In a first for the NSW SES, the Charter will be signed today in conjunction with the NSW SES Volunteer Association (NSW SESVA) and the NSW Government. The Charter has been implemented to reinforce the commitment and responsibility of volunteers, and the support they have from the NSW SES, NSW SESVA and State Government.

Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Stuart Ayres, said the Charter reflects the outstanding contribution NSW SES volunteers make to their communities.

“These men and women spend time away from their families, friends and workplaces to compassionately and professionally help out in times of need. The service our NSW SES volunteers provide to the people of NSW is priceless and this Charter is a significant recognition of that.

“As Minister for Police and Emergency Services I’m extremely honoured to support these remarkable volunteers by signing this Charter. The NSW Government is committed to looking after our men and women of the NSW SES,” Minister Ayres said.

NSW SES Commissioner, Adam Dent, said the Charter will ensure volunteers’ professionalism, dedication and skill will be recognised and maintained.”It is rather fitting, that in our 60th year in operation, we have endorsed this Charter for our volunteers who devote their time and experience to protect life and property through prevention, preparedness, response and recovery activities.”

From the core roles of managing floods and storms to performing rescue operations and supporting other emergency services, the volunteers are committed to creating safer communities across NSW,” Commissioner Dent said.

NSW SESVA Chairman, Charlie Moir, also welcomed the new Volunteer Charter.”The Charter embraces both organisations commitment to work closely together to represent the interests of our members, as well as empowering all volunteers to define their expectations from the volunteer experience. This Charter opens communication channels and provides an exciting corner stone for the future of our Service.”