Barwon South West has acknowledged female emergency service volunteers with a targeted training event for women in emergency operations.
Victorian State Emergency Service (VICSES) Bellarine Unit hosted the Women in Rescue event that featured a day of specialised training and exercises to prepare female emergency volunteers for different emergencies.
VICSES Bellarine Unit deputy controller Rachel Vella said she was glad to participate in the event that provided women with hands-on experience and rescue skills in a safe environment.
“Women in Rescue is a fun way for women to come together and share skills and experiences in a safe and welcoming environment,” she said.
“This is the first time I’ve been involved in Women in Rescue, and it’s been an exciting opportunity to connect with so many fabulous people from right across the Barwon South West region.
“Events such as Women in Rescue encourage everyone to have a go on the tools and be mentored by other experienced members where they can ask questions and are allowed to make mistakes.”
VICSES chief executive officer Stephen Griffin said volunteers tackled advanced casualty handling, road crash rescue techniques and chainsaw skill demonstrations during the Bellarine event.
Mr Griffin said the event also helped promote gender inclusion and diversity within VICSES and had 93 per cent more participants than last year.
“It is critical that we reflect the communities we serve and build the confidence and leadership among our women in orange,” he said.
“The Women in Rescue initiative provides a great opportunity for experienced and newer members to come together and share their skills and knowledge in a supportive environment.
“Our Women in Rescue event showcases their life-saving skills, using the latest rescue technology and training.”
