Dai Le (Fowler, Independent) Share this | Hansard source

I rise today to pay tribute to the families and communities who've had their lives devastated by recent floods in Queensland and fires in Victoria. When natural disasters hit, there's very little any of us can do to control what happens. For the families affected, I know that words we speak in this House can't offer assurances that life will simply return to normal. These events leave a lasting impact. Many people are still standing in what's left of their homes, looking over their paddocks, where livestock has been lost, or wondering what the next step looks like. For those who've lost loved ones, no words can ease the pain. We can't take away your grief, but we can—and we must—make sure your loss is met with real care, real support and a genuine commitment to recovery.

This motion rightly acknowledges the extraordinary contribution of our emergency services personnel, as we've heard already from many members in the House tonight. I want to shine a light on my local SES unit in Fowler, where there are more than 90 active volunteers. They are our neighbours who have given up family time in the middle of the night or stepped away from their workplaces and put their own lives on hold and at risk to help others when it matters most. Under the leadership of Inspector Darren Eurlings, the Fairfield SES unit had an extraordinary year. Their work shows exactly why this motion matters.

In March last year, Fairfield SES volunteers were on the ground in Tweed Heads during Tropical Cyclone Alfred, carrying out flood rescues and damage assessments. In April and May, they moved from riverine flooding in Wanaaring to storm-hit communities across the Hunter region and Taree. In August, they were again deployed to northern New South Wales—Gunnedah, Narrabri and Wee Waa—ready for in-water rescues. Closer to home, they responded to more than 340 incidents across the Fairfield local government area. These weren't minor callouts. Many were urgent situations where lives were on the line. I remember constituents reaching out to me during one of the major storms when a huge tree had uprooted and they didn't know what to do. So I called our local SES, who quickly turned up to remove the tree safely, making sure the family was out of danger.

What really defines Fairfield SES, though, isn't just the scale of what they do; it's the length of service and commitment of the people who make it work. Nathan Lin, a local high schoolteacher, joined the unit back in June 2003 and has given more than 22 years of continuous service. David Ton first joined in August 1999, served for 15 years, stepped away to raise his young family and then returned seven years ago. Altogether, he's given more than 21 years of service. Jenny To joined in February 2008 and now serves as a trainer and assessor. For 18 years, she's helped prepare others for the front line. She's joined by Frank Seraglio, also with 18 years of continuous service, and Ross Weller, who joined in March 2010 and has given more than 15 years of steady, reliable service.

Together, these volunteers represent decades of experience, local knowledge and quiet leadership. They are the backbone of Fairfield SES—passing skills on, setting standards and showing what service really looks like. The Fairfield SES is also a model for the nation when it comes to diversity. In one of the most multicultural areas in the country, communication can be lifesaving. Between them, volunteers speak more than 10 languages, helping people feel understood and supported in moments of real fear.

We can't stop the rain from falling or the fires from starting, but we can make sure that, when disaster strikes, no Australian is left to face it alone. The Fairfield SES unit represents the very best of our country—resilience, service and compassion in action. I join the member for Bendigo in thanking every first responder who has worked through this difficult summer, and I especially commend the men and women of the Fairfield SES for everything they do for our community and our nation. I commend the motion to the House.

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