WEDNESDAY, May 22 is Wear Orange Wednesday (WOW), a National Day of Thanks dedicated to emergency service volunteers across the country and this year the San Remo SES volunteers are recognising the crucial role of their employees and their families in supporting each SES member, and the impact that their support has on their ability to serve the community effectively.
Unit Controller of San Remo SES, Mandy Chancellor highlighted the challenges faced by volunteers and the importance of employees and families recognizing and supporting their efforts.
Mandy values the obstacle there is with some employers, particularly small businesses to allow their employees to take the time out of their paid positions to volunteer in their community. She also recognises the commitment from the family for supporting their loved ones in their volunteer roles – backing their decision in turning out to a job or taking the time for training.
“I value the families that are mindful of the situations that SES volunteers are facing. Simply by asking after a job – How are you? How did you go? Is everything okay. This support allows us to do what we do,” said Mandy.
Working for Victoria Police, Mandy recognised that her position is unique. “They are fantastic in supporting my role with SES and I have a strong working relationship,” she said.
“This is a week where we as SES volunteers can actually say to our families and to our employers - you’re not invisible to us and we appreciate you.”
The dedication and commitment of volunteers is what WOW day and National Volunteer Week is all about and this year the volunteers are saying thank you – thank you for the flexibility in work, personal lives, and life as an emergency services volunteer.
Julia Munro, Bri Reid Deputy Controller of Phillip Island SES, Justin Thomson, and Lil Crump met with Bass Coast Shire Mayor Clare Le Serve to thank the shire for their flexibility and ongoing support, whilst Deputy Controller of San Remo SES, Elise Biggs thanked her husband, Frank.
This nationwide recognition underscores the importance of teamwork and collaboration in ensuring the safety and well-being of all members of the community, and as emergency service volunteers the SES members each say, ‘thank you’.
To become a member of the San Remo SES unit, visit the station at 14 Davis Point Road, San Remo.
