The group which drew praise from Local and State politicians after a savage storm cut through Goondiwindi and Boggabilla earlier in the year has been under a storm cloud of its own in recent months.

“It got to the stage where it almost disbanded,” long-serving member Wayne Jones said.

However new Controller Graeme De Britt is hoping to change all that.

He just needs a helping hand from district residents, men or women.

A month ago there were three members.

There are now five and Graeme has a number who are in the process of joining.

“At a minimum, we would like to have 10 to a dozen for when people go away on holidays or have to work,” he said.

There is also room for social members.

“The SES help out at the Goondiwindi B&S, the Hell of the West and many other community activities.

“You don’t have to be fully-trained to help at many of these,” Wayne said.

The SES’s major roll is to provide assitance during storm and floods.

But they help in many other ways as well including road accidents and searches.

It’s all about “community service”.

And not the “one you have to do,” according to new recruit Owen Jones.

“I want to give something back to the community,” he said.

“I saw the SES as a good way of doing that.”

Graeme said the importance of groups like the SES weren’t appreciated until they’re not there anymore. The SES was praised for its work during the New Year storm that savaged the area, however Goondiwindi only “got through” because of the assistance received from other SES groups from throughout the region, Wayne said.

“We need our own fully-operational well-manned group,” Graeme said.

It was a view backed up by Goondiwindi Regional Council Administration Manager Neil Kratzke.

“Council appreciates the effort of SES members and realise how important the service is that it provides.

“We are very keen for it to continue,” he said.

“For us to help you we need your help,” member Neil Andrews said.

Anyone interested in joining the SES should phone 0428 860 358.