By Gabriella Payne
A dedicated volunteer from the Pakenham SES unit joined forces with a bunch of strong women recently for a hands-on rescue workshop in Torquay, learning many invaluable skills along the way.
Dee Azzopardi, a volunteer with the Pakenham State Emergency Services (VIC SES), gained a lot from the female-focused workshop, where she learnt new techniques and was able to put her rescue skills to the test in a range of exercises.
Ms Azzopardi said that the long drive to Torquay was well worth it, as she had learnt a lot of new skills that she hoped to put into practice back home in Pakenham, to help the community.
“I absolutely loved it!” Ms Azzopardi said.
“This training day has ensured I can assist our crew at Pakenham with road rescues whilst I wait to obtain accreditation.
I can now be a vital part of the crew whilst I’m learning and turning out,” she said.
Female SES volunteers from all across Victoria came together for the workshop, where they were able to display their training in casualty handling, battery lighting, and road rescue techniques.
The women also had the chance to work on a static, resting car and practice the stabilising a rolled vehicle.
Pakenham SES unit controller, Nicole Giles-Ackaoui, said that the ‘women in rescue’ events were a fantastic way of proving just how capable female volunteers were in the force.
“A lot of people think that only men use heavy-duty tools, drive SES trucks, or cut people out of vehicles – but that isn’t true,” Ms Giles-Ackaoui said.
“We have a growing contingent of women in the Pakenham unit and in units across the state that tackle all the hands-on duties.”
Deputy chief officer Alistair Drayton agreed with Ms Giles-Ackaoui and said that he was looking forward to seeing more female SES members rise through the ranks.
“It’s brilliant to see our female leaders continue to showcase their skills through the ‘women in rescue’ event,” Mr Drayton said.
“The initiative started in Sunbury three years ago, and has since expanded across Victoria.
As an agency, VIC SES is committed to being an inclusive organisation.
It is critical that we reflect the communities we serve, and build the confidence and leadership among our women in orange,” he said.
