Right kind of boom a blast at our SES unit

Hamish Heard
Torquay’s State Emergency Services unit is enjoying a boom in volunteer ranks after a recruitment drive netted 10 new members.
SES regional manager Alan Sullivan said a “hugely successful” push to boost the unit was proof of healthy community spirit in the area.
He said the organisation’s new operations director had attended the unit’s annual dinner and was full of praise for the efforts of the 26 volunteers from the Torquay area.
“He was just so impressed with the level of professionalism and enthusiasm among the members,” Mr Sullivan said.
“There’s a terrific spirit of cooperation and they genuinely want to contribute for the good of the entire community.”
Surf Coast Mayor Libby Mears, who also attended the annual dinner, said the increased membership of young people was encouraging for the future of Torquay.
“It was just such a positive night and to see a lot of new younger men and women joining the unit bodes well for the future,” Cr Mears said.
“It’s really admirable that so many people volunteer to put themselves in difficult situations by joining the emergency services.”
The annual dinner was also an opportunity to recognise the ongoing efforts of two long-term contributors.
Graeme Jackman and Michael Belton both received recognition for 25 years of service each to the local branch.
“They’ve both made a valuable and selfless contribution to the community, not only through their operations which would have saved many lives but also the enormous amount of time they’ve put in with training and everything else to support the unit,” Mr Sullivan said.
Mr Jackman was also rewarded for his 35 years volunteering for Victorian emergency services for both the CFA and SES.
Surf Coast Shire also received a pat on the back for its financial contribution to the organisation.
The shire pays the majority of expenses for the unit’s headquarters and matches its operating expenses dollar for dollar.
“When you work it out, for the number of rescues and storm and flood jobs they get called out to, it’s pretty good value for money,” Mr Sullivan said.