And highlighting the region's dedication and selflessness SES north east region has actually trained 280 new volunteers since last year's lockdown first began.
Assistant chief officer and regional manager for the north-east region Keith O'Brien said COVID-19 restrictions had affected SES’ work, but the dedication of volunteers had meant it had been as efficient and well-run as ever.
“Since the start of the first lockdown last year a lot of our training has had to be very flexible,” Mr O'Brien said.
“We've had a number of cancelled or rescheduling training courses and an increase in the number of theory session online.
“And when we can, we get out to do the practical part of it ,which is a really key part of what we do.
“We've had to comply with QR codes and masks, as is the case now.
“And our volunteers have been really supportive doing those things to not only protect themselves and their family, but to also protect their communities with that extra preparedness.”
Mr O'Brien said the type of person who volunteered for SES was someone who wanted to look after their local communities in times of need.
“We had a lot of interest following the fires of 2020, but with the storms and floods we've seen across the state, people have come out of the community to help and we thank them,” he said.
“And not just them but also their families for allowing them to get out and help, and their employers for giving them time off to help.”
Mr O'Brien said part of being an SES volunteer was the camaraderie that came from working with like-minded people.
“What has put a strain on our members is that they are used to catching up with other members when we do training, and after training,” he said.
“It's not all work, there's a social side to it as well.
“So not being able to meet face to face as often as normal has made it difficult for some of our members.
“But in the main I think everyone has tried to do their best for their communities and I've been surprised by how flexible some of our older members have been in terms of keeping in touch online.”
Mr O'Brien said SES was always on the lookout for new volunteers and highlighted that it was not all frontline work.
“We are looking for new members, not just in the operation roles, but we also have regional headquarters support in Benalla that look for volunteers that might not necessarily be keen to jump on trucks and use chainsaws,” he said.
“We also need volunteers who might have administration skills, or who have worked in logistics and have an interest in mapping and intelligence.
“Its not all about out being on a truck there are lots of other roles we can accommodate as well.”
● If you are interested in volunteering with VicSES, visit ses.vic.gov.au and click join.
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