SES interns pass with flying colours

NOVEMBER was a busy month for the Camden Haven State Emergency Service (SES), with key management appointments, community outings and the finalisation of an intern program.

The unit’s leadership moving forward has been confirmed, with SES stalwart Caz Dobson appointed Area Commander for the next two years and Darren Mearrick appointed Deputy Commander for the same period.

On Saturday, 6 November a function was held to congratulate eight local students who graduated from their SES youth internship course.

A proud Sally Baker, Deputy Principal of Camden Haven High School, was in attendance to see the students receive their awards.

The internship is unique to the Camden Haven Unit and includes a four-day, one night course.

Training topics included safety processes, introduction to community involvement, problem solving, emergency activities, bandaging techniques, leadership and more.

The course included visits to Hannam Vale Public School and the Camden Haven Marine Rescue facility.

The graduating interns were Austin (year 7), Grace (year 8), Katie, Jacob, Clifford, Brett, Joshua and Kyle (year 10).

Participating students described the program as informative, an “absolute delight” and said it offered a “great ratio between fun and education”.

Deputy Unit Commander Darren Mearrick told News Of The Area, “This is a very important program to give young interns the opportunity to be involved with our local SES unit and its operations.

“In turn, they give feedback to their parents and other school friends who may be interested.”

The course will be held again in November 2026.

Also in November, Camden Haven SES members were the invited guests of the North Haven Baptist Church for a function at the School of Arts.

Members were treated to a barbecue lunch and music from the church choir.

The North Haven Baptist Church are ongoing supporters of the SES, with a donation last year towards a new barbecue.

By Bill HARROW