This week’s national SES Week celebrations are a great chance to say thanks to the SES volunteers who help keep us safe and secure all year round, says Redland City Mayor Karen Williams.

“Our 220-strong Redland City SES unit has a proud history of selfless contribution by ordinary people doing extraordinary things with several this week celebrating 10 and 20 years’ service,” Cr Williams said.

“These highly trained Redland SES members have contributed to most of the state’s major disaster, rescue and clean-up operations in recent years.

“Their vital contributions to the Brisbane floods and storms, cyclone Yasi and even international air-sea rescue operations in the Solomons, have been well recognised and acknowledged.

“But almost every week, they are also contributing in less visible but important ways, whether removing a fallen tree from someone’s house, helping in road accidents or supporting community events.

“SES week is an ideal chance to let them know they are appreciated, by saying thanks to a volunteer you may know or by joining the nation ‘Wear orange to work’ celebrations on Wednesday, 14 November.

“You can also press the special ‘thank you’ button at Capalaba Park Shopping Centre or simply visit the Redland SES Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/REDLANDSES and leave them a personal thank you note.

“Our Redland SES volunteers have been acknowledged as the best in the Brisbane region for the past three years and were recognised as the best in Queensland in 2009.

“Their efforts have helped raise money for innovative bespoke emergency response vehicles and trailers and helped win Australian Government funding for an important Disaster Resilience Facility soon to be opened on North Stradbroke Island.

“Volunteers are the vital connecting thread that binds our Redlands community and we are very proud of them all.”

Mayor Williams and Councillors are a hosting a Volunteer Christmas Barbecue Lunch next month to thank volunteer organisations who worked tirelessly for the Redland community in 2012.