THE Mount Gambier branch of the State Emergency Service (SES) is striving to secure more volunteers looking to give something back to the community.
With over 120 volunteers across six units in the South East, district officer Brad Flew said there could never be too many volunteers.
He outlined a number of different opportunities to join designated units in the Mount Gambier team.
“The Mount Gambier unit is the primary road crash rescue response for road crash incidents that occur in Mount Gambier and the surrounding area,” Mr Flew said.
“The unit is also trained to perform vertical and general rescues, storm and flood damage response and assisting South Australian Police with missing persons search.”
Mr Flew said there was also positions for volunteers, who would not enjoy attending these types of incidents.
“We also have an operations support unit based in Mount Gambier which provides incident management support,” he said.
“There are all sorts of roles people can volunteer for and you do not have to sign up and do everything.
“If road crash is not for you that’s ok – you can train up in storm or land search, or if you want to help behind the scenes there is administrative and support roles such as radio operators.”
The Mount Gambier unit trains on Wednesday nights between 7.30pm and 9.30pm and is looking to establish daytime training if there is enough interest.
Mr Flew said volunteers were able to learn invaluable life-skills through the service.
“It can provide numerous benefits including learning hands-on practical skills, free nationally-accredited training, valuable work experience, building new relationships and most importantly connecting with the community,” Mr Flew said.
People thinking about giving it a go can contact the Mount Gambier and District SES or attend an information session at 7pm on August 21.
