STATE EMERGENCY SERVICE WEEK

Mr PICCOLO (Light) (14:37): My question is to the Minister for Emergency Services. Can the minister inform the house about what activities have been planned in the lead-up to SES Week?

The Hon. J.M. RANKINE (Wright—Minister for Police, Minister for Correctional Services, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Road Safety, Minister for Multicultural Affairs) (14:37): I thank the member for Light for his question and acknowledge his ongoing advocacy on behalf of our emergency service volunteers. This week, from 10 to 18 November, the nation is celebrating State Emergency Service Week. This is a national celebration to honour and highlight the dedication and commitment of thousands of men and women across our nation who selflessly volunteer their time with their State Emergency Service. Only yesterday, I was reminded of just how invaluable their services are to our community through the support they gave at the running and staging area and base camp for around 110 firefighters camped at Port Lincoln. They were also active in traffic control and logistical support. This ensured that in such challenging circumstances operations ran as smoothly as they possibly could.

In the lead-up to this week's celebrations, I had the pleasure of opening the new Campbelltown brigade station. This $815,000 complex will be invaluable for the unit's 22 active members, who attend up to 380 calls on average each year. Campbelltown is one of two new facilities opened this year, the other being in Tumby Bay. Madam Speaker, you will be pleased to hear, I am sure, that plans are being finalised with architects for the new facilities at Whyalla, which I am told will be up and running by the end of next year.

Since we came to office, we have rebuilt or upgraded 21 of the 67 SES stations in our state, and there is more to come. On 2 November, I was joined by the member for Taylor to celebrate the Edinburgh unit's 50^th anniversary. This unit was originally a civil defence unit located in Salisbury with the priority of training members to handle the potential aftermath of an atomic bomb. Like many other members today, I am wearing orange as part of Wear Orange to Work Day. It is great that so many have taken this opportunity to show their support for the state's 1,600 SES volunteers.

In typical style, this week SES members have been out in force donating blood as part of their celebrations and, whilst we take the opportunity to recognise and celebrate the contribution of SES volunteers, this week is also about encouraging more people to join up. It is a great way to make new friends, learn new skills and give something back to your community. Young people from the age of 13 can join as cadets and from 18 years for general membership. Those who do not wish to participate in rescue activities or are concerned regarding their physical fitness but still want to get involved are encouraged to join as operational support members. As a community we are indebted to our volunteers, and this week is just a small way in which we can show our appreciation. I am sure all members will join with me in saying thank you on behalf of all South Australians.

Honourable members: Hear, hear!