“SES volunteers work hard for the community and employers can help their efforts by giving them time off when there are call outs,” Graeme said.

“We understand they can’t always do that but we do urge them to think about it,” he said.

Since Graeme became the local co-ordinator almost 12 months ago, the Goondiwindi SES has undergone a startling transformation.

On the verge of disbandment, it now has more than 30 members, and numbers ocntinue to grow. “There’s been wonderful community support and there’s been a top response from volunteers,” he said.

Apart from assisting at accident scenes, the SES has seen duty at a number of fires throughout the district and has been called out to help locate a man who was reported lost.

“Over the past 12 months the SES has proved how invaluable it can be,” Graeme said.

Which is why he thanked his own employer, the Goondiwindi RSL Club recently.

“The Club has been very good to me and given me time off when I needed it.

“We thank all employers who do the same,” he said.

The RSL has undergone something of a transformation of its own over the past few months.

It is now run by the Queensland RSL.

It has two new managers, Vicki Sangster (Operations) and Lester Hopkins (Administration/Marketing).

“We ’re excited about being here and if you haven’t been to the club for a while drop in and we’ll welcome you with a smile,” Lester said.

Other changes coming to the RSL include a Kids’ Room which will be in operation by the end of the month.