By Derek Schlennstedt
Orange is the new black, and there’s no better time than the now to embrace the vibrant colour by joining the Victoria State Emergency Service’s (SES) Healesville Unit.
Healesville SES is recruiting new members to help keep the community safe, and Healesville SES deputy controller Monica Hayes encourages people from all walks of life to join.
“There are jobs for volunteers of all backgrounds: men, women, tradespeople, professionals, mums, dads, retirees, tertiary students, and more,” she said.
The unit is also encouraging women to join and over 32 per cent of the Healesville SES unit members are women.
Deputy controller Monica Hayes says there is a large range of roles that women can choose from.
“Women can choose from a huge range of exciting roles from working the chainsaw, to road crash rescue to communications, or fund-raising and community education,” deputy controller Monica Hayes said.
The unit covers areas surrounding Yarra Glen, Chum Creek, Badger Creek, Toolangi and Steels Creek, and as well as responding to emergencies, SES volunteers will also engage with the community to help them prepare for disasters.
Volunteers receive accredited, recognised training as part of their role, which may include rescue skills, first aid, chainsaw operations, finance, navigation, or securing a roof in a storm, and also help assist other emergency agencies at incidents such as searches and rescues.
Maria Lastra, an active member of the Healesville Unit, as well as being section leader and duty officer says the SES offers so many great opportunities for people to help the community, adding that it’s a welcoming environment for everyone.
“It’s certainly not gender-biased, it’s exciting, you learn so many new skills, and it really boosts your confidence.”
“You don’t have to go out and do the physical work if you don’t want; everyone works within their own capabilities, and you get to choose what it is that you want to do,” Maria said.
“The more of everyone that can get involved the better, every age group, young and old … and for women, there are so many roles that they can fill, and of course you get to support the town.”
Maria, who has been with the Healesville SES for four years, says that giving back to the community and helping local towns and residents in times of need is rewarding of itself and that even after the work has been completed it is a job that just keeps on giving.
“Seeing our effect years later, it’s not just a one-time thing, you see the result it has on people, whether it’s removing a fallen tree or helping at an accident scene, people are so grateful.”
Maria encourages people who may have questions or queries to come along to the Healesville SES Monday meeting and training sessions located on Argoon Road.
“I encourage people to come along if there contemplating or thinking about it, or have any questions.
“Monday night is open to everyone to have a sit and meet everyone, you can see the formal meeting take place and get a better understanding about what we do.”
If you would like to learn more about becoming a SES volunteer, contact Monica Hayes, deputy controller Administration on 0417 904 862
