Meet the people keeping Australia safe

At TAL, we care about the unsung heroes – those who protect Australians without expecting anything in return. John Wall, a long-standing volunteer with the State Emergency Service (SES) spoke with us about his experience and what makes the role so special.

“The SES is a huge part of my life. I’ve been volunteering across New South Wales for the past 35 years and 20 of those I’ve spent working with the Kiama Unit.

“The Kiama team is bustling and vibrant. We’ve got about 70 people working at the unit with a great range of age and experience.

“Being the first volunteer primary rescue service south of Sydney means we’re very busy, sometimes working for 40-50 hours at a time on emergency rescues. Typically, we get called to road crashes and industrial incidents in the local area, but we are equipped to provide assistance in hundreds of scenarios and are often called upon to lend a hand to the other emergency services.

“Being a volunteer for as long as I have, there are plenty of incidents that stick in my mind. A particularly vivid memory for me is assisting at a truck crash. The truck had rolled over and was pivoting on a concrete barrier in the middle of the highway. The driver was in enormous danger – dangling from the cabin by his legs into the oncoming traffic. It took a long time for him to be cut free, but I remember climbing into the cabin to support him while the emergency services did their work. I just held his hand and tried to keep him calm. Eventually he was rescued, and I was touched to receive a letter from his family soon after, thanking me for my help on behalf of his young children. It’s that kind of thing that makes this job so special.

“I was initially compelled to sign up to the SES after being witness to a fatal traffic accident. I remember feeling so helpless in that moment. It was then that I decided to equip myself with the skills I needed to make sure I could be a useful presence at similar situations in the future. I went to an SES education evening and the rest is history. I’ve learned important skills that have gone on to save lives, which is an incredible feeling.

“It’s not just the training and the work that I enjoy. I love the camaraderie that comes with being in a close-knit team. Our Kiama unit regularly gets called out to assist around the state, including in northern NSW during cyclone season. Having the chance to sit down with a group of like-minded people after a day’s graft to eat dinner and share stories is what makes the hard work worth it.”

At TAL, we want to protect those who are protecting us by offering insurance cover to people from a wide range of fascinating professions.

Appropriate Life Insurance could ensure that your family remains financially secure should the worst happen. Total Permanent Disability and Income Protection Insurance could help to keep you and your family on track while you get back on your feet, helping you return to your life and your work as quickly and safely as possible.

While different levels of cover and premium may apply depending on your lifestyle and profession, we encourage you to explore your options, get a quote and find the right cover for you.

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