Hedland SES volunteers ‘slapped in face’ by theft during Matilda Moule search

Volunteers who helped in the Pilbara search for toddler Matilda Moule have been “slapped in the face” after thieves ransacked their offices.

Hedland State Emergency Service volunteers expressed their frustration on social media after arriving at their Port Hedland unit yesterday to find valuable equipment missing.

Two laptop computers, two 55-inch TVs, two Dyson vacuum cleaners and a data projector were among the items missing.

“We can not hold our frustration, despair and anger back,” a volunteer wrote on Facebook

“As crews were arriving at the unit early this morning for deployment to Nullagine to assist in a Land Search for a missing infant, what do you think they were greeted with????

“A MESS, as the unit had been ransacked.”

The group had been called to help in the search for three-year-old Matilda, who spent 24 hours lost in the bush with her faithful Jack Russell by her side.

Eight SES volunteers joined nine police officers, three helicopters and seven horses in the search, along with staff at the Noreena Downs station, where the little girl disappeared from.

The volunteer said the theft was frustrating, given they had given up their time for a good cause.

“Not only do the Volunteers arrive pumped up to be able to go an assist someone but they get SLAPPED in the face with frustration and despair when greeted by someones X@#$%$# mess that destroys their hard work,” the volunteer wrote.

Pilbara Police said the volunteers now had to fundraise to replace the stolen items.

“Seriously!?! Our volunteer SES building!?! A centre set up to assist in locating missing people, helping others in times of cyclones, flooding and severe weather... do I really need to go on??” they wrote on Facebook.

“The SES do not have appropriate funding so now they will need to rely on their own fundraising so they can replace the equipment for the purpose of helping others – which they do not get paid to do!!”

Hedland local Karen Mason has set up a GoFundMe page, which had raised $795 of its $50,000 fundraising target this afternoon.

“Hedland will not be defined by the deplorable actions of those who did this to the Hedland SES,” she said.

Anyone with information is asked to contact South Hedland Police.

Meanwhile, Matilda’s family have shared photographs of the hero dog who stayed by her side during her disappearance.

Jack Russell Woolfy stood faithfully by the toddler’s side during her 24-hour ordeal.