Eileen Ryan

82

Liverpool Unit

I was 76 years old when I joined and my advice to anyone considering joining is, Don't Hesitate! It is a wonderful environment and age is no barrier.

Tell us a bit about yourself and your role within NSW SES?

I dragonboat socially, but I used to be an avid scuba diver. I have been a Field Team Member at Liverpool SES for 18 months trained in both field and IMT.

 

Why did you join NSW SES?

I joined the SES thinking I would be making sandwiches and cups of teas – a bit of a rude awakening but I love every minute of it and have no regrets. I just can’t get enough of SES: I eat, breathe and sleep it!

 

What is your favourite part about being a member of the NSW State Emergency Service?

I have learned skills that I thought beyond my reach, skills that give me the ability to think out a solution and act on it. But mostly to work along with some awesome young dedicated people and that every day I learn a little bit more – I feel privileged to be with them.

 

What are the various skills you have learnt along the way?

I have learnt how to set up a Height Safety Kit (HSK) and get a team member on and off the roof safely.

 

What advice would you give to others that are thinking to join?

I was 76 years old when I joined and my advice to anyone considering joining is, Don't Hesitate! It is a wonderful environment and age is no barrier – if this old woman can drag trees off the roads and go to roof jobs and love it, so can you. Every day not with SES is a day you are losing.

Dorrigo Showground
Dorrigo Show
Dorrigo Show Friday 22/11/2024 06:00 AM to 23/11/2024 10:00 PM
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