A local recruitment drive hopes to encourage residents to don the State Emergency Service’s (SES) famed orange jumpsuit, and support their community through storms, floods, heatwaves, and vehicle accidents.
The Strathalbyn SES will be holding a volunteer recruitment drive at its Murray Street facility on June 22 from 7-8.30pm to provide interested residents with information on the service’s day-to-day operations, and with an opportunity to meet new people, learn new skills, and ask current volunteers questions.
“This information session will highlight what (the) SES does, how we help the community, and how (residents) can be a part of it,” Unit Manager, Andrew Kerslake, said.
“On the night, attendees will hear an overview of what Strathalbyn SES does, including the incidents we attend, area we cover, roles we perform, opportunities within the SES, skills you can learn… the training provided, pathways to specialist skills, and the equipment we use (such as) chainsaws and the ‘jaws of life’.
“(Residents) will also be able to talk to current volunteers about their experiences.”
The recruitment drive follows construction on the brigade’s new state-of-the-art unit on Milnes Road, which Mr Kerslake told The Southern Argus is “well under way”.
As previously reported in The Argus, the incoming Strathalbyn SES base will comprise of contemporary training facilities, and have the capability to operate independently of external utilities for up to 48 hours during extreme weather.
In addition, the 5600sqm will have the capacity to house four emergency service vehicles and up to 60 personnel.
The main operational building and vehicle shed is just over halfway complete, with work on track to be completed by mid-to-late August.
Mr Kerslake encouraged residents to try their hand at volunteering.
“Being a volunteer opens up all sorts of avenues, (including) meeting new people, learning new skills, and helping people in times of need, just to name a few,” he said.
“You will become trained with nationally accredited training that may be transferable to your workplace, such as providing First Aid.
“You can also acquire skills in leadership, rescue techniques, navigation, communications, and chainsaw operations if desired.”
Interested residents aged 18 and over can book a ticket for the event by visiting (www.eventbrite.com.au/e/sases-volunteer-information-session-strathalbyn-ses-tickets-337776517657).
Any queries or questions can be directed to the volunteer recruitment team on 1300 364 587 or by emailing (SESRecruitment@sa.gov.au).