The Benalla unit of the Victoria State Emergency Service is on the lookout for new members.
Unit officer Laura Nelson said volunteering could be an enriching and fulfilling experience.
It provides an opportunity to learn new skills, develop close friendships and experience new challenges while helping your local community in either an operational role or a supporting role.
“Volunteering with SES has been a huge part of my life,” Ms Nelson said.
“It’s terrific to see new members develop their skills and do things they never imagined.
“It’s what makes volunteering with VICSES so rewarding.”
Since July 1, 2022, the SES Benalla unit has responded to 477 calls for assistance, including the October flood event, the severe storm in January and 30 rescue events.
As well as storms, floods and rescues, SES volunteers also support Victoria Police, Ambulance Victoria and other emergency services in searching for lost persons, accessing casualties in remote areas and providing specialist emergency management and logistics support during fires and other emergencies.
SES volunteers come from many walks of life and are highly trained and dedicated to making our community safer — 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
In the SES, teachers work alongside builders, engineers, retirees and university students to make a real difference in the greater Benalla community.
As well as responding to emergency calls, SES volunteers are wanted to fill supporting rules such as maintaining a duty telephone, command, and unit management duties such as finance, banking and administration.
What volunteers love about VICSES:
- helping their community in its time of need;
- making new friends;
- learning new skills;
- experiencing new challenges;
- developing their career; and
- personal fulfilment.
If you’d like to find out more, visit the Benalla unit on Wednesday, May 3 from 7pm at 1 Samaria Rd.