Campaspe VICSES Units lead local recruitment drive

Four Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) units in the state’s northwest will open their doors to the community over the next month, in an effort to bolster their volunteer base through a comprehensive recruitment drive.

VICSES Echuca (22 June), Rushworth (29 June), Rochester (13 July) and Kyabram (27 July) Units will each hold open days in the coming weeks, with volunteers showcasing their equipment and detailing their experiences as volunteers.

In recent years, VICSES has experienced a significant increase in demand for volunteer emergency responders, following large-scale flood, storm, and emergency events throughout the state.

VICSES units in Campaspe Shire have been particularly affected, especially after the October 2022 Floods, with units  providing important emergency support to their communities in extremely challenging conditions.

The recruitment drive will kick-off at Echuca on Saturday from 10am to 2pm, with a series of demonstrations and activities to be carried out by volunteers to detail not only the variety of emergencies VICSES is tasked with responding to, but the skills our volunteers are equipped with to perform their at times, life saving role.

The event will also feature displays from VICSES’ emergency service partner agencies, with the Country Fire Authority , Victoria Police and Ambulance Victoria also to be represented.

‘Paddy the Platypus’ will keep the children entertained with a host of activities, and the local Lions Club will also provide a sausage sizzle throughout to keep attendees fed.

At Rushworth, live music will fill the air throughout the event, which is set to run from 9am to 2pm.

 Volunteers will showcase their extensive training and skills through a live a Road Crash Rescue demonstration, as well as present their approach to good sandbagging techniques for flood-impacted properties, supported by several other community engagement interactive displays.

Partner agencies will also be in attendance on the day, while children will be able to have their face painted and take part in a show bag trail.

On 13 July, Rochester volunteers will demonstrate their tools, equipment, and resources as part of an open day supported by St Johns Ambulance, while detailing their responsibilities as part of the unit.

Running from 10am to 2pm, a barbecue lunch will also be available at the event for prospective volunteers to enjoy, with other family friendly activities available on site.

Rounding out the Campaspe recruitment drive, Kyabram’s event, which runs from 11am to 3pm, will see volunteers complete Road Crash Rescue and casualty handling demonstrations, as well as allow attendees to tour a VICSES Field Operations Vehicle.

Ambulance Victoria and Victoria Police will also host displays at the event, while a firewood raffle and a lucky door prize will be conducted by VICSES volunteers throughout the day.

Popcorn and fairy floss will be available for the children, with lunch also set to be served to attendees on the day.

For more information on volunteering with VICSES, visit www.ses.vic.gov.au/join-us/volunteer.

Open Days

Echuca - 22 June, 290 High Street, Echuca, 3564, 10am to 2pm;

Rushworth – 29 June, 4 Barlow Ave, Rushworth, 3612, 9am to 2pm;

Rochester – 13 July, 5 Victoria Street, Rochester, 3561, 10am to 2pm;

Kyabram – 27 July, 4 Kuhle Court, Kyabram, 3620, 11am to 3pm.