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Vans to speed SES response

BHP Billiton Iron Ore Head of Community and Indigenous Affairs, Richard O’Connell and Western Australian SES President, Gordon Hall. Picture: Michelle Bavcevic

Newman and Karratha's State Emergency Service volunteers have each been given a new bus to assist with emergency call-outs.

The buses, donated by BHP Billiton, can seat one driver and nine volunteers.

WA SES president Gordon Hall said the vans would support the State's most cyclone-prone areas.

"The peak time for response by SES volunteers in the Pilbara is from November to April during cyclone season," he said. "Tripling the size of our Pilbara fleet means we can reach more people sooner when disaster strikes."

BHP Billiton Iron Ore head of community and indigenous affairs, Richard O'Connell, said the company was proud to support communities where its operations were based.

"We are particularly pleased … more people across WA will be supported during disasters such as cyclones and bushfires," he said.

Prospective Newman volunteers can contact Connie on 0417 976 231.