A year of fire, floods, storm and community will be one the NSW SES Ulladulla Unit won't ever forget.
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The crew responded to nearly 600 requests for help, including flood rescues for the first time locally.
They worked alongside council to safely open the lake at Lake Conjola following the floods and operated for 67 days straight, including Christmas and New Year during the bushfires.
In reflecting on the year that was, Ulladulla SES members have shared their highs, lows and memories that will never leave them:
"The SES is my second home and family in Ulladulla. I have gained a lot of experience helping people in the community who are in need. I remember when on storm work at 8am, got home 9.30pm and I won't forget how my team was willing to help people even when we were cold from rain and wind. I've gained experience, family and courage."
- Marana Halaifornua
"Of all the incidents during 2020 storm, fire etc the gratitude of the people was phenomenal. Victims who lost so much care more about us than themselves - astonishing."
- Garry Smith
"I joined SES in late January. What hit me is the amount of training required to perform safely in the field. During the East Coast lows there were teams from all over come to help here. One job, a roof came off a factory which was fixed down and made weather proof and safe, it was eye opening."
- Ross Hay-Hendry
"I'm disabled, two limbs missing and feeling useless. The SES have valued my computer skills and I now feel accepted and not so much depressed."
- Greg Martin
"Fires 67 days straight. Overwhelming amount of work, long days, mass panic by public, community in shock, no power, no shops, life stopped. Then came the floods, one extreme to the other. They were followed by three more major storm events. What a year. Can't wait for 2021."
- John Mccloghry
"Friends and family fortified by fire and flood. Orange is a strong colour that we wear with pride."
- Leigh Ingold
The NSW SES Ulladulla Unit will gather at the Civic Centre on Wednesday, December 2 to reflect and be rewarded for their incredible work this year.
Sixty-seven SES members will be honoured with NSW Emergency Bushfire citations.
Commissioner of Resilience NSW, Shane Fitzsimmons, joins the Premier as a signatory on the certificates of recognition.
"The NSW Bushfire Emergency Citation symbolises mateship, teamwork, volunteering and helping when times are tough," he said.
"They are a meaningful commemoration of a bushfire season we won't forget and a symbol of the state's gratitude."
Volunteer unit commander Tracy Provest said she's looking forward to celebrating her 'orange family'.