Teresa's answering call to volunteer

Volunteering had been part of Teresa Sanders’ routine for most of her life, so when she realised it had slipped off her radar in the hustle and bustle of life with young children she took action.

The mother of two children, aged four and eight years old, did some online research about the volunteering options on the Redcliffe Peninsula and discovered the State Emergency Service (SES).

In the lead-up to International Women's Day, we're shining a light on women on the front line.

Teresa joined the SES in May 2024 and became the Deputy Group Leader with Redcliffe SES Group in December.

“The position came up and then I applied for it. I was just keen from the get-go to learn as much as I could,” Teresa says.

While she didn’t know much about the SES before she enrolled, she has learnt quickly that it is the organisation for her.

“With the SES, the thing that’s really stuck out is it actually is teamwork. Every little piece and everything that everybody does … it could be something small … it really does all connect to get whatever it is done,” she explains.

“That’s what really appealed to me … it doesn’t matter how big or small the role, we’re all doing it together.

“I love the varying roles, the different things you can do. You can obviously go out to these things but if you cannot activate so often because of work commitments and life, you can do other roles to help out.

“There are things to do in administration, leadership roles, training… it’s pretty broad in that aspect.”

The former pastry chef, who is now studying Criminology and Criminal Justice full-time with Griffith University, has been involved in callouts for storm damage, putting tarps on roofs, sandbagging, land searches for missing people and more.

Teresa says there is plenty of training for newcomers, but volunteers can also put skills they might already have to use. They can also find an aspect of SES they enjoy and pursue that.

She has been involved in volunteering from a young age with non-government organisations, assisting with fundraisers or helping out in other ways in the community.

“My parents taught me that because my dad volunteered in the rural fire brigade, my mum always volunteered with Meals on Wheels, churches and things. It was just a normal part of what you put into your week. I learnt that early,” she explains.

Juggling everything to make volunteering fit into the weekly routine is just how life works for her.

“It’s just like doing other things … like exercise,” she says.

As we celebrate International Women’s Day this month, Teresa reflects on the woman who has inspired her in life.

“I’d say my mum. She’s Spanish, she came to Australia when she was in her 20s after her parents passed away. The things that she’s done … even just doing that is a huge thing but in her mind, she probably thinks it’s just normal,” Teresa says.

“My family is very supportive. My husband’s very supportive of what I’m doing and what my goals are. We’re a team.

“I think I’ve learnt recently, especially in the last couple of years, that you can have it all just not at the same time.”

To volunteer, visit ses.qld.gov.au/join-us