SES controller after a few more helpers

By SARAH MARTIN

IF you have ever had the misfortune to be involved in an accident on the notorious stretch of highway between Lakeland and Mt Carbine, chances are you would have met Cook Shire’s Young Citizen of the Year.

At only 25 years of age, experienced First Responder Alec Stemmler often attends serious road crashes on his own as numbers dwindle in his local State Emergency Service group.

I was fortunate enough to meet Alec roadside last year, after being first on the scene at a motorbike smash.

did what he did. “It’s important to the community, and I don’t want to see the group disappear,” was his simple answer.

The young Lakeland local has been the volunteer SES Controller for the past year, taking up the position vacated by his dad Andy, who spearheaded the group for more than 25 years.

Alec has only four volunteers in his tiny group, who are the first to attend road crashes and other ambulance call-outs, providing first aid until emergency services arrive.

They also offer other SES services, such as joining search and rescue operations.

lery, and is a passionate advocate for the Cooktown Botanic Gardens and local art and culture.

The tireless retiree has also been known to man the information desk and clear tables during busy times at the café and information centre, but said she never expected to receive an Australia Day award for her efforts.

“I honestly didn’t think for one moment I was nominated for the Citizen of the Year,” she said.

“It’s lovely, as I’m not one to sort of shout out about it all. I’m just doing it for the community, for the people of Cooktown, I guess I’m an inveterate volunteer.”

As I was shaking like a leaf, wondering if the lady on the side of the road would live, and frantically waving to slow down traffic speeding into the crash site in the 110km/h zone, an SES vehicle pulled up with lights flashing and a calm young man stepped out and immediately took control.

Despite his age, it was obvious Alec knew what he was doing, coordinating traffic control, directing volunteers to assist and keeping everyone calm until the ambulance arrived from Cooktown.

I caught up with Alec at the Australia Day Awards ceremony in Cooktown, and asked why he

Alec said the group was wellequipped, with its own shed, vehicles and other equipment accumulated and meticulously maintained during his father’s decades of service.

“A few more members would be good,” he told Cape York Weekly

“We do road crash training, traffic control, advanced first aid, advanced resuscitation and lots of other training.”

Alec’s nomination summed up the his commitment to his community by saying: “Alex has chosen to give up his time to ensure this service may continue, which could save someone’s life.”