First Responder community to gather in Waurn Ponds

REPRESENTATIVES from the region’s first response units will descend on Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre on Wednesday, June 7 to meet and greet the community they serve on Thank A First Responder Day.

The event will run outside the centre’s Target store from 10am to 4pm featuring attendees from Victoria Police, Barwon Health, the Country Fire Authority, SES and Surf Life Saving Victoria, emphasising the vital role of first responders in in the community.

Shopping centre marketing executive Georgie Ricca is encouraging the Waurn Ponds community to make there way to the centre to acknowledge the sacrifices of all first responders and say thanks.

“They selflessly put their lives on the line, working tirelessly to protect our communities, often at great personal cost,” Ms Ricca said.

“This day serves as a reminder that their service extends far beyond their duty hours, impacting not only their own lives but also their families. SES Corio deputy controller of members Russell Taylor said the day would provide an excellent opportunity for community members to fully understand what first response workers and volunteers do.

“It’s more informative than anything, and while we love when the community appreciates what we do, that’s not why we become volunteers, we do it to inform the community and help them when they need us most,” Ms Taylor said.

“All of what we do volunteer time, most of us have full-time jobs on top of our first response roles, but it’s all for the betterment of the community.”

Victoria Police Senior Constable for the Geelong area Amy Burke likened the first responder community to being “one big family” given they meet one another on jobs frequently.

Senior Constable Burke also described next Wednesday’s event as a great opportunity to bridge the gap between the police and the community.

“We generally always meet people during an emergency or any kind of stressful environment, so it’s nice to be able to meet the community in a cool, calm and collected situation,” she said.

“It also allows us to have conversation with residents and gauge what they like or don’t like about our service area delivery. “We’re always looking to improve.”

Several activities will take place during the event ranging from badge designing to dress-ups and crafts outside the centre’s Target store.

Organisers have also urged residents to stop by the centre’s ‘Thank You Wall’ by the event site, where people can leave a message of appreciation for the region’s first responders and check out the event’s impressive display of vehicles.

For more information about the event, head to waurnpondssc.com.au/whatson/thank-a-firstresponder-day