Victorian State Emergency Service currently seeking volunteers

PETER BOTROS

The Victorian State Emergency Service (VICSES) is a volunteer organisation that is responsible for responding to emergencies such as storm, flood, earthquake and other natural disasters. Volunteers are also routinely called upon to assist police and other emergency services.

The Footscray unit, which is one of Victoria’s oldest VICSES units, is holding an information session on Monday August 18th for anyone interested in becoming a volunteer. Footscray is responsible for responding to emergencies throughout the University of Melbourne and across a much larger area, spanning from the Maribyrnong River all the way to Punt Rd.

I have been a volunteer member at the Footscray unit for over a year and have found it to be a very rewarding experience. Not only are you surrounded by a group of people committed to helping the community, you are also given the chance to learn practical life skills. Volunteers are given the opportunity to undertake training courses in boating, chainsaw operation, 4x4 driving, and first aid just to name a few.

You are also exposed to unique situations, in the past year we have assisted in a variety of ways including rescuing dogs, attending a helicopter crash site, assisting police search for weapons, and cutting up many trees that have been taken down by weather.

If you are interested in learning more about volunteering and becoming part of this invaluable community organisation, email [email protected] and come along to the information session on Monday 18th August.