resulting in frequent, flash storms. 

The Harrington Unit’s reputation for quality, dedicated volunteers means they have also been called out across the State to assist in emergency situations. 

This year unit members traveled to Parkes, Forbes and Condobolin to assist in the flood efforts. 

Last year 12 of the 14 unit members were instrumental in assisting Hunter Units following extreme storms in Newcastle. 

"We stayed and helped for 14 days – we may be small but we can contribute with our skills and knowledge – we’re quiet achievers,” said SES volunteer Jo Otto. 

The longest members of the Harrington SES include Wayne Hall (10 years) and Trevor Holder (eight years).

Members range from the age of 16, up to their nineties – with their oldest member retiring last year at 95. 

The unit started due to Harrington’s rapid population growth combined with its potential to be isolated in a large flood. 

In 2006 a recruitment day was held and the unit started with 10 foundation members and controller Karen Ralley. 

Jo said the unit opened “to a baptism of fire” with widespread bush fires in the Harrington area. 

In its 10 years the unit have rescued people and animals as well as responding to building collapses, flood evacuations, tree damage and other situations. To join call 6556 0274.