ACT State Emergency Services (ACTSES) has announced that its latest recruitment round has attracted a ‘significant number’ of applicants.
According to ACTSES a total of 66 new volunteers had joined the Service, bolstering staffing and volunteer numbers to more than 300.
Announcing the recruitment results, Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Mick Gentlemen said he was constantly impressed by the passion and dedication of all emergency service volunteers in the ACT.
“I’m especially proud that so many Canberrans have stepped forward to volunteer with the ACTSES to help protect our community from storms and floods,” Mr Gentleman said.
“The ACTSES 2018 Recruit College has officially begun. Recruit volunteers will undertake an induction prior to commencing a 15-week training program.”
He said the recruits would build their skills in stormwater damage remediation, land-based floodwater rescue, and safety and first aid as they prepared to join frontline operations and support roles.
Chief Officer of ACTSES, Georgeina Whelan said the latest intake supported the Service’s Next Generation Volunteering Program and the ACT Emergency Service Agency’s Women in Emergency Services Strategy.
“The ACTSES Next Generation Volunteering Program is aimed at ensuring the ACT not only sustains, but continues to develop our volunteering community in order to foster a partnership with the residents of the ACT,” Ms Whelan said.
“This recruit intake is one of the most diverse groups we have ever seen.
“This year nearly 50 per cent of our recruits are female, and we also have a broad range of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds,” she said.
