Bellarine SES launch recruitment drive

THE Bellarine SES is encouraging people to come “be part of something amazing” and have launched a secondary recruitment drive for 2024.

The local emergency services branch is hosting an information evening on October 21 in Drysdale to share its offering with community members and hopefully attract new members.

It will include a tour of the facility, information on the processes, and expectations of the work and the benefits it can bring.

Bellarine SES deputy controller of community engagement and members Emma Hayes said if the session got onlyget one person to sign up, then it would make all the difference.

“The number of volunteers certainly comes in waves and recently it has dropped a bit, with the hope it will pick up again.

“We took on another 10 members earlier this year, and the hope is to do the same here. More hands make light work, that’s for sure.”

Ms Hayes said a key goal of recruitment is continuing to become a more diverse unit.

“We are taking on a lot of juniors now, with people starting up at 16 or 17 years old and being mentored by an older buddy.

“It’s equally split between female and male across the board from people aged 16 to 70.

“We all work as one together. Any volunteers or people with their hand up is a bonus, no matter what area they go into.

“From being on the front line, to even collecting the mail for us, there’s something for everyone.”

She stressed the importance of the work the Bellarine SES does in helping those in need.

“Our work is helping in storms, floods, search and rescues, road crash rescue operations and so much more.

“Assisting people in need is so amazing. The excitement and the challenges make it all worthwhile, as does meeting new people

“We often also work with other emergency services including Vic Police, Ambulance Victoria, local CFAs and more, which brings with it great opportunity.

“We become more or less like a family.”

The information evening will begin at 7pm at Bellarine SES at 702 Grubb Road, Drysdale.

For more information, head to facebook.com/bellarineses