Geelong SES volunteer moved by thankful gesture

MARION Petersen from the VICSES Geelong Unit found out recently in East Gippsland that it’s the smaller things in life that make a difference.

Part of a Staging Area Support Taskforce in Orbost during the bushfire crisis, Ms Petersen ferried supplies to the Orbost relief centre, transported people to Cann River, and assisted convoys and emergency distribution.

In uniform and coming home from deployment alongside Nathan Street and Trevor Clutterbuck from the South Barwon Unit, she decided to stop for breakfast in Warragul.

The trio ordered a meal at Frankies when a customer noticed their orange uniforms.

As they ate together, the stranger decided to undertake a small but significant act of kindness and pay for their food and drinks.

Ms Petersen was moved by the gesture – one of many seen by volunteers from the south-west during Victoria’s bushfire crisis.

“I was a bit gobsmacked when our food was paid for in Warragul. It nearly brought me to tears that people would demonstrate such kindness,” she said.

“It was the same thing when we stopped for fuel and passers-by would say nice things and ask if they could shout us a coffee or an icy pole. It was really heartwarming.”

Alongside her praises for the public, Ms Petersen also shared her gratitude for fellow volunteers at the Orbost Unit, including Allan Smeaton, whose professionalism and dedication in the face of difficult conditions has helped the remaining locals in the area stay calm.

VICSES continues to support emergency services in fire-affected communities in far East Gippsland and the state’s north-east, with volunteers from all over the state putting up their hands for multiple deployment.

Locals in Victoria’s south-west are encouraged to thank their local VICSES members alongside those from the CFA, Forest Fire Management, Victoria Police, Ambulance Victoria and others.