VICSES Kyabram controller Paul Octigan, who has worked in the SES for more than 30 years, said the recent months of extreme weather had stretched his unit thin.
“We’ve had people leave the unit and a lot of our members are also getting older… we need some younger members that can get up onto roofs safely,” he said.
“We’re very limited in how many people we have in Kyabram that can be there to assist when events happen.
“The last week has proven what can happen — our weather has been going from one extreme to the other.”
In 2017-2018 VICSES responded to more than 27 000 emergency incidents across the state, contributing a total of 263 259 hours helping Victorians in need.
The SES’s many duties involve providing on-the-ground support during emergencies, responding to natural disasters such as floods, storms, earthquakes, tsunamis and landslides, road rescues, and supporting other emergency service organisations.
SES volunteers undergo recognised training programs that teach 4WD skills, management skills, correct chainsaw use and much more.
If you are interested in becoming an SES volunteer call Paul on 0406 944 640 or apply online at www.ses.vic.gov.au/volunteer/become-a-volunteer