THEY don’t get paid, but SES volunteers spent more than 3000 hours, day and night, rescuing and helping people during the worst floods in almost 50 years.
Dressed in bright orange, they became a beacon of hope for those who’d called for help.
During the floods, they filled 656 shifts and attended to more than 1000 call-outs.
Climbing flood water didn’t deter them as they helped people from their homes, animals from danger, and protected belongings as best they could.
They provided about 12,000 sand bags to those in need.
“All of our 160 members are exhausted and they just kept going to make sure they reached everyone in need,” SES controller Jim Ferguson said.
Every day of rain since has contributed to further anxiety from a community which had endured so much.
There have been many donations throughout the state, but one was considered special, $10,000 donated from the Buddha’s Light International Association of Queensland (BLIAQ) Loving Care Group.
Money was raised from the fundraising efforts of more than 80 children from the group’s scouts.
The temple also hosted a morning tea to thank those involved in the flood recovery, including Queensland Fire and Emergency Services.
“We want to spread out the good things, our Buddhism expands wide and we want to offer gratitude to all of the people supporting the flood recovery,” Abbess Manwang from Chung Tian temple in Priestdale, said.
“People have experienced difficult times. This donation to the SES will help them and is a token of our appreciation.”
Of SES efforts, mayor Darren Power said: “They don’t get paid a cent and dedicate their time to helping others without any complaints. They provided an amazing service in a very difficult time right across the city.
“I can’t speak highly enough of our SES and Logan can’t do without them. This donation from the Temple’s Loving Care Group goes to show just how caring our community is.”
Mr Ferguson said the donation would greatly assist the SES to help bolster capacity.
“This generous donation from the temple will assist with our recruiting so we can increase our membership,” he said.
“We also want to acknowledge and say thank you to our volunteers by handing out some awards to honour their commitment.”
