Margaret River State Emergency Service hosting two information nights to muster weekday volunteers

The region’s key emergency response group is on the hunt for more members.

Margaret River’s State Emergency Services group is holding two open nights to attract more residents needed to help the community in times of trouble.

SES manager Petrina Yates said volunteering to help fellow residents during disasters, emergencies and searches was a very rewarding way to give back.

“I joined wanting to give, but never realised how much I would get back,” she said.

Apart from camaraderie with the crew, volunteering work was a great way to find a place in the community and establish long-term friendships, Ms Yates said.

“For me personally, joining the SES when I first moved to town has been an incredibly rewarding experience,” she said.

“It has allowed me to meet new people, make lifelong friends, learn new skills and become a part of this amazing community.

“Some of my most memorable experiences have been deploying to Northampton following cyclone Seroja and to Fitzroy Crossing post-flooding, but every call-out is special and it is an absolute privilege to work with the SES and other agencies to help people on their worst day.”

Deputy manager Tori Jurilj told the Times her SES role provided a sense of purpose and allowed her “to give back to the community”.

Other volunteers echoed similar sentiments.

They told the Times SES training and teamwork carried over into other areas of their life.

Some members even said volunteering helped keep them fit, and the focus they found in emergency work applied to their day jobs and family life too.

“It gives me the opportunity to learn new skills which I can use in volunteering and everyday life,” member Arlo Liddon said.

Ms Yates said new members were particularly needed for weekday volunteering.

However, SES had a number of roles including logistics and support work.

The first open night will be held this Monday, February 3, at the SES headquarters on Clarke Road from 7.15pm, with a second information night on February 10.

Attendees are asked to wear long pants and covered shoes.