A new chapter has opened at the Strathalbyn State Emergency Service (SES), bringing with it a fresh-faced leadership team dedicated to serving the community and recruiting new volunteers for the incoming station over the next three years.
The leadership team, comprised of Craig Kaesler as Deputy Unit Manager, Jonny Quinn as Operations Response Manager, Jane Chadwick as Business Manager, and Michael Fix as Training Officer, will be led by new Unit Manager Dani Sherriff.
Ms Sherriff has been involved with the Strathalbyn service for almost five years, and told The Southern Argus it was a “huge privilege” to serve the community.
She looked forward to not only moving into the new SES building, but leading the Strathalbyn team.
“I classify myself as a very open and honest leader,” Ms Sherriff said.
“Volunteers are so important and we’ve got to try and retain (them).
“I think being approachable and a good listener comes into play with leadership, and being a female leader, it might be a bit of a different approach.”
Ms Sherriff takes over from outgoing Unit Manager and long-serving Strathalbyn SES member Andrew Kerslake, who held the role for six years.
Leading the station had its ups and downs, but overall, Mr Kerslake said it was a “good experience”.
“I enjoyed the role as Unit Manager of Strathalbyn, as I was able to lead a team of dedicated and passionate volunteers to help their community through all sorts of emergencies,” he said.
“(I’m also proud of) creating a strong and reliable volunteer group, responding at all times of the day and night, and helping to steer the plans and outcome of the newly built Strathalbyn SES Unit.”
Mr Kerslake, who has now relocated to Port Lincoln, will miss leading the crew in his hometown, but had every faith in Ms Sherriff to take on the challenge.
“Dani will do great as Unit Manager; she’s a great leader,” he said.
“She’s always trying to improve herself and learn new skills, so I think it will be great for her personal development.
“Dani is a very caring person and will lead the Strathalbyn SES extremely well into its next chapter.”
Ms Sherriff hoped to recruit more volunteers during her term, and encouraged younger individuals and people with families to apply.
“I want to aim at the people who have children and young families, even younger kids coming out school, (so) the 18-year-olds,” she said.
“I’ve actually lived here since my early teens and never knew SES was a volunteer service until we needed them at our house.
“The skills you learn in the SES are amazing and they’re transferrable to your everyday life.
“I think providing a service for our community and getting more volunteers to be able to take the pressure off some of our regular responders will be a big win for the community as well.”
