Safety unit bags award

By Lia Bichel
THEY are a group of volunteers helping people affected by wild weather and educating the community about safety.
The Narre Warren Unit of the Victorian State Emergency Service (SES) received the Casey Volunteer Organisation Award last week.
Narre Warren SES Unit controller Tim Howell said the members were very honoured and humbled to be given the award.
Formed in May 2005, the Narre Warren Unit of the SES has grown into a highly capable unit, comprising 27 operational members and seven administrative members who are all volunteers.
They respond to numerous emergencies in and outside of Casey. Over the past 12 months the group has attended 1145 calls for assistance, 686 of them were within a 48-period during the recent floods in February.
“Since we began six years ago, we have been receiving more and more jobs,” Mr Howell said.
“They include everything from floods, storm damage and helping out in other areas wherever we are required.”
Mr Howell said the Narre Warren unit undertook many activities in the community in addition to emergency response, including educational campaigns with local schools and community groups.
They are currently preparing a flood plan for Casey residents to help prepare themselves for heavy rain fall and storms.
Mr Howell said the unit was recruiting new members and looked forward to building on the unit to keep pace with the City of Casey rapid population growth.