By ANEEKA SIMONIS
CAN you see yourself in orange?
That is the question being posed by Emerald’s State Emergency Service’s (SES) Acting Controller Ben Owen as he opens the door to new team members.
A volunteer recruitment night is being held at the Emerald unit on Monday 16 June to invite new members to learn about or join the vital community group.
The Victorian SES plays a critical role in community safety, with more than 5000 volunteers across the state.
The Emerald SES group has about 20 members and would like to double that number after the recruitment night.
“More hands make light work,” Mr Owen said.
SES volunteers come from all walks of life, and are joined by a common desire to give back to the community.
Peter and Mary Copp joined after their recent retirement.
“The SES is a great place to meet new and exciting people and Emerald unit always welcomes newcomers,” Mr Own said.
Local SES heroes serve their communities 24 hours a day, seven days a week against bushfires, flood, storm, earthquakes along with road incidence response and search-and-rescue operations.
Volunteers receive accredited, recognised training as part of their role, which may include rescue skills, chainsaw operations, educating the public or securing a roof in a storm.
Mr Owen said volunteers were integral to the state’s emergency response strategy.
“It is vital to keep the SES running. Governments would have to find alternative ways to respond to emergencies,” he said.
Emerald SES services Selby, Belgrave, Belgrave South, Upwey, Tecoma, Upper Ferntree Gully, Sassafras, Olinda, Monbulk, Gembrook, Cockatoo, Upper Beaconsfield as well as Emerald itself.
Those who can see themselves in orange should make sure they attend the recruitment night at the Emerald unit to learn about the opportunity to join the vital community service group.
The Emerald SES recruitment night is being held at the corner of Old Gembrook and Sherriff roads, Emerald, on Monday 16 June at 7.30pm.
