A joint project between the State Government and Shoalhaven City Council with support from the Federal Government has seen the 10-bay storage facility built at the West Nowra Emergency Services Hub.

Two long-serving SES officials were also honoured during the function with Local Controller Ian Borrowdale presented with life membership of the SES and a 25-year long service award, while Nowra Unit controller Mark Kielly was presented with a 10-year long service medal.

Amidst a sea of orange from SES volunteers, Shoalhaven Mayor Joanna Gash welcomed the special guests including NSW SES Acting Deputy Commissioner Mark Morrow saying it was a special day to officially open the new facilities.

“The original Emergency Management Centre was opened in 2003 through funding by Shoalhaven City Council and a special rate levy,” she said.

“SES volunteers play a vital role in our community, especially at the worst of times - floods, fires, wind and storms,” she said.

“They do it 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

“In last August’s floods alone the SES received 500 requests for help across the Shoalhaven’s three units and as usual they responded magnificently.

“This facility will allow for better storage of their equipment.

“It is great to see the various levels of government work together to provide facilities for the community. It is a great outcome.

“It’s also great to see a local company like Real Aussie Sheds, who undertook the first tender to supply garage area for the SES in 2003, back again completing this work.”

South Coast MP Shelley Hancock was excited to see the project complete, albeit needing some extra funding to complete the fit out.

“It was not long ago Mayor Jo Gash and I turned the first sod for this project and here we are opening it,” she said.

“It was great to be able to expand the facilities, starting with just three bays, now up to 10 bays.

“I remember when the SES had facilities in a tiny shed at the Flinders Industrial Estate. Now we have this and three units across the region.

“The organisation has now grown to more than 150 volunteers, which is a fantastic commitment by everyone involved.

“This allows the SES to service and protect the Shoalhaven community in the best way it can.”

She also paid credit to Local Controller Ian Borrowdale for his ongoing service.

“You have done so much in the community, you deserve every accolade that comes your way,” she said.

The complex will be used to store machinery, vehicles and various emergency response materials and equipment.

Mr Borrowdale thanked all three levels of government involved in the project and said a lot of lobbying and hard work had ensured the shed could be built in its entirety.

“This puts the SES in a great position for the future,” he said.

NSW SES Acting Deputy Commissioner Mark Morrow said one of the best parts of his job was being able to open new facilities.

“It is much harder in today’s environment to produce facilities,” he said.

“We have to make the dollars stretch as far as they can.

“This is a superb facility for the local community and best of all it has all been volunteer driven.”