This WOW Day, Echuca SES volunteers are encouraging people to consider joining the team.
Photo by
Lua Ikenasio
Wednesday, May 21, marks ‘Wear Orange Wednesday’ for all Australians, a day for communities to show appreciation to their local SES volunteers.
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Since 1975, the SES has grown to include more than 5000 volunteers and 350 staff operating from 154 units across Victoria.
The Echuca SES unit currently has 22 members, however the search for more volunteers never ends.
Echuca SES controller Judi Cantwell said the job was a chance to give back to the community.
“We’re all here for the one reason — to serve our community and to give back,” she said.
“You can learn new skills but also apply those skills to people in need.
“We also work with other agencies like the ambulance, CFA, road crash and so on. We're not working on just SES stuff, we’re here to assist other agencies.”
Anyone can join the SES as previous emergency service experience is not required and all necessary training for the job is provided.
The Echuca SES unit performing a land search. Photo: Supplied.
In Echuca, volunteers meet regularly to complete training to ensure members are able to respond to emergencies safely.
Many of the newer members have also recently completed their Crew Member Level 2 training as part of an initial three-phase training process.
Once the third lot of training is complete, members can begin specialised training for specific roles such as incident management, working on boats, responding to storm-related emergencies or even chainsaw operation.
Echuca SES member Jean Tyrrell said being able to expand her skill set through the SES was one of the reasons she enjoyed being part of the unit.
“I learn a lot of new skills that I never really thought I could do and with the training, it’s been easy to get interested in so many different things,” she said.
“I’m also a volunteer with Echuca Moama Search and Rescue, so between here and there, I’ve learnt a lot about chainsaws, cars, I do road crash rescue, I learnt to drive a boat, learnt to drive a truck — just general day-to-day skills.”
Ms Tyrrell encouraged all those who might have an interest in joining the SES to give it a go.
“Just do it. Just put the application in, come have a chat and give it a go. You won't know if you like it until you give it a go,” she said.
“A lot of people are scared to try new things. I’m not from Echuca, I’m not from Australia, so it is scary meeting new people, but it’s a good way to get involved in the community.”
The Echuca unit clearing fallen trees. Photo: Supplied.
According to regional operations officer Matt Pittock, the number of SES members has slowly returned to pre-COVID levels.
Within the SES unit grouping that Echuca is part of, there are about 450 members across 11 units.
Mr Pittock said the SES had a role for everyone based on what each person was comfortable doing.
“We have a place for everybody at the SES, (you) don’t necessarily have to be someone that’s out on the truck, cutting down trees or cutting people out of cars,” he said.
“You could be back here supporting the unit in administrative roles or checking on the radios, and our training is nationally recognised, so it’s something that you can take back to your workplace as well.”
For more information about volunteering, visit www.ses.vic.gov.au/join-us or contact echuca@ses.vic.gov.au
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