GREATER Taree SES controller, Garry Fajks, has decided not to apply for the role of the MidCoast SES controller.
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Prior to the council merger and creation of MidCoast Council, the three local government areas and SES units of Greater Taree (Harrington, Taree and Wingham), Great Lakes (Forster, Pacific Palms, Stroud and Nabiac) and Gloucester were overseen by three local controllers.
Now the MidCoast region will have one controller.
“It’s time for a change,” said Garry, who is not resigning from the SES. Garry is keen to continue his other roles, including being the region cadet co-ordinator and State headquarters trainer.
He also serves on the Tsunami Operations Capability Development Group where he is currently assisting in preparing and planning the SES response to the threat of a tsunami. Garry sees his involvement in this project as potentially one that could save or influence thousand of lives.
Garry has a long and impressive 23 year history with the SES. From Lord Howe in the east to Broken Hill the west, Lightning Ridge in the north to Dubbo and Wagga Wagga in the south – Garry has forgotten how many places he has been deployed to his years of service. In fact he looks forward to more.
“The people who make the service are exceptional both in their commitment and enthusiam and the people you help along the way make it all worthwhile,” Garry added.
He served as the unit controller of the Camden Haven unit for 15 years before being transferred to Taree in 2010 to oversee Harrington, Taree and Wingham.
He has many achievements over his time including the creation of the first Camden Haven flood plan and assisting in upgrades the Greater Taree flood plan.
SES community engagement officer Stephen Lawrence thanked Garry for his long service and dedication.
“Thank you to Garry and fellow controllers - Gloucester’s Bruce Sun and Great Lakes’ Ben Matters,” Stephen said.
“As volunteers they sacrifice so much of their work, leisure and family time to contribute to the service.”
The position of the MidCoast controller was recently advertised. Applications have closed and will be reviewed shortly. Stephen said having one controller for the MidCoast region will improve communication and decision making in emergency situations.
Storm watch
THE SES is still on alert for flash flooding this weekend. SES community engagement officer Stephen Lawrence said the recent efforts from the SES during the storms was outstanding. There were 19 incidents in Wingham, 63 in Taree and six in Harrington. Stephen said: “The completion rate for complex jobs has been excellent”.
The SES is always looking for volunteers.