Meet like-minded people, contribute to your community, learn new skills and experience new challenges with the Victorian State Emergency Service (VICSES).
“If you have a desire to help people in need within your community, then you could be a volunteer,” says VICSES Training & Retention Officer Sarah Pritchard.
“Units in the Geelong area are recruiting now and are keen to talk with people who want to contribute to the safety and well-being of their local communities.
“Our volunteers come from diverse ages, professions and backgrounds, but all share a common desire to make a contribution.
“We operate the largest road rescue network in Australia, and also support other emergency services such as Victoria Police, Ambulance Victoria and CFA.
“You will need a sense of commitment to yourself, your fellow SES volunteers and the community.”
The latest Geelong recruitment drive is looking for volunteers in road rescue, flood and storm response, search and rescue, incident management and more.
“Are you ready for action? Do you live in or near Bannockburn, Drysdale, Corio, Geelong, Grovedale, Winchelsea or Torquay?” Sarah says.
“You can expect excitement, challenge and the reward of knowing that your contribution makes a real difference.”
VICSES is the control agency for natural disasters such as storms, floods, tsunamis, earthquakes and landslides.
The agency is looking for volunteers with ongoing, regular weekday availability for emergency call outs, Sarah says.
“Your local units are made up of volunteers who respond to emergencies 24 hours a day”.
VICSES volunteers receive accredited training in first aid, flood and storm rescue, chainsaw operation, road rescue, four-wheel driving, media training and more.
Prospective volunteers can also help in community education, social media and media liaison, fundraising, administration and other rewarding support roles.
“To speak to someone about joining SES or to get further information about volunteering, join us at one of our information sessions,” Sarah says.
VICSES will hold two sessions at SES Regional Office, 90 Furner Avenue, Bell Park, at 10.30am and 7pm on 1 May.
The agency will also hold sessions at 325 Mousley Drive, Winchelsea, and 130 Messmate Road, Torquay, both at 7pm on 8 May.
Those interested can also fill out a volunteering enquiry form at www.ses.vic.gov.au/volunteer.
