Independent Member for Alfred Cove Dr Janet Woollard made a special visit to the Melville State Emergency Service (SES) Unit yesterday to better understand their work in responding to emergencies within the Electorate.

Dr Woollard was accompanied by City of Melville Councillor June Barton who is the Chair of the Melville Emergency Management Committee.

“I am very impressed with the work that the Melville SES Unit does for the community,” said Dr Woollard.

“The SES unpaid volunteers provide valuable and lifesaving assistance during storms, cyclones and floods.”

Dr Woollard said the dedication of these volunteers was well demonstrated during the winter storm of 2005 which devastated areas of Bicton, Palmyra, Melville and Applecross, and more recent storms last year. They worked tirelessly to deal with damaged roofs and ceilings, removing trees and flooding.

Cr Barton, who has been involved with the Emergency Management Committee for 6 years including 2 years chairing the Committee said, “The community can have peace of mind knowing there is a group of well-trained and committed volunteers who are ready to rapidly respond when required.

“The Unit’s well-equipped purpose-built operations centre at the Melville Depot along Murdoch Drive enables it to be operational within 10 minutes of an emergency call.”

Dr Woollard said the SES Melville Unit was established in 1976 and has provided an average of 620 hours of emergency assistance over the last 3 years to residents in the City of Melville and the Town of East Fremantle.

“The Unit also lends their support at community events such as providing first aid, assisting City of Melville staff with traffic control and general public assistance,” said Dr Woollard.

“I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to the men and women of the Melville SES Unit for their immeasurable contributions to the Alfred Cove community.”