Female Unit Controllers leave their mark on local history

Female leaders at units throughout the state are continuing to make their mark on the culture of Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES).

For new Unit Controllers Emily Hooke (VICSES Maryborough Unit) and Brooke Bird (VICSES Frankston Unit), the recent ascension to their local unit’s top job is one for the history books, marking the first time a female has held the position at either unit.

Both units, however, have a long history of female involvement, with VICSES Maryborough Unit boasting a near-even spread of male and female volunteers, while 75 per cent of VICSES Frankston Unit’s current command structure is female.

For Emily, her rise through the ranks was the result of persistent encouragement from within the unit, with fellow volunteers imploring her to pursue leadership pathways which would capitalise on her natural knack for command.

As the eldest of three children, Emily felt she always had the ability to be a “mother duck”, but, after joining Life Saving Victoria’s ‘Ready to Lead’ program, gained an improved understanding of her own leadership capabilities and how best to glean from her array of VICSES mentors.

Emily attributes much of her recent growth within VICSES to her “Personal Board of Directors”, which includes former Maryborough Unit Controller Darren Cooper, current VICSES Fawkner Unit Controller Goldie Pergl, and outgoing Wedderburn Controller Mike Bagnall.

These relationships have also assisted Emily in seamlessly taking on her own role as Unit Controller, and lay the foundation for the unit command to strengthen its connection to nearby VICSES units and other emergency service partners.

Emily has also set her sights on making VICSES Maryborough Unit more accessible for junior-age volunteers, as well as building the unit’s skilled membership base in the short term.

In Melbourne’s southeast, Brooke had always wanted to give back to her community in whichever way she could.

Her decision to join VICSES Frankston Unit was made more than 14 years ago, piqued by a desire to begin donating her time rather than purely monetarily.

Under the guidance of long-time VICSES Frankston Unit Controller Brian McMannis, Brooke gradually took on more and more responsibility within the near 60-year-old local unit, working to further develop the units’ training focus and build member capability.

Now the main face of a unit which boasts a membership already more than 50 per cent female, Brooke hopes her management approach will make VICSES Frankston Unit even more accessible to local women.

Having commenced her initial two-year stint as Unit Controller last month in the wake of an extended period as Acting Unit Controller, Brooke aims to further strengthen Frankston as a sustainable unit, with an eye to growing the unit’s leadership focus and building engagement with the community over the coming years.

Aided by an experienced network of fellow VICSES volunteers and staff, Brooke also plans to maintain Frankston’s exemplary service record, which has seen the unit respond to almost 1000 requests for assistance (RFAs) in the last 12 months.

A fantastic effort by both women, who each lead with a desire to give back to their community.

To learn more about volunteering with VICSES, visit www.ses.vic.gov.au/join-us.

Quotes attributable to Brooke Bird, VICSES Frankston Unit Controller

“The support I’ve received from the wider VICSES community in taking over as Unit Controller has been fantastic, and something I really appreciate as I continue to develop in the role.

“It’s a really exciting time to be involved with VICSES Frankston Unit, and as volunteers we’re all excited to continue to turn out in support of our communities.”

Quotes attributable to Emily Hooke, VICSES Maryborough Unit Controller

“Walking down the street and having people recognise me as the VICSES Maryborough Unit Controller is amazing, it’s fantastic to be identified as not just a leader in the community, but as a female leader.

“We take gender out of it as much as we can – if you can pick up and use a tool to serve your community, then that’s what matters.

“I’m so appreciative of the support I have received so far, and look forward to repaying that faith over the coming years.”