Our people - Karl Heinz-Herzog

“Following the cyclone, I assisted with the registration and recording of evacuees passing through Tennant Creek under the supervision of Les Liddell who assumed responsibility for the coordination of the local counter disaster committee for Tennant Creek on 25 December 1974,” Karl said.

“Led by Les, the community of Tennant Creek worked as a team, working more than 12 hours on many days to support many of the thousands of evacuees on their journeys south and east.”

But it wasn’t until several decades after the cyclone that Karl became a volunteer with NTES, when two men went missing and volunteers were called for to assist in the search efforts.

“I had just retired after 25 years as volunteer leader, trainer and Regional Commissioner with the Scout Association of Australia. I found that I had time for other activities when a search for two missing Tennant Creek men was conducted locally,” Karl said.

“A public meeting was held after the search to recruit new volunteers for the NTES Tennant Creek Unit. I joined NTES in March 1996 thinking that my skills and leadership experience may be useful.”

Karl’s decision led to 30 years of service and commitment to NTES where he took on a range of volunteer officer roles within the Tennant Creek Volunteer Unit and mentored countless individuals.

“The highlight has been working with, training and leading so many extraordinary people in the organisation, both volunteers and staff who dedicated their time and energies for the safety and wellbeing of our communities,” he said.

“Memorable operations that come to mind include the evacuation and temporary re-location in March 2001 to Alice Springs of the WA community of Kiwirrkurrra due to flooding, an operation that was meant to last two weeks but stretched into four. Also, the evacuation of East Timorese to Darwin in late 1999, where I assisted with logistical support.

There have also been many other operations including land and air searches for missing people, road crash rescues, and vertical rescues; far too many to list individually over my three decades.”

Karl said that over the years there have been great improvements in support by way of equipment, training and emotional support in particular the recognition of the long-term effects of PTS.

“The importance of NTES to the community is immeasurable, knowing that there are volunteers out there that will come to the aid of those who have suffered due to disasters without a second thought of their own needs,” he said.

“It has been my privilege to work with and develop friendships with people that give to our communities and continue to give to serve and protect.”

During his service Karl received his National Medal, Emergency Service Medal and several commendations and certificates of appreciation for his role in search and rescue efforts.