After five years in the SES Ian Robinson thought it was time for a new challenge.

He jumped at the chance to be the caretaker of the Maitland SES unit in March this year, but was adamant it would be a temporary role.

“I took it on to see if it was something I could do,” he said.

“When I came in I said ‘I am just the caretaker’, that was always the plan.”

Three weeks into the job a storm, which turned the Hunter into a natural disaster zone, swept through the region and handed Mr Robinson his biggest challenge yet.

“I was in the SES shed on the Monday night when the storm hit, ” he said. “It was very challenging.

“I think I had three hours sleep on the Tuesday night, but we were on the go for three weeks straight.

“I guess you push through those first couple of days because of the adrenalin.”

It was a challenging time physically but also psychologically for the new controller, who was used to being a crew member and getting out to help on the frontline.

Instead, his role required him to stay at the SES control centre and organise units, put out spot fires and be the go-to person at the time of crisis.

“Previously I was the one in the truck,” he said.

“It was difficult for me to sit in the office and run things.

“My instinct is to grab that chainsaw, or fix that roof.”

The few times Mr Robinson was able to head out to help his unit on the ground he saw the full devastation of the storm and ensuing floods.

On April 22, his team had their darkest day when, despite all of their efforts, they could not get to Gillieston Heights great-grandmother Anne Jarmain in time to save her.

She was driving along Cessnock Road when her car was swept away then swallowed in the torrid waters of Fishery Creek.

“I was at the waterfront when that poor lady was washed over,” Mr Robinson said.

“It was very difficult to deal with that, because we couldn’t save her.”

Mr Robinson said the Maitland SES unit was a phenomenal crew and he truly believed they were prepared for any future flood or storm event.

The unit had recently be restructured, which included the appointment of Mr Robsinson as permanent controller.

It was the team that encouraged him to apply and make the role official.

“The experience of the super storm gave me a chance to see people’s fortes,” he said.

“The unit was well-prepared for the event. 

“They really are a phenomenal crew.”

Mr Robinson was one of five new unit controllers in the Hunter to be inducted this month.

He said the SES was always looking for new members and encouraged ­anyone with a feeling of civic responsibility to get involved.

“We always need more people,” he said.

“If you are happy to get up in a storm and climb on a roof when most people want to be in their beds, then you should join the SES.”