SES Volunteering

Are you the type of person who takes a hands on approach to emergencies?

Put your desire to get involved to good use, become a State Emergency Service (SES) volunteer.
With approximately 6,000 active members, the SES performs a diverse range of functions to respond to local, state and national disasters and emergencies.
By joining the SES you may respond to many different types of activations as a result of disasters and emergencies including:

  • Cyclones
  • Storms
  • Floods
  • Crime Scene/Forensics Search
  • Earthquakes
  • Cliff rescues
  • Transportation incidents (road/rail/air)
  • Landslides
  • Searches for missing persons

The SES is designed to empower people to help themselves and others in their communities in times of emergency and disaster.


Have you got what it takes?


The SES offers an opportunity to participate in and develop a variety of emergency and rescue skills, including chainsaw operations, flood boat operations, road crash rescue and land search.

Prerequisites

Enthusiastic, adventurous, and will to give back to your community
Willing and able to activate during disasters and emergencies
Applications may be required to possess a certain level of fitness appropriate to the role and the functions they well be preforming
Applications over the age of 18 must undergo a Criminal History Check
Current Blue Card Services

QFES will undertake a check on your criminal history if you are over the age of 18. Note that past offences will be considered on a case-by-case basis and may or may not affect the success of your application.
QFES takes the safety of children extremely seriously and having a workforce of blue card holders demonstrates to our communities that we will always strive to uphold our values and conduct ourselves at the highest standard possible.
All staff employed under the Fire and Emergency Services Act 1990 are required to hold a blue card.
You will need to provide evidence of either a current blue card in applying for this position.
*If you are a disqualified person or a negative notice holder, you are not eligible to apply for a blue card. Contact Blue Card Services on 1800 113 611 to discuss your eligibility options

Blue Card Services website
Who cannot apply for or hold a blue card?

The Selection Process

Contact your nearest SES Area Office
 Attend an information night and register your interest

If you are successful

New volunteers will be invited to attend induction training by their local SES group.
You will be provided with protective clothing and relevant equipment based on your role within the SES group.
Training and education is ongoing for SES volunteers, and over time you can expect to develop your skills in the following areas:

  • First aid
  • Map reading and navigation
  • How to operate a two-way radio
  • Basic rescue
  • Rescue from heights and depths
  • Road crash rescue
  • Flood boat rescue
  • Emergency operations management
  • Storm damage response
  • Land search techniques
  • Leadership and team-building
  • Instructional techniques (training others)

Next Steps

For more information on joining the SES and the type of assistance you can offer, contact your local area office.

Contact your local area office for more information about SES Volunteering.