Birthday marks a frantic year

By Rebecca Fraser
NARRE Warren SES has certainly had one busy year.
Today marks one year since the unit became operational and in that time it has responded to 266 call outs within the Casey community specialising in storm damage and flooding, and search and rescue work.
Since last June the unit has notched up more than 3000 man hours and Narre Warren SES media officer Kanny Lee said in that time the unit had responded to approximately 50 floods, seven rescues, 65 building type emergencies and 110 fallen trees.
The 24-hour volunteer service has also assisted police on 10 occasions and completed two animal rescues, including a very memorable incident when a native bird became caught in the flue of a local home.
Ms Lee said all 25 unit members found being involved in the SES an extremely rewarding experience and their busy year highlighted the need for their service in the Casey community.
“Being able to help people is the best and most rewarding aspect of being involved in the SES. We are all here for the same reason and we all enjoy assisting people and helping those in need to get back along their way,” Ms Lee said.
She said the unit had been frantically fundraising for new equipment.
She said all members could cook a ‘mean’ sausage as they had held countless sausage sizzles to raise funds as well as many can shakes.
Most recently, the unit assisted with marshalling cars at the opening of the Australian Garden at the Cranbourne Botanic Gardens and received a donation for their services.
The Narre Warren SES was recently awarded the Innovation Award as the City of Casey’s annual Community Awards evening and Ms Lee said the unit was thrilled to be acknowledged. The unit is currently looking for new volunteers and anyone interested can email narrewarren@ses.vic.gov.au.