Lorne SES Unit is Recruiting

Victoria State emergency Service (ViCSeS) is a volunteer-based organisation that works 24/7 to ensure the safety of Victorian communities by responding to emergencies and disasters.

VICSES is the control agency during emergency responses to floods, storms, earthquakes, tsunamis and landslides in Victoria, and is the largest provider of road rescue in the state. They also assist Victoria Police in search and rescue operations, and play an important support role during major bushfire responses.

Volunteers also work with the community to build greater awareness, involvement and self-reliance during emergencies.

Lorne Unit is now recruiting for new members to play a vital role in ensuring the safety of their community. The Unit are recruiting for both operational and non-operational members who live close by the Unit.

The Lorne Unit responds to calls for assistance from Aireys Inlet to Kennett River and in to Deans Marsh. The most common incidents the Unit respond to include flood and storm damage, land rescues, landslide and road crash rescues. They also assist Victoria Police in operations and the CFA during major bushfires.

As a VICSES volunteer, you will receive accredited and recognised training as part of your role. You will learn general rescue techniques, chainsaw operations, how to search, radio communications, unit management, community education, road crash rescue, and flood and storm operations.

Lorne SES unit controller Phil Walsh said volunteering was a rewarding way of helping the community.

“We have a fantastic unit, based at 40 Smith Street, Lorne, which has just undergone a refit and houses some state of the art vehicles and equipment,” he said.

“The Unit is a great place to meet new and interesting characters and we always welcome newcomers. One of the things that makes Lorne Unit so great is the diversity of members. We have people from all walks of life including teachers, tradies, retirees and hospitality. There really is a role for everyone,” he said.

The Unit meet for training every second Thursday at 7.30pm.

If you would like to learn more about becoming a VICSES volunteer, please contact Phil Walsh, unit controller on phone 0414 250 077.