Albany’s Volunteer State Emergency Services local manager Nathan Anderson steps down after dedicated service

Albany’s Volunteer State Emergency Service has a new local manager after Nathan Anderson stepped down at the end of last month.

Ben Whittle owns a metal fabrication business and has been a volunteer for 11 years and has stepped up to the top job.

He paid tribute to his predecessor who had been in the role for 2½ years.

“Nathan is one of those guys who will do anything for you, and he has kept the unit running well,” he said.

“He just has other commitments with his time, but he is still part of the unit, he’s still hanging around.”

Mr Whittle said he wanted to move on from his role in operations and he was ready for a new challenge.

“I wanted to step up in the ranks and keep the unit running smoothly,” he said.

He said he was hoping to attract younger volunteers with Facebook and TikTok campaigns.

“The young fellas have got TikTok up and running so we can hopefully be better at using social media as a recruitment tool and increase awareness of what we do,” he said.

Mr Whittle said he volunteered because he wanted to give something back to the community.

“When you do a stretcher-assist with St John WA or rescue people in all weathers, it’s great to see the gratitude of the people you have helped out,” he said.

In May this year he won the top award at the Great Southern’s Volunteer of the Year Awards with a range of community organisations and individuals recognised on the night.

His new deputy manager is Gavin Murdock, who has moved into the role after being a section leader.