As calls for assistance continue to rise, the Brimbank State Emergency Service (SES) unit is hoping to secure additional volunteers to help meet the increased demand.
In 2024, the local unit received more than 450 requests for assistance (RFAs) from the community – with calls increasing by nearly 100 RFAs compared to the previous year.
According to SES Brimbank’s Bailey Lambert, without the necessary manpower, the volunteer organisation would struggle to adequately respond to each request.
“Additional volunteers are always welcomed to support the operational capacity of the unit and its volunteer-base, as demand for the unit’s services increases,” he said.
Currently, the local SES crew is supported by 35 volunteers and Mr Lambert hopes to welcome more than 20 new faces to the unit by the end of the year.
The unit is already halfway there, with nine volunteers joining Brimbank SES in February this year and a further 12 expected to come on board during a recruitment drive in June.
“If we can get that many people in, that would be a big and much-needed boost to the unit,” Mr Lambert said.
“More and more people are relying on the SES.
“It’s not just local members of the community with emergency flood or storm incidents requiring assistance, we’re also supporting other emergency services such as Fire Rescue Victoria, Ambulance Victoria, the police and even the Environment Protection Authority.”
Mr Lambert said community members who’re able to do so, should consider becoming part of the organisation.
“Volunteers play a key role in providing emergency assistance 24/7, every day of the year to their communities by responding to emergencies,” he said.
“From support during natural disasters, and providing relief to affected areas, to also running community education programs on safety and preparedness — they do it all.
“Volunteering with us will offer people the opportunity to be part of a passionate team dedicated to helping others and you’ll gain valuable experience, develop new skills, meet new people, and make a meaningful impact in the community.”
