News

The NSW State Emergency Service (SES) is inspiring women to learn new skills and be prepared for storms and floods through hands-on workshops.  

About 40 community members participated in the weekend’s “Women Helping Women” workshop at the NSW SES Warringah-Pittwater Unit, learning practical skills to help them prepare their homes and properties for emergencies.  

The workshops were founded by members of the Warringah-Pittwater unit after a storm swept through the local community, highlighting the need for women to be equipped with the skills to respond to floods and storms.  

NSW SES Acting Commissioner Deb Platz APM said the workshops were a fantastic initiative for NSW SES volunteers to upskill other female members of the community with the knowledge needed to respond to emergencies. 

"We’re committed to empowering women with the tools and knowledge to safeguard their homes and communities in times of crisis,” Acting Commissioner Platz said. 

“The practical skills taught, such as safely using a ladder, building a sandbag wall, and understanding the dangers of floodwaters, are crucial for ensuring an effective response in times of emergencies. 

“During emergencies every second counts, and it’s workshops like these that help people get prepared and know how to act during a crisis, meaning women can confidently take charge of emergency responses at home.”  

Parliamentary Secretary for Emergency Services, Charishma Kaliyanda MP said the workshops were not only about sharing practical skills, but about women supporting each other.   

“If women can learn the skills to be able to complete tasks like sandbagging a doorway or carry out minor repairs on a broken window, it enables our NSW SES volunteer to continue to focus on priority jobs that are life-threatening,” Ms Kaliyanda said.

“That’s why workshops like this are so important – to ensure women continue to take on these roles and learn practical emergency response skills into the future.”