From storms to strategy: how volunteering shaped Hugh’s path with the ACTSES

Two years ago, Hugh Hagan stepped into the unknown. 

 

Motivated by the example of his father, a long-time ACT State Emergency Service (ACTSES) volunteer, Hugh signed up for the service himself. 

 

What began as a curiosity, quickly grew into a passion — and a defining part of his life.  

 

“When I first volunteered, I didn’t really know too much about it,” remembers Hugh. 

 

“All I knew was my dad was part of the ACTSES, and they did stuff with storms and floods. I didn’t realise where it would take me.” 

 

Today, Hugh volunteers not just with the ACTSES’ Rivers Unit, but also with the NSW SES, the ACT Rural Fire Service and the NSW RFS. 

 

Hugh says this cross state-border experience has deepened his understanding of how different services and jurisdictions operate. 

 

“In the ACT, my primary role is out in the field, getting up on roofs, that sort of thing. In New South Wales, it’s a bit broader. And the fire services are a whole different story, with different hazards entirely.” 

 

Balancing volunteering across four services is no small feat, but Hugh thrives on the activity. 

 

“It always keeps me busy,” says Hugh. 

 

“There’s always something going on somewhere, which I kind of like because I’m bouncing between university and part-time work too. It’s just a balancing act.” 

 

Hugh’s volunteer work has led to a number of leadership and development opportunities. He is currently the Training Officer at Rivers ACTSES, and has also recently been appointed Deputy Team Leader. 

 

“When I first joined the ACTSES, I didn’t expect to take on a leadership role,” says Hugh.  

 

But a few months after becoming operational, the Training Officer position became vacant, and I thought I’d put my hand up — it sounded interesting.” 

 

Hugh has also completed training in storm and water damage operations, land search and rescue, and leadership. He credits these skills with helping him far beyond his roles with the ACTSES. 

 

“The storm and water damage skills have been really useful in my personal life,” says Hugh. 

 

“They teach you how to solve problems creatively and get your hands dirty. And the leadership training — that’s helpful wherever you go.” 

 

Hugh is currently studying a Bachelor of Emergency Management — a field that combines his practical knowledge with an understanding of how emergency services operate at a strategic level. 

 

“It really pairs well with the operational experience,” says Hugh. 

 

“I can be out responding to an emergency, but now I also understand what’s actually establishing the response, and everything that’s going on in the background — what systems are in place to make it all work.” 

 

Hugh's volunteer experience and training has opened doors for him inside the ACT Emergency Services Agency’s headquarters as well, where he’s completed short-term contract work. 

 

“I’ve been able to bring in my experience from the field and help shape things behind the scenes,” says Hugh. 

 

“I’ve even used some graphic design skills I have to help create recruitment and promotional materials. It’s been great to contribute in so many different ways.” 

 

Of all the moments that stand out in Hugh’s volunteer journey, one storm in particular made a lasting impact. 

 

“It was fairly soon after I’d come out of recruit college,” remembers Hugh, “and we had a massive storm hit Canberra — over a thousand requests for assistance. 

 

“I was out from 8pm until 5am the next morning, and then back out again later that day. 

 

“We were walking door to door, checking in with people. Trees were down everywhere, roofs were damaged. 

 

“But the thing that really stood out was how the community came together. ACTRFS was there, ACT Parks and Conservation people were there, and community members were helping each other, and offering us drinks and food. It was amazing.” 

 

For Hugh, volunteering is not only about being there to help in an emergency, its about being part of something bigger. 

 

“There’s always something to do — storms, community engagement, assisting police with missing person searches. If I have a moment of free time, I know I can jump in and help. You get so much back from it.” 

 

He encourages anyone considering volunteering to take the leap.  

 

“You might not know exactly what you’re signing up for — I certainly didn’t - but it’s exceeded my expectations,” says Hugh. 

 

“You learn skills, make friends, and become part of a community. Just stick your hand up. You never know where it’s going to take you.”