IF you have been searching for a better way to balance your time, Matt Hare could be a good guy to speak to.
When he is not running two separate IT and web development companies, the Palmyra resident volunteers as operations manger for the State Emergency Service’s (SES) Communications Support Unit (CSU).
In the role, he ensures technology is up to date, analyses data and images and makes sure there is a balance of SES volunteers available around the clock to respond to any incident in WA.
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READ NOW“A recent job I’ve worked on included a search … for a missing person in the Walyunga National Park,” he said.
“We set up communications field equipment to facilitate radio traffic within the area between base and the search teams and we also set up our communications support vehicle which is equipped with a roof mounted satellite.
“That provided us with data to facilitate mapping, situation reporting and phone capabilities due to the lack of any 3G-4G coverage within the area we were working.”
He said it was a rewarding role.
“Being able to solve real world communication challenges that make a real difference, that can sometimes be between life and death or serious injury, for other volunteers around the state that I live in (is very valuable),” he said.
Mr Hare is one of 2000 volunteers who give up their time to respond to storms, cyclones, floods and search and rescue missions.
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services, based in Cockburn Central, has called on the community to join in Wear Orange Wednesday (WOW Day) tomorrow to support them
Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Wayne Gregson said wearing a splash of orange was a simple way to show support for SES volunteers.
“They respond to incidents at all hours of the day and night, sometimes missing important family occasions in order to provide assistance,” he said.
“SES volunteers also commit to many hours of training, maintaining their skills and ensuring they are as prepared as possible for when an emergency occurs.
“I encourage everyone to wear something orange, hold a morning or afternoon tea or simply take a minute to show your appreciation for our SES volunteers.”
For information visit www.wearorangewednesday.com.au/wa.