Sunbury SES is calling for more volunteers to get on board as the unit prepares to undergo its “biggest shift” in 40 years.
From December, Sunbury SES will send two rescue response vehicles to every call-out, each containing at least two qualified crew members.
The unit will be required to deploy both vehicles within eights minutes of being notified of incidents, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, according to new Emergency Management Victoria regulations.
Unit controller Anthony White said the change was “the biggest shift” in the provision of rescue services to the Sunbury community in the unit’s history.
He said the two-vehicle requirement essentially doubled the number of crews and vehicles needed. He is urging locals to consider becoming daytime volunteers.
“Sunbury SES is very confident that we can meet this new challenge,” Mr White said.
“However, to ensure that we maintain the highest standards, we are calling out to those in our community who may have time to give during the day to consider joining Sunbury SES.”
He has called on retirees, stay-at-home parents, shift workers, self-employed people and students to help bolster the unit’s crews.
“People of all ages, abilities and skills are welcome,” Mr White said. “We have members today, who thought they were ‘too old’ or ‘too unskilled’ when they joined, making a valuable and important contribution to the unit.”
An information night will be held on Wednesday, October 25, from 7pm at
21 McDougal Road, Sunbury.
Details: 0419 616 619
