Christopher Schnieder was recently recognised for more than 10 years of service with the SES, including half that time with the Brimbank unit. Schnieder is also a finalist for the Victorian Young Achiever awards. He chats with Tara Murray about his work in the community.
-You’ve been a member of the Brimbank SES since 2016. What do you love the most about being part of that?
I spent half of my 10-plus years in a country unit in the Wimmera, and the other half at the Brimbank Unit.I have experienced a lot of different call-outs, scenarios, and activities.
That’s a major part of why I love the SES; It has a lot of diversity in what we do, and how we provide a service for, and help the community; and the opportunities we see and experience.
It can be very fast paced. And challenges me to push myself and think outside the box.
-What is the thing you love the most about the Brimbank community?
I moved in with my brother in Taylors Lakes because I had no job and very little money. It was a very daunting move from the country to the city. And Brimbank was very forgiving. The roads weren’t overly busy, and the local suburbs weren’t too difficult to learn. I like to notice all the upgrades and construction of newer buildings and facilities. And always really liked the range of shops conveniently placed in the multiple shopping centres. Particularly Watergardens.
-You’ve attended about 1000 incidents in your time with the SES. What are some of the most memorable?
Probably kitten rescues are a nice story. For a while there, I had a reputation for being one of the best kitten rescuers as we had many in a row over a short period of time. In tight spaces, hard to reach, and poorly lit; I persisted to be able to rescue the kittens without having to cut through wall plaster and cause any damage at all.
-You’ve recently been nominated for a Victorian Young Achiever award for your service to the SES. How does it feel to be recognised like that?
It sounds clichè, but it really is an honour just to be nominated. I’m too modest to think that I might win. Sometimes just a little ‘thankyou’ or acknowledgement for the good work that I try to do makes all the difference.
-How long do you see yourself being part of the SES?
Forever. This isn’t just something I’ve wanted to try, it’s a passion that I’ve always been determined to do since I was very young. As long as I have my health and a certain level of fitness, I could do it forever.
