Woden Unit was called out everyday for SWD jobs between Friday 12 February and Monday 15 February.

In total 453 jobs were received, with Sunday 14th receiving the most jobs (about 300). Woden had two teams out throughout Sunday.

Woden was also involved in logistical support and IMT functions.

Some of the jobs may of been prevented if maintenance or clearing was undertaken by the homeowner.

There was a lot of new faces on call outs over the last four days, and some valuable lessons and further experience was received by many. The teams worked well together and a big thank you was passed down by the big boss.

Well done to all.

Adrian Manning

Woden SES had a call to take over from the Urbans, for a tree damage job in Chifley. Jab, Stef and Mel responded, and we were on scene at just after 22:15.

The tree, was a rather large old tree, that had split a limb about 7m off the ground. The limb was still attached at the point it use to be about 50cm in diameter, though most of the heavy weight was supported on the ground.

The urbans had cleared off about half the low stuff and ground level before we arrived, which enabled us to do a thorough safety assessment (using the ne form) and action plan.

The team worked quickly establishing the scene, and then jab worked well with the saws, removing additional weight, and gently bringin the limb to a point where it was fully detached, but still supported in the tree. A quick tug uding the vehicle winch, and the rest of the tree hit the deck.

All up, a very well completed job. Thanks guys and gal.

On the 30, 31 October and 1 November Woden members were involved in a Search and Rescue exercise - called SAREX.

The exercise was based near Orral Valley Camping ground and involved about 42 SES people, of which 7 were from Woden.

The exercise started early on Saturday morning with a briefing out on site at 0800 (after breakfast was served). There was four teams created, two moderate and two arduous. Cameron was in charge of one arduous team and myself the other.

We were given the task of looking for missing people (up to four) and also evidence along the way. Much of the day for the arduous teams was involved climbing up a very steep hill, covered in dense vegetation and large boulders. This was very hard given that we were also carrying our packs (weighting about 20kg each).

By 1400 Arduous team two had found two missing people and were taking them back down the hill for vehicle transport. Just before making the vehicle track the rain came, as did the lightning and thunder!

Eventually all teams made the designated night camp site and after dinner we all had a early night.

The Sunday saw the two arduous teams working closely side by side and eventually link up together. A grid point was given to us and when we made ourselves there another point was given - this point was where the missing people was expected to be. Just before arriving however another grid figure reference was given, meaning that we had to change track again. About 1230 contact was made with the two missing people and we then linked up with the two moderate teams to head back to a pick up point.

Some lessons were learnt in search and rescue, being prepared and pack issues. Overall it was a great, fun and good exercise... it was good to get home and change / have a shower.

Well done to all involved.

Adrian Manning

Woden Unit was called into action on 5 February to assist in Storm and flood damage call outs.

Gordon was called into the IMT and Woden 60 stood up a team of five. Later a team of two in Woden 61 was also called up for logistical support.

Woden 60 attending five jobs, with one job involving both Woden and Rivers to lay just over 150 stand bags at the back of Fisken Cct in Kambah to prevent further water damage resulting from a natural earth water course being inundated with storm water.

The crews were called up from 3pm and stood down around 9pm. A total of 17 jobs were received across ACT.

Thanks to all those that helped out, looks like a bit more rain is forcasted over the next few days.

Adrian Manning

Hi all,

Just want to express my great thanks to all those involved in the GR assessment on Saturday, it was a big success.

For the participants (Joe, Mex, Sue, Ben, Ben, Brett, Peter, Laura, Cathy, Dennis, James, Steph) who put in a lot of hard work in training over the last few months - well done. I'm sure you will go on to bigger and better things.

For the helpers (Jabba, Mel, Stefan, Dion, Norm) on the day who worked behind the scenes getting the stands set up and packed up - thanks, this cut down on the work that others would of had to do and sped up the day.

To the assessors (John Dowling, Alex, Gordon and myself) who took the time to assess and fill out all the paperwork - thank you.

And lastly to all those who helped with the training throughout the last few months (Jan, Stefan, Cameron, Alex, Gordon, just to name a few), thanks.

I have some photos from Saturday that I'll try to get onto CD if anyone is interested.

Adrian Manning