Female volunteers build peninsula presence with networking event

Female first responders and emergency service providers from across the Mornington Peninsula have strengthened their connection, as part of an emergency services networking initiative led and hosted by Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) Hastings Unit.

Held for the first time in late-August, the initiative saw peninsula-based female representatives from the Country Fire Authority, Volunteer Marine Rescue and Search and Rescue Dogs Australia (SARDA) come together with volunteers from the VICSES Hastings, Sorrento and Frankston Unit to further bolster relationships in the field.

More than 30 women from across the peninsula turned out in support of the inaugural event, which provided an outlet for volunteers to share a wide array of operational experience with members in a relaxed setting, building camaraderie in the process.

The event also allowed volunteers to gain an improved understanding of the roles of different partner agencies at an emergency, with a number of SARDA’s search and rescue dogs also in attendance at the event.

Led by VICSES Hastings Unit members Silvana Hobley and Liz Salvatore, Hastings Unit volunteers supported the event with an array of home-cooked foods to cater the event, while each attendee received a personalised keyring crafted by Hastings Unit Controller Dutchy Holland, acknowledging their volunteer organisation.

A social media presence has since been established to allow female emergency first responders in the local area a forum to continue to network, share ideas and collaborate.

Volunteers were also encouraged to spread further awareness of the networking opportunity within their own organisations, with plans for a similar event to be held in-person on an annual basis at different venues throughout the peninsula.

VICSES Hastings Unit was Victoria’s fifth busiest VICSES unit during the recent statewide storm events, with local volunteers attending almost 300 requests for assistance (RFAs) between August 25 and September 5.

VICSES Frankston Unit (almost 400 RFAs) and VICSES Sorrento Unit (more than 200 RFAs) were also among the 15 busiest units in the state during this period, often turning out alongside emergency service partner agencies.

Quotes attributable to Silvana Hobley, VICSES Hastings Unit Volunteer:

“It was wonderful to see so many members at different stages of their volunteering life sharing their experiences with the group.

“It’s really nice getting to know each other, and we’ll now recognise some familiar faces when we respond to emergencies throughout the Mornington Peninsula.

“The support we received was really heart-warming, and we’re looking forward to getting together to continue to build these relationships.”