General News
26 February, 2026
Join now to keep SES saving lives
Captain Mathew Decker said there was a lot more to the emergency service that meets the eye.
THE St Arnaud State Emergency Service (SES) team is a small but mighty bunch, ready to help where they can.
But with only six active members at this point in time, the crew is struggling to keep their community and others safe.
Captain Mathew Decker said there was a lot more to the emergency service that meets the eye.
“There’s so many options when it comes to the SES, you don’t just have to be cutting people out of cars,” he said.
“There’s so much more to the SES’ work that most people don’t even realise.”
Volunteers can experience the exhilaration in storm response, search and rescues or manage the incidents.
At the same time, there are opportunities to engage with the community, communicate with the team on the ground through radio operation and more.
“It’s not something that’s intimidating, the St Arnaud team is great to work with,” Horsham unit controller said. “We will support anyone with training and job opportunities through nationally accredited courses.
“You get to take away so many life skills.”
Mr Decker said the local crew was a great group to work with.
“It’s not a boys club, everyone is treated equally,” he said.
“You know everyone in the community, you’re like a big family. But right now, we don’t have enough members to get a break.”
To join the team, visit: www.ses.vic.gov.au/join-us/volunteer
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