New SES leader in search of volunteers ahead of busy Lorne summer

LORNE’S Special Emergency Services (SES) unit controller says the unit is in need of more volunteers as the town prepares for an influx of visitors in the coming months.

Unit controller Chris Jones says the town of Lorne is gearing up for another bumper summer period with the population expected to increase ten-fold.

“Right now we’re actively trying to inform our residents at the moment to be prepared, knowing what the SES is responsible for, and knowing when to call us,” Mr Jones said.

“The months looking forward will become increasingly busy and most recently we’ve had a lot of average weather, things like wind gusts, storms, downed trees.

“What we want prospective volunteers to know is this is a year-round role, and with Lorne set to boom from 1,200 people to over 20,000 in the blink of an eye, we need as many hands as possible.”

 

 

SES volunteers in Lorne can take on a variety of tasks, such as landslides, road traffic control on the Great Ocean Road, search and rescues, high angle rescues, and house callouts.

Mr Jones was appointed the leader of Lorne’s SES team in July taking over from previous unit controller Geoffrey Bird with the immediate aim of enhancing the unit’s visibility.

Mr Jones has resided in Lorne for over 27 years and is enormously proud of his ability to give back to the town.

“I’ve only been in the SES for two years, but I’ve been a part of lifesaving clubs for over 24 years so I’m no stranger to community-first organisations,” Mr Jones said.

“We currently have 14 volunteers and each one of them has a similar mindset, background, and want to assist the residents of Lorne.

“It feels like a community within the community, there’s a really good bunch of people within our unit and I’ve been part of several organisations.

“New recruits will receive an abundance of hands-on training once they join.”

For more information on volunteering roles, email Mr Jones at [email protected] or call him on 0425 753 402.