The Burdekin Unit of the SES has appointed a new Local Controller to lead the Clare, Giru, Rita Island, Home Hill and Ayr units for the next three years.
Warren Francis took over the role at a presentation on Monday, November 28 as John Winn stepped down after a three-year term.
SES Regional Director Daryl Camp congratulated Mr Francis on his appointment.
“He has so much ability,” Mr Camp said.
“He brings a huge lifetime of skills and knowledge to the position and will now take this unit forward.”
Newly appointed SES Burdekin Unit Local Controller Warren Francis has been involved in the SES for five years, most recently serving as Deputy Local Controller, and brings over 37 years of police, marine rescue and emergency experience to the role.
“It’s very rewarding work, being able to help people in the community, in particular vulnerable people and people who can’t help themselves in sometimes serious situations,” he said.
“This is hard, dirty work and you generally get called out at the most inconvenient time, but it is rewarding.
“The vulnerable people in the town need it and supported by council, we achieve it.”
Mr Francis’ new role will involve collaborating with council and representing the SES in the Burdekin Local Disaster Management Group.
Burdekin Shire Council Manager for Client Services and Local Disaster Coordinator Eileen Devescovi said Mr Francis’ appointment provides security for the future and growth of the SES.
“John’s done a wonderful job and we can’t be grateful enough to have his commitment for the past few years, but having a change of guard brings a new aspect to the SES, some new ideas and a whole new era,” she said.
Mr Francis said his biggest focus in his new role will be recruitment and was happy to welcome two new members, Jordyn Brooker and Reed Wood, on Monday night.
“The more we can get these young fellas in and get them trained up into those specialised skills, the better,” he said.
“Our membership is the most important thing to us; without people, we’ve got nothing.
“We need to work on recruitment and we need to work on retention of the people we do get in.
“We’re trying to find non-traditional ways because recruiting volunteers is becoming much harder.”
To find out more about joining SES, email SESNR.Admin@qfes.qld.gov.au.
L-R SES Regional Director Daryl Camp, Burdekin Shire Council’s Eileen Devescovi, outgoing SES Burdekin Unit Local Controller John Winn and newly appointed Local Controller Warren Francis. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie
Mr Francis welcomed new members Jordyn Brooker and Reed Wood to the SES
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