14 February 2011

Strathfield SES has welcomed back Local Controller Darrin Parkin from Queensland after assisting with the cleanup following Tropical Cyclone Yasi.

Parkin departed Sydney on February 4 with Taskforce Delta, a team of 108 volunteers from NSW, to provide assistance and general storm damage duties in communities affected by Tropical Cyclone Yasi.

Acting as Logistics Officer for the entire disaster cleanup, Parkin was able to see first-hand the devastation that the cyclone had left.

“We were based at Cairns before moving into the disaster areas Tully and Cardwell where residual storms were a constant concern,” he said.

“The devastation from Tropical Cyclone Yasi was the worst that I have seen in my 15 years with the SES.”

As Logistics Officer for the cleanup operation, Parkin controlled the acquisition, supply and resupply of equipment to teams in the field, maintenance of first-aid supplies, coordination of catering requirements for personnel, as well as providing input into the overall Operational Action Plan.

Mayor of Strathfield, Tony Maroun paid tribute to Strathfield SES Controller for his contribution to the natural disaster.

“It has been a testing few months for Queenslanders and all those in the emergency services and I am proud that Strathfield have been able to make a contribution to the communities devastated by recent events.

“The spirit of volunteering in the SES is evident in the speed of the response to form Taskforce Delta and I commend Mr Parkin for his involvement in the recovery efforts,” Cr Maroun said.

Other volunteers with Strathfield SES were kept busy during Parkin’s absence, dealing with storm damage following Sydney’s heatwave; including fallen trees and damaged skylights in the Strathfield area.