Time filler spans two decades

What started as a way for a teenager to fill in time has turned into two decades of service as a State Emergency Services volunteer.

For more than 20 years, Coniston’s Grant McClory has been braving the elements and rescuing those in peril – taking part in large scale disasters such as the Thredbo landslide and the Hunter region floods.

He also saved a friend’s life in one incident after he became trapped on a waterfall – something he said he would not have been able to do efficiently without the benefit of his SES training.

Mr McClory, a carpenter by trade, was recently presented with his 20-year pin at a special service honouring more than 40 Illawarra and South Coast SES volunteers.

He said he appreciated the recognition, but felt as though the work was largely its own reward.

“I’ve never really been a big fan of awards or medals,” said the 42-year-old father-of-two.

“You do what you do because you like it – and a lot of the recognition is just for doing your job.

“But it’s still nice to get recognition from peers and the community.”

When Mr McClory was just 18 he first volunteered for the SES alongside a mate – after seeing one of the organisation’s display booths at a truck show.

As a keen sportsman with activities on most other days, he had also been looking for something to do on Monday nights.

Mr McClory said he had stayed with the organisation because of the ‘great bunch of people’ who were involved as volunteers.

He also said that volunteering for the SES gave him plenty of opportunities to get out and do things that he would not normally do.

Mr McClory told the Wollongong and Northern Leader that his 20 year pin will now take pride of place in his lounge room’s display cabinet.

For more information on becoming an SES volunteer call 4227 1200.