By Matthew Sims
The Pakenham State Emergency Service (SES) volunteer emergency response unit has received another boost towards its fundraising effort for $150,000 by the end of the year for a new general rescue truck, receiving a $10,000 grant from the Community Bank Beaconsfield District Branch.
With the unit’s current general rescue truck set to be decommissioned in 2025, the acquisition of a new one would allow the unit to continue to deliver a number of types of emergency aid to Cardinia and surrounding areas every day of the year and 24/7, including storm and flood management and road crash rescues.
The unit visited the Beaconsfield branch on Wednesday 22 May to thank the branch members for their generosity, coinciding with Wear Orange Wednesday, which was a national day of thanks to celebrate the thousands of VICSES volunteers.
Unit controller Hassan Fahd said they were grateful to the Beaconsfield branch for the support.
“A local business showing support in this way means a lot to our volunteers who put their time in,” he said.
“We look forward to building a strong partnership with the branch.”
Community Bank Beaconsfield District Chairman Graeme Taylor said the SES unit’s goal to help, protect and educate local communities aligned with the branch’s own goals.
“We are pleased to support our local SES volunteers, with a grant that helps them continue to do what they do best, respond to the needs of our community quickly and effectively,” he said.
Spanning across Cardinia, the Pakenham service area has continued to grow in need, with a population of more than 123,000 living in 45,535 dwellings, covering 1281 square kilometres, but only 65 volunteers within the unit able to respond.
Predictions have estimated the population growth in Cardinia would increase by 108 per cent by 2030, placing increased pressure on local VICSES units to respond effectively to the local community and continue to assist Victoria Police, Ambulance Victoria and fire services throughout the state.
In the last 12 months, VICSES volunteers have responded to more than 33,000 emergency requests for assistance across Victoria.
Community Bank Beaconsfield Branch Manager Josie Marie said banking with Community Bank branches allowed for locals to give back to their communities, with branches giving up to 80 per cent of profits back to the community.
“You may not think who you bank with matters but it does,” she said.
“Every day, our customers help change lives and save lives simply by banking with us.
“Their banking enabled us to support the VICSES Pakenham with a grant to help fund the purchase of a new emergency response vehicle.”
To donate towards the cause, visit www.givenow.com.au/vicses_pakenham or for more information about how to volunteer, visit www.ses.vic.gov.au/join-us/volunteer
