Victoria’s SES marks 50 years of dedicated service

THE Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) has reached a major milestone and is celebrating five decades of providing critical emergency assistance across the state.

The Civil Defence organisation evolved into the SES in 1975, now backed by thousands of volunteers, VICSES play a lead role in managing floods, storms and rescues while assisting other emergency services.

“From storms to floods road crash rescues to building community resilience, education and better public safety outcomes, our volunteers have been unwavering in their commitment to protecting Victorian lives,” VICSES interim chief executive officer Kate White said.

“As we celebrate our proud history, we also look to the future – in which we continue to grow, adapt and serve with the same passion that has defined VICSES for half a century.”

Geelong unit volunteer Marion Petersen has been with VICSES since 2007, starting in the Footscray Unit before moving to Geelong.

Since joining the organisation, Ms Petersen has experienced several changes, and highlighted the roles women now had within the SES.

“The most notable thing is there is becoming more women, it was very much a blokes thing and now we’re seeing more women join than previously and I’ve really noticed that,” she said.

“Not only the growth in the number of women joining but in the roles that women are filling in the SES [such as] being unit controllers, that’s been a pretty big change.”

 

Equipment has also changed throughout Ms Petersen’s time as a volunteer, seeing the introduction of battery-operated machinery including chainsaws, stretchers that can split in half for easy transport and improvements in communications.

In the past year, VICSES have responded to 40,000 requests for assistance and units, including Geelong, are needing more volunteers.

Ms Petersen said people should consider volunteering if they’re looking for an opportunity to develop their existing skill set or gain new skills.

“It’s about giving back to your community in a practical way.

“It is going to cost you, cost you your time, leisure time and time doing things for yourself, but you’re going to be doing something practical to help others.”

Ms Peterson encourages anyone considering volunteering to head along to the information night on March 19 at 7pm at 4 Wood Street, South Geelong and registering their interest at ses.vic.gov.au