Torquay SES celebrates another year

THE Victoria State Emergency Service Torquay Unit has celebrated the efforts of its volunteers at the unit’s annual dinner.

The VICSES Torquay Unit volunteers and their partners celebrated the ongoing efforts given by all 31 volunteers over the past 12 months with a dinner at Bomboras on Monday August 13.

Operational members John Symington and Mick Belton received a 10-Year Service Award and a second clasp for the National Medal, respectively.

VICSES chief executive officer Stephen Griffin attended the evening, along with South West Volunteer Support Officer Jeff Webb.

Other key community partners of the VICSES Torquay Unit who attended the night included, members from the Torquay CFA, Rotary, Torquay Hire and Life Members – Graeme Jackman, Gary Loan and Mike Jolly.

A spokesperson said the evening was a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge the 135 requests for assistance the VICSES Torquay Unit responded to over the past 12 months, the hours of voluntary work that goes on behind the scenes by the Unit Management Team (consisting of unit controller Graham Pocklington, deputy controller of operations Brad Baeck, deputy controller of training Lisa Harris, deputy controller of administration Cara Powers and media liaison officer Rodney Hose) and the support the volunteer’s family members give to enable members to leave their family at the drop of a hat to go and help the community in need.

The VICSES Torquay Unit are looking to recruit soon. To register your interest, email [email protected].