Meet Your Local S.E.S

Ian Cameron SES Senior Field Officer 2 Stripes

After a long career in teaching, one Hinchinbrook local made good on a retirement promise - to give back to his community by joining the State Emergency Service. Since 2013, he has become a familiar and reliable face in Ingham’s SES unit.

“I had always intended to join the SES, but in hindsight, I wish I’d joined before I retired,” Ian said. “I would’ve loved to have done more of the activities. But even now, I get so much out of it, I stuck to my plan."

Ian's time with the SES has seen him take part in countless local operations, flood response efforts, and even a major deployment to Proserpine after Cyclone Debbie. He recalls the long hours, chainsawing all day, cutting and hauling heavy debris. But it’s not just the big disasters that stick in his mind, it's the human connections.

“The things that stay with me most are the search and rescue jobs. Especially the recoveries, when we’ve been able to give closure to families. It’s incredibly meaningful work.”

From welfare checks in chest-deep floodwater to assisting police, he’s seen the full scope of what SES volunteers do. He’s also trained in first aid, search and rescue, chainsaw operations, and even holds a drone licence and an aeronautical radio certificate.

“There’s a lot people don’t see,” he said. “We’re traffic control at events, we help people lift belongings before floods, and we support other agencies. We’re part of the community, not just there for disasters.”

This spirit of community is what drives the SES. And now, they’re calling for more recruits.

On Thursday, 7th August, Ingham SES will host a Sign-On and Information Night at their HQ on Menzies Street. Locals of all ages, backgrounds, and fitness levels are encouraged to attend and find out how they can get involved.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for people in our community to give back and be part of something bigger,” said Dan Cordner, SES Local Controller.

During this year’s floods, SES received more than 800 requests for assistance. Local volunteers were bolstered by over 100 state and country-wide SES members giving their time to help our community