The Melton State Emergency Service is inviting the community to its SES headquarters next Saturday.
The open day will give the public a chance to find out about the Melton unit and provide insights into becoming volunteers, Melton SES controller Nicolas Gargalakos says.
“It’s just about public awareness of what the SES does and a [chance] for people to have a look around at all the equipment and the vehicles,” Mr Gargalakos said.
“We’re just opening up a new shed, so we’ll be showing that off as well.”
Mr Gargalakos, a public servant, has been volunteering with the SES for eight years and says he’s enjoyed giving back to the community.
“I started doing it as a hobby,” he said.
“I was looking to be able to contribute in some way to the community and to give something back and this was a great avenue.”
Mr Gargalakos said the most rewarding part about volunteering with the SES was helping out during major disasters, such as the Black Saturday fires, or finding someone alive after a ‘search and rescue’.
The Melton SES unit “looks after” storm and flood damage, undertakes search and rescue operations, assists police in the municipality and responds in other areas if needed.
Mr Gargalakos encouraged people who were willing to get their hands dirty, could commit spare time and enjoyed helping others to don the orange suit.
More information
The open day is from 10am-2pm on April 11, at 90-92 High Street. Call 9746 0519 for details.
