Ranges
Volunteers speak
5 Tuesday, 21 March, 2017
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Early cash splash bottom bays for our vehicles.” Mr Evans said storage of vehicles used for training exercises had proven particularly problematic. “We’re having to get rid of the cars as quickly as they arrive, because we can’t just leave them there as a wreck sitting around,” he said. “People have broken into compound before and stolen wheels and other bits and pieces. “It’s very open, people can get in.” Mr Evans said the facilities proved to be a logistical nightmare last year during the 9 October windstorm, an event in which the unit attended about 500 callouts. This period boosted the unit to an incredible 1444 call-outs last year, which ranked them first in Victoria for attendances. Mr Battin hoped improved facilities would help them attract and keep female volunteers. “You had a group of females start and didn’t stay on mostly because of the facilities,” he said. “We always want more women in these services, it’s good for the service, but how do you do that here.” Meanwhile, Mr Merlino told the ‘Mail’ last month the Emerald Unit did have the support of the Andrews Government. “The volunteers in Emerald are doing a fantastic job protecting the Dandenongs, and I’ve met with them personally numerous times to talk about their needs,” he said. “The government is right behind them, and I can assure you we are working with the Victorian State Emergency Service to develop sustainable funding arrangements for all operations and facilities.”
Hats off to dance fund-raiser Students from Mount Dandenong and Ferny Creek primary schools enjoyed a good old-fashioned Mountain Bush Dance on Saturday 18 March. The two schools share a unique relationship, with many local families straddled between the two. This is why they combined to hold the dance, which is a major fund-raiser for both schools. A total of 270 were in attendance, with over $2000 raised. Pictured, from left, are Alistair (Mount Dandenong), Jack Picture: ROB CAREW (Ferny Creek), Gwendolyn (Mount Dandenong) and Beatrix. 166132
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Gembrook MP Brad Battin’s 2018 election campaign has started early, promising $1.8 million to upgrade the Emerald SES Unit’s headquarters. Addressing volunteers at the site on Friday 17 March, Mr Battin said it was time to shore up the unit’s future and deliver a muchneeded facility upgrade. He encouraged incumbent Emergency Services Minister James Merlino and Premier Daniel Andrews, to match the announcement in the upcoming State Budget. The plight of volunteers operating out of sub-standard facilities has been well-documented, particularly after crews were pushed to breaking point during the October wind storms last year. The funding pledge is the first announcement before Mr Battin’s campaign and one which he said was his top priority. “The Emerald SES is one of the busiest units in Victoria,” he said. “Last year alone, they attended 7 per cent of all priority calls in the state. “Enough is enough, Daniel Andrews and James Merlino must deliver the funding in this year’s State Budget.” Mr Battin said volunteers deserved better facilities. Emerald SES Unit’s Jackson Evans was among the volunteers who welcomed the announcement, saying new facilities would help to improve response times and training. “We’re getting copious amounts of people coming in, but we haven’t got the resources or the facilities to train these people or even house them,” he said. “We just need, with our space, possibly a two-storey building ...
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