SES given tools for job

HEALESVILLE, Lilydale and Upper Yarra were among 35 Victoria State Emergency Service volunteer units to receive new equipment last month through a long-standing relationship with AAMI.
Lilydale SES member Peter Crew and Glenys Halls and Belle Catherine, of Upper Yarra SES, were on hand to accept their respective equipment at the Regional Headquarters in Mulgrave.
Mr Crew has been a member for 11 years while Ms Halls and Ms Catherine have volunteered their services for six and four years respectively.
They encouraged fellow residents to join an SES unit to challenge themselves, learn new skills and meet “fantastic” people.
Healesville’s haul included one pole saw, one pole saw storage box, one blower and one marquee.
Victoria SES is the state’s control agency for flood, storm, earthquake and tsunami emergencies, calling on about 5000 volunteers to keep communities safe in times of need.
SES volunteers also work tirelessly to educate and prepare their neighbours for possible hazards and perform accredited training year-round to maintain and enhance their skills.
AAMI has contributed more than $4.5 million to Victoria SES since 2002 and supports SES-related resilience programs and other promotional activity on top of providing equipment.
About 1400 pieces of equipment, including chainsaws, fuel safes, road rescue equipment and flashing traffic beacons, were purchased in total for Victorian SES units this year.
SES chief executive Stephen Griffin said AAMI’s support provided valuable resources for volunteers to complement their work.