VICSES Wedderburn Unit volunteers bring unit back to community

Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) Wedderburn Unit volunteers are excited to begin serving their community, months after a member shortage which threatened the unit’s future late last year.

A recruitment campaign which accompanied a town meeting proved a major success, with a new cohort of volunteers joining a handful of existing members in their quest to bring the unit back online.

At an official ceremony held earlier this week, volunteer Michael George was named VICSES Wedderburn Unit’s newest Controller, months after joining the service alongside a group of local residents eager to preserve VICSES’ strong presence throughout the Loddon Region.

This presence has also been strengthened by the return of a Medium Rescue Truck to the unit last month, bolstering the unit’s fleet and allowing for the efficient transport of life-saving equipment throughout the local response area.

As part of their training progression, volunteers recently completed their Crew Member Level 2 and chainsaw qualifications and will now progress to undertake their Road Crash Rescue accreditation.

This vital training will drastically improve the ability of VICSES Wedderburn Unit members to support the Loddon community, which has been ably managed by the surrounding VICSES St Arnaud, Marong and Wycheproof Unit volunteers in recent months.

Buoyed by a cohort of fresh faces eager to give back to the community, the VICSES Wedderburn Unit has also received significant support from former Unit Controller Mike Bagnall, who has mentored new Controller Michael in the leadership role and will remain a key support to the unit going forward.

Despite the influx of volunteers, additional members are still required in a range of roles to bolster the unit’s long-term capacity.

Volunteers can assist in both operational and unit support roles, and have the opportunity to learn a range of valuable skills throughout their affiliation with VICSES.

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

Quotes attributable to Michael George, VICSES Wedderburn Unit Controller.

“Our volunteers are eager to bring the VICSES Wedderburn Unit back online and have been training hard in recent months to develop vital skills and camaraderie which will assist them in responding to emergencies.

“Our unit has received so much support from our community, and we’re looking forward to repaying that generosity as we return to full capacity.”

Quotes attributable to Rebecca McDonald, VICSES Operations Officer – Emergency Management, Loddon Region.

“Now is an exciting time for the VICSES Wedderburn Unit, whose new cohort of volunteers have shown a willingness and desire to support their community in times of emergency.

“We’re looking forward to continuing to work with the unit to ensure a smooth return to full operations.”