The leading electrical engineering company donated three sandbag fillers to the Raymond Terrace-based SES unit through the support of Port Stephens MP Kate Washington.

"In the aftermath of the recent floods, I contacted David Douglas [Port Stephens SES unit controller] to see if they needed any support. His response was for the steel-framed devices used to fill sand bags at speed," Ms Washington said.

"Shovelling sand into hessian bags one-by-one is back-breaking work, and our local SES volunteers were run off their feet. So I contacted Wayne Diemar [product manager at Ampcontrol] to ask if they could assist. Shortly afterwards, they had constructed three of the devices and donated them for free. Ampcontrol is a great local business and a significant local employer."

Mr Diemar said that the units, which could hold up to 10kg of sand, were easier to use by SES members and the public. "They make life a little easier for the SES and the wider community."

Mr Douglas said the devices were a welcome addition, allowing members to work more efficiently in a safer environment.

"They also provide a quicker response time which is important in times of flood. We can even set up sand bagging points at places such as Hinton in times of predicted heavy rains and flash flooding. We want to thank both Ampcontrol and Ms Washington for their assistance in helping us meet our challenges in times of floods."