Most people use their gap year to travel around the world. Priya Serrao is using hers to make the world a better place.
The Sydenham 22-year-old signed up with the Brimbank State Emergency Service (SES) at the end of last year and hasn’t looked back.
Ms Serrao, who last year studied international studies and politics, decided to take a gap year and, on the recommendation of friends who were SES members, put her hand up to join.
She had to learn the basics of general rescue and tending to building structures in a 10-week program before becoming a bona-fide member earlier this year.
“I’m really, really liking it,” she said.
“Every- one gets along really well, which makes it easier to come in to training every week and show up to call-outs. It’s quite rigorous, and our unit takes a lot of pride in how well we’re organised.
”I think women don’t tend to venture out to these kind of organisations, but I think they shouldn’t be so hesitant. The commitment isn’t as much as people would think either.”
Brimbank SES operates three teams with each team working three days on, six days off.
So far, Ms Serrao has attended call-outs for building damage, including a car that drove through a residential garage in St Albans, and fallen trees.
Two weeks ago she was posted to Mulgrave and Narre Warren to help SES units inundated with storm call-outs.
Brimbank SES needs more members; call 9336 2984.
