Centaine Walters and Jamie Buckley. Photo: Supplied.

Three members from the Harden SES unit was involved in a Hilltops cluster chainsaw course over the past two weeks.

Bungendore members also joined the cluster units Yass, Harden and Young at the Yass station for theory, practical and an assessment.

There were around 12 members in total during the course and Harden’s Jamie Buckley was the youngest at 16 years and 6 months.

Theory was conducted by Yass chainsaw instructor Wayne Sainsbury and it included assembly of a chainsaw, checking of parts, different types of cuts
and safety whilst operating the machinery.

For practical, members learned how to cut fallen trees and branches as well as bore into a log.

On Sunday, members had to prove their skills in cross-cutting, teamwork and decision-making on cut-up debris, in an assessment which everyone passed.

After the assessment, members learnt chainsaw maintenance.

This included dissembling the machinery to check its parts as well as putting it back together and sharpening the chain blade.

It was important for members to learn maintenance as the motor machinery could fault and “kickback”, which is the sudden upward motion of a chainsaw’s guide bar and is one of the most common causes of chainsaw accidents.

However, through applying of cutting techniques learnt in theory, members know how to cut away from their body, which allows the “kickback” to go up and over their shoulders.

Harden SES Commander Garry Buckley said it was great to see members getting involved and helping each other out.

“The cluster coming together was awesome, everything worked really well. This skill set we now have is three chainsaw operators in Harden, two in Young and around five in Yass. It’s a big bonus,” he said.

For the next two weeks the Harden unit will visit Yass again learning about flood work.

Then from Christmas onwards, members will earn a well-deserved month break from training after what is considered a “cruel” year, before returning late January.

A meeting will be held later this week in regards to the training program for 2021.

Harden SES and the Hilltops cluster units will still be responsive for call-outs during the off period.

If you see yourself in orange, come join the Harden unit on the SES website or contact Commander Buckley at 0428 386 774.

There are many roles available including flood work, chainsaw work or administrative work to name a few.

Harden SES unit currently has six members with two new members joining once harvest season is over, and there could potentially be another new member after this weekend.

Christopher Tan