Boggabri, located in the far south of the former Naomi (now Narrabri) Shire, is not known to have had a civil defence organisation during the 1950s and 1960s. As far as is known the current unit was founded in 1972, with Ron Palmer as the first local controller. Palmer had been involved in civil defence for many years before the unit came into being, probably in the Naomi Shire organisation operating from Narrabri.As has been the case with many other SES units, the Boggabri unit's story is one of a long and evolving struggle for appropriate headquarters facilities and storage space. In 1973 the unit received its first flood boat - a 15-foot (4.5 metres) aluminium vessel with a 40-horsepower motor, a trailer and ancillary equipment - but before the members could prepare it for a trial run they had to find the shire staff to let them in to the shed in which it was stored. The unit used the Country Women's Association hall as a base for several years, the council adding two rooms for SES use, and an old Scouts Hall (which was rented for $ 1 per year) was used for storage purposes. In 1988 the members moved their equipment to a shed in Bent St, and this was replaced with a new building on the same site during the early 1990s. It has been the headquarters ever since. The unit's stock of vehicles and equipment has grown steadily over the years. There was a second flood boat in 1976, donated by the Rotary Club, a dual-axle trailer in 1978, a former ambulance donated by the Lions Club in 1980, a Ford F350 truck in 1990 and a caravan in 1992. Geoff Eather became theUnit Controller in 1985. Succeeding Palmer, and he has held the position eversince. Probably the major builder of the unit in its formative years was Norm Patterson. Boggabri SES volunteers have dealt with several serious floods on the Naomi River and Women are required both for administration and the operational side of rescue. This is not only necessary in times of flood but in any type of emergency". Of these there have been several in the years since: the unit is accredited for road crash rescue, manages storm damage tasks and helps other emergency service agencies whenever necessary. Over the years there have been many searches with the police, support given to the Rural Fire Service and much assistance to the Ambulance Service with patient carriage (including driving ambulances). The Boggabri SES has about 12 active members who play their part not only in emergencies but also in community events. They help out with first aid at camp drafts and shearing fundraisers which are staged for charities. They have also responded to emergencies a long way from home, having participated in big hailstorm operations in Sydney , Casino (twice) and Kings Cliff in recent times.

Thursday March 25, 2010