SES volunteers on message

SES volunteers on message

Published: 03/07/2017

SBS journalist Luke Waters and former SBS and ABC journalist Caroline Davey shared their expertise with nine SES volunteers from Gisborne, Marong, Yackandandah, Emerald and Wodonga Units at the Wodonga Unit Saturday 1 July 2017.

This important media training will ensure volunteers can confidently share crucial safety messages with the Victorian public.

With over 5,000 volunteers supported by 206 staff, the Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) is responsible for flood, storm, earthquake, tsunami and landslide emergencies. VICSES is also the largest provider of road rescue in the state, and supports other emergency services such as Ambulance Victoria, Victoria Police, and the Country Fire Authority (CFA).

“In a dynamic media environment it’s important for volunteers to understand the media process,” said Waters, who has nearly 20 years media and journalism experience. “Preparing and delivering clear messages is particularly important in the context of safety and emergency services.”

“The community is highly engaged with social media,” he said. “Now, more than ever, volunteers need to understand how to get timely, relevant messages out to people so people know what to do if and when an emergency strikes.”

Sharing information before, during and after an emergency is critical for communities to recover quickly and effectively following a crisis.

“Our volunteers are ready to respond 365 days a year, 7 days a week, 24 hours a day,” said Simon Kinniburgh, VICSES Media Officer. “Media training is essential to their role.”

Our volunteers educate the community about emergency preparation. That can be a school visit, running a stall at a community fete or sharing important flood information with businesses and community organisations. They are also called upon to share vital information during an incident. Find out more via SES Media or call 1300 783 933 between the hours of 6am and 10pm, seven days a week.

Quick Links