A Crew Member is the first role our volunteers undertake following their induction. Participating in emergency response operations resulting from storms and other severe weather events is done through a combination of formal training, on the job experience and effective teamwork

Following initial induction and training, volunteers respond to the following key tasks:

• Manual handling such as filling, loading, unloading and placement of sandbags.
• Temporary repairs to homes and buildings from storm, wind, flood damage and natural disasters. 
• Clearing of fallen trees on roads and buildings from storm, winds, and natural disasters.
• Traffic control under the direction of emergency services personal. 
• Engaging with the community.
• Liaising with other emergency services personnel. 

What you will love about this role:

• Being part of a team that works together to complete a task.
• Being one of the first on scene during a severe weather event.
• The rewarding feeling of assisting your community in their time of need.
• Helping your community to prepare for a severe weather event and reduce the consequences. 

Advised Fitness Level: 2-3 out of 5

To be active in responding to storms, every qualified volunteer needs to possess the physical capability to: 

• Lift and carry various items, including tools and sandbags, between a vehicle and where they will be used.
• Participate in a stretcher carry.
• Be physically capable to: 
  • Climb a ladder. 
  • Clear logs, branches, and other debris at an incident.
  • Haul equipment at an incident, including onto, or off, a damaged roof.
  • Participate in search activities on flat or mildly undulating areas. 
• Carry, hold, and use tools, including chainsaws.

Read more about our Minimum Physical Fitness for Role Program here.

Units requiring this capability

All units require this role to support their communities. 

For more information about becoming a volunteer and to explore a wide range of training and other opportunities available to you, click on ‘Become a volunteer’ below and complete your details on the ‘Enquire about Volunteering’ section. 

An email will be sent to you with further information and a link to complete an Expression of Interest form. Your selected VICSES unit headquarters that are near to you will then be in contact with you within a few weeks.

Hear what our volunteers say about their experience with VICSES. 

If you are interested in developing new skills, forming new friendships, and contributing positively to the community, take the journey with us now. You will also be provided with nationally accredited competency-based training to ensure you are skilled and capable to perform your role.