Local SES units seek new recruits

VOLUNTEERS are being sought to join the State Emergency Service units located at Bannockburn and Teesdale.

Anyone in the community with a level of general fitness is invited to join the emergency service organisation and give back to the region.

The focus of the SES is assisting at road crashes and natural disasters as well as other tasks.

“SES responds to requests involving floods, storms, earthquakes and tsunamis,” said Daryl Jeram, officer for recruitment and administration.

“We’re also the biggest supplier of road crash rescue in Victoria.

“Quite often we are clearing trees from roads and last year we were very involved in the floods with close to 50 jobs in the Golden Plains Shire in a 48-hour period.”

New recruits participate in weekly training and following that, the time commitment is reduced to around once a fortnight.

The requirements, however, are flexible and can be worked around other commitments.

“It’s on a voluntary basis but there is a certain amount of online training you have to complete,” said member Brad Ross.

“There is a general rule that you can attend 60 per cent of training and available call outs so we can see your maintaining your skill level but can fit in other commitments.”

Kellie O’Meara joined the Bannockburn SES after she was involved in a house fire and said she enjoys giving back to the community.

“I had a major house fire in 2020 which made me think about what the volunteers do in our community,” she said.

“I spoke to Daryl at the farmers market and came along to an information night where everyone was really welcoming, so I joined.”

To find out more or to join the organisation, visit the SES Victoria website.