In town to officially hand over a new boat for the Deniliquin-Conargo SES Unit, Mr Dib also made time to visit Deniliquin Rescue Squad - VRA Rescue NSW.
VRA members put on a crash rescue demonstration for Mr Dib and NSW member for Murray Helen Dalton.
But David Donald said the politicians also had to get hands on.
Each was given the trademark green overall, and given the chance to wield cutting tools used in road crash rescues.
“We demonstrated a dash roll, which simulated when someone is trapped by the dash.
“The minister and Helen Dalton did very well, but both came away saying they didn’t realise how difficult it would be.
“It was a good quick visit, and we were pleased to have Corowa VRA members and our regional manager from Albury, Paul Marshall, also in attendance.”
After leaving the VRA’s Charlotte St facilities, Mr Dib and Mrs Dalton headed out to the SES headquarters at the Deniliquin Airport.
There, Mr Dib had the pleasure of officially handing over a Guardian 520 flat bottom punt.
Deniliquin-Conargo SES unit commander Jodie Graham said able to operate in 15cm of water, it will significantly boost the capabilities of the unit to assist the community.
Ms Graham said the gap in the unit’s capabilities was highlighted during the 2022 floods.
“We required a few marine rescues in 2022, which were dealt with by the VRA and then an SES boat crew from the Northern Rivers region once they were available.
“Our new boat is also a multi-agency resource - we all work together for one purpose.
“To have the minister here on Saturday, and Helen Dalton and her team, was an amazing privilege and honour.”
The Deniliquin-Conargo SES unit is always recruiting. Anyone interested in getting involved is encouraged to to to the NSW SES website or Ms Graham on 0418 679 407.
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