But Benalla SES needs more locals to join the team.
During National Volunteer Week from May 18 to 24, the Benalla unit is urging locals to consider volunteering.
The unit’s new controller, Garth Matthews, said he had not looked back since joining VICSES a couple of years ago.
“Volunteering for an emergency service really gets in your blood, and the members become like a second family,” he said.
“You learn a wide range of life skills and practical abilities that can be used not only during emergencies, but also in your everyday life.”
Benalla SES responds to a range of emergencies across the district, including storms, floods, fallen trees and road crashes, working alongside Victoria Police, Ambulance Victoria, CFA and other services.
“We provide an important backbone to the local community during emergencies,” Mr Matthews said.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to see the difference we can make on what may be someone’s worst day.”
People like Mr Matthews are integral to the emergency service, with VICSES recording that volunteers make up over 93 per cent of their team state-wide.
“Without volunteers, there would be no VICSES, which would leave a major gap in community emergency response and support,” Mr Matthews said.
The Benalla unit is currently looking for new volunteers from all backgrounds, with both operational and support roles available.
Mr Matthews said volunteers could contribute to as little as a couple of hours a month or several hours each week.
“If you’ve ever thought about joining, I strongly encourage you to come down, meet the team, and see what it’s all about. It could be the start of something very rewarding,” he said.
“We’re usually at the unit from 7pm on Wednesday nights, or you can contact us through our Facebook page to arrange another time to meet.”
15°C