Melbourne Water, the Country Fire Authority (CFA) and the Victoria State Emergency Service (VIC SES) have celebrated the hard work and dedication of their volunteers to mark National Volunteer Week this week (16-22 May).
Team Leader, Education and Capacity Building at Melbourne Water, Yvonne Cabuang said this year’s theme of Better Together encapsulated the role of its citizen scientists.
“Who are of all ages, and help us better track the health of our waterways through a number of different programs,” Ms Cabuang said.
“The enthusiasm of our volunteers is as strong as ever,” she said.
“They care about our environment and enjoy connecting with others with a shared vision to do their bit, no matter how big or small, to protect it now and for generations to come.”
Ms Cabuang said the data collected by Melbourne Water’s citizen scientists contributed to scientific research, management planning and on-ground actions that improved the health of rivers, creeks and wetlands.
CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan highlighted the selflessness of the Authority’s 54,000 volunteers.
“Our members selflessly provide assistance to community members across the state, taking time away from their families, friends and workplaces, to help others,” CO Heffernan said.
“Our volunteers come from all walks off life; they are tradies, lawyers, nurses, chefs and farmers – just to name a few.
He said the diversity of skills and expertise that CFA volunteers brought to their roles boosted their brigades and the organisation, “for which we are very grateful.”
VICSES marked the week with its annual Wear Orange Wednesday (WOW) Day (18 May), encouraging the public to dress in orange to show thanks for the invaluable contribution that SES volunteers made to local communities.
“During the busiest year in VICSES history, our volunteers supported local communities throughout the State, during flood, storm, landslide, road rescue, searches, and rescue events,” VICSES said.
It said that in the past year, its volunteers responded to over 46,000 requests for assistance, including 35,636 requests for storm assistance; 3,657 flood responses; 1,156 road rescues; and 2,998 requests to assist partner emergency service agencies.
