Craigieburn’s State Emergency Service (SES) unit is celebrating the 50th anniversary of serving the community and is encouraging new recruits to join the ranks.
Since its establishment in 1975, the Craigieburn SES has been at the forefront of emergency response, assisting with storms, floods, rescues and road accidents.
As the unit marks its milestone anniversary, members are reflecting on the many years of dedication while looking ahead to the future.
One of the founding members of the Craigieburn SES Kevin O’Callaghan said the unit was proud of its long history but needed more recruits to keep up with the growing demand for emergency services in the area.
“We train people for general rescue, we take them through dealing with windstorm damage, searching for lost people, we teach them how to use radio systems, first aid and four wheel driving,” Mr O’Callaghan said.
“But our primary role up here is road accident rescue.”
He said community involvement was vital, as the unit is entirely run by volunteers.
“When we started in 1981, it was a community response to deaths on the Hume Highway,” he said.
“The nearest road rescue back then was the St John rescue unit in Broadmeadows, so you can imagine it would take quite a while to get up here.
“Led by a couple of people from the CFA, the SES was formed from the community, and ever since, our memberships have always been drawn from communities like Craigieburn, Greenvale, and to a lesser degree Kalkallo.”
Mr O’Callaghan encourages people of all backgrounds to consider joining if they have the time, and the support of their loved ones.
“Gender is basically irrelevant,” he said.
“Its about brain power, so you don’t need someone who is super strong–we encourage everyone to come in and join.”
Inquiries: craigieburn@ses.vic.gov.au or go to www.craigieburnses.com
