Volunteers in ‘dark on SES’

WEDDERBURN State Emergency Service volunteers say they have been left hanging after the appointment of a Bendigo-based controller.

They have contacted the Loddon Herald with concerns about the treatment of volunteers.

“We use our initiative at incidents and keep getting pinged (by bureaucracy),” one said this week.

Volunteers said only local unit members had been last Monday’s regular training night.

A statement by current unit controller Will Boyd was sent from SES media last week

“We are working hard with the Wedderburn community to promote rewarding volunteer opportunities with VICSES,” Mr Boyd said.

“As the acting unit controller, my focus is to harness the strengths of existing members and expand the unit’s membership base.

“I’m currently both a VICSES volunteer and staff member, and have been involved in the emergency management sector for over 13 years across a variety of roles, including regional agency commander and trainer.

“Over the coming months, we are keen to attract further Wedderburn and surrounding district community members to volunteer with the unit and will attempt to appoint, train and support a new local unit controller. This volunteer role will be advertised to the community shortly, requesting local expressions of interest.

“Our volunteers perform a diverse set of roles. We are actively working to welcome a broader range of people from the community into the unit.

“The unit is currently home to a medium rescue truck capable of carrying all the necessary specialist equipment for road crash rescue and general response, complemented by two fourwheel drive vehicles to respond to community requests for assistance.

“VICSES regularly rotates its fleet to meet operational requirements and to maximise the useful life of each vehicle. In time, this will see Wedderburn receive a heavy rescue truck.”

Unit volunteers have raised concerns that their response to incidents is being hampered by a vehicle only allowed to carry two people. Some rescue equipment has also had to be removed from the vehicle.

SES confirmed Wedderburn’s light rescue truck can only carry two occupants, as well as any operational equipment and gear.

“As a community focused organisation, it’s imperative we reflect and represent the diverse and varied communities we serve,” the SES said.

Deborah Bogenhuber

Food Next Door

Mildura, The Murray

The spirit of the Murray River is in the food we eat. At Food Next Door, we match migrant farmers to land and create ‘Out of the Box’ fresh produce boxes that supply our local cafes, restaurants and the community.It’s a beautiful cycle that brings everyone together and visitors to Mildura can enjoy our culture of creativity and inclusivity.

WOMEN’S DAY HONOUR Jenny Hosking was last week named the 2023 recipient of the Kooyoora Women’s Network International Women’s Day certificate of recognition.

Jenny, of Bridgewater, was presented with the award by network president Colleen Condliffe in recognition of her contributions to the community through the network, school and bowling club.

Guest speaker at the dinner was Kaye Nankervis who joined Colleen and Jenny (above) after the presentation.

Among more than 60 people at the International Women’s Day dinner were (left) Tricia Currie, Alison Jones and Josie McKinnon.