THE Port Fairy SES unit will use a public display of their resources to raise public awareness of their work in the community.
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This Sunday, the SES is holding its annual display day at Railway Place in Port Fairy, from 12-4pm.
Unit controller Stephen McDowell said it’s important to inform the public about the role the SES has in the community.
“People still don’t fully understand what our role is, it still surprises me that people don’t know what we do,” he said.
“It’s important we inform people on how to call the SES and how we fit into the big picture of emergency management.”
“A lot of people think we go out and fight fires, that’s not really what we do, we do support the CFA but that’s not our primary role, our role is mainly around flood and storm and road rescue.”
Mr McDowell said the display day will also provide an opportunity to recruit more members.
He said the unit has 16 volunteers and is aiming for around 26.
“Anyone who is interested in volunteering will have the opportunity to speak to some of our members,” he said.
The SES is located in Sackville Street opposite the Star of the West Hotel, but in recent years it has been pushing to relocate.
“The site is becoming too small, the unit has started to grow and now it doesn't meet our requirements,” he said.
“During this time of year it’s hard to get in and out.”
The SES would like to move to where the current Ambulance site is on the Princes Highway, when the ambulance relocates to Moyne Health Services.
“We have been in the same building for at least 30 years and now the building isn't viable long term, due to the condition that it is in,” he said.
The display day on Sunday will have on show all vehicles from the Port Fairy SES including the main rescue truck , an all terrain vehicle and a four-wheel-drive ute.
