Bellarine SES and Ocean Grove Men’s Shed have combined to deliver a special project that they hope will connect with the local community.
The Men’s Shed built a replica scaled-down model of an SES truck, which is hoped to keep the attention of young children during presentations.
Bellarine SES volunteer Wendy Rabone said other units throughout the state did a similar thing so the search began for a replica truck for our community.
“We didn’t have anyone in the unit who had the equipment available to build something so we asked the Men’s Shed and they were interested,” she said.
“They were happy to help us and have done the whole thing as a community project and haven’t charged us anything.”
Accessories have been added to the truck including flashing lights, a fire extinguisher, radio unit and a chainsaw.
“Some of the other SES units in the state had a similar truck made for community engagement events to attract the little kids to give them something to focus on while we have a chat to the parents.
The model truck fits nicely into the unit’s 4WD.
“It’s got a little ladder on top of it – it’s fantastic,” Wendy said.
Bellarine SES is also reminding people that it is an emergency service, not free labour for a fallen tree in a backyard.
“The SES are volunteers and we are here to help in an emergency,” Wendy said.
“The repairs we make are just temporary. People then have to make sure they get a contractor or their insurance to get the repair done properly.”
Bellarine SES has about 30 volunteers and responded to around 240 calls during the recent storm event.
