Local SES patrol NSW border as COVID returns

TWO of the newest recruits at Bellarine SES have headed to the Victorian border to assist police in protecting the state from another COVID-19 outbreak.

Asha Hoggins and Majd Eskeif had only been volunteering at the Bellarine unit for 12 months before they headed off to Wodonga on December 29.

The voluntary deployment to the north of the state comes as the SES was called upon to assist police in monitoring those entering the state from New South Wales.

Assistance was called for prior to the state ending its 61-day virus-free streak last week, with three confirmed infections in Melbourne suburbs.

A total of 36 active cases were reported in the state by the Department of Health and Human Services, which are believed to be linked to the New South Wales outbreaks.

Earlier it was announced that the Australian Defence Force had rejected the State Government’s request to secure the border.

The ADF responded by saying it was prioritising prior commitments to national matters such as mandatory hotel quarantine.

As a result, SES units across the state were called upon to fulfil this role as a part of the joint operations carried out by the volunteer emergency service.

Ms Hoggins and Mr Eskeif will be joined by two members of the South Barwon unit and one member from Geelong at the Lincoln causeway in Wodonga.

The volunteers, who spent New Year’s Eve away from friends and family, are vigilantly checking IDs and offering assistance to Victoria Police across 12-hour shifts.

Bellarine unit controller John Ryan said the new additions were serving the SES well.

“It is one of those things where SES are asked to step up and there is always members who are more than willing to go and fill the role,” he said.

Mr Ryan said the Bellarine unit was proud of its contribution to the state.

“Big congratulations to those members for assisting over their new year and giving up that time otherwise spent with family and friends,” Mr Ryan said.

“With lockdown there hasn’t been much of an opportunity to go out and party, at least not in Victoria, but for these people to say ‘no, this is where we need to be’ is a credit to them.”