This Thursdays training will consist of a large Nav exercise. Pls turn up at the shed at 1830 (earlier if possible), with full PPE.

If there are any questions, troubles pls contact myself, your team leader or Gordon/Phil.

Cheers

On Monday 1 November Jerra ses unit consisting of Neil Ross, Rob Hammon, Blair, Gordon Sears and Alex Boland were depolyed to assist in roof damge caused by large falling tree branches crashing down onto old shed in the Duntroon area.

Win news and Colin Malone (Training Coordinater) were also present.

After consultation with members Stage 1 was put in place. After a recconiassance (Reccy) for live power etc Neil Ross(Duty Team Leader) and Alex Boland put a plan into action. Jason Blair climbed onto roof supported by a rope for safety. Jabba then proceeded to tie a knot around one of the falling branches. Once Jabba was down, rest of team pulled on rope to bring tree branch off roof.

Stage 2 was now being established. Gordon Sears, Rob Hammon and Jason Blair constructed a one on one holdfast anchor system to support a belay. Alex Boland climbed onto roof supported by Belay system and moved into position to cut tree/branch in half with chainsaw. Once tree was cut with a little help of a bow saw, ropes wre tied around end of branches so ground crew with direction form Neil could pull branches off roof.

All though may sound relatively simple it was a bit technical and each rope was tied and pulled strategically to avoid them coming down on nearby sheds. Not to mention the pouring rain in their faces.

Overall another success for Jerra ses.

On the Tuesday 2/11/2004 (one day after our call out to Duntroon) we were once again stood up as some serious storm fronts approached Canberra from the West. The B.O.M. site radar loop was showing "Pink" approaching Canberra (Pink--Not Good!!).
I had a call from Alex and Gordon requesting that we get a team stood up at the shed. I left work and was trying to combine answering calls from everyone (including Foxtrot4) and squinting through the windscreen to see where I was going. Eventually got to the Jerra Shed. Adrian had already got 60 out with trailer hitched. (Thanks mate) With team established (inc Tim, Jay R, Chezza, Adrian, Gordo Jr and Myself). Jabba (callsign Jerra #63?) was to me us at first job and Alex was standing by.
We called in to Comcen and left for the first callout at the height of the downpour (we even had to sandbag the front Jerra shed prior to leaving as water was pouring through the door). The whole crew was fairly soaked before we even got to Hindmarsh Drv!!

We unfortunately passed Tamrar on our exit from the shed. She caught up with us at the first job.

As expected, by the time we got to the first job Water (Flooding at Curtain), the water was subsiding. There was not much to do but console the owner. Next task was at Mawson which was minor and all over by the time we arrived. Re tasked to Evatt possible tree/wires down. After the lengthy trip across town, the job was a bough of a tree down on the wire. Actew were there and we assisted in this job. Note: On leaving Mawson we did note that Comcen called another brigade to the same street we were just at. I have raised this frustration to Gordon and Bill. (as im sure other units do).
Last job was back to Garran. Unfortunately, we had nothing too complex to fix/repair/climb/cut/tarp/pump, and it seemed to be over as quick as it started.

I was informed that we were the first SES Unit on the road.

A big thanks to all who nominated their time on such a beautiful day.

Neil TL #52

The new Jerra SES Website has just been launched. Building from the previous image gallery, this new look webiste has an improved photo gallery, as well as the ability to post news articles (such as this one), a calendar that can be used to track all upcoming events, a links section, and a discussion forum.

Over the next few days Anthony aims to create user accounts for all members of the Jerra SES Unit, so everyone can participate. He will also be willing to run a demonstration of the website for all members.