General News
29 May, 2026
MP visits Camperdown SES
CAMPERDOWN’S State Emergency Services (SES) unit received a special visit last Wednesday as the organisation marked Wear Orange Wednesday (WOW).
Member for Western Victoria Bev McArthur visited the unit to show her appreciation of the work done by SES volunteers, speaking with volunteers Garry Brian, Colin Brian and Bob Gardner who have given a total of 110 years of service between them.
Mrs McArthur said she wanted to express her gratitude through visiting the SES unit.
“I chose Camperdown because it is my local SES unit – I’ve lived here for decades, most of my adult life,” she said.
“I know the area, I know the work these volunteers do locally and over the years I’ve seen and heard about the difference they make when people need help.
“The Camperdown unit is also representative of SES units right across Western Victoria and across the state.
“These are all people who give their time, skills and energy to help others, often in difficult, dangerous and confronting circumstances.
“The visit was an opportunity to meet our SES volunteers, thank them personally on WOW and hear more about their service and experiences.”
Mrs McArthur said she enjoyed the opportunity to listen to their stories and better understand their commitment to the organisation.
“Speaking with them, I was struck by the sheer range of work they do and the situations they are called into,” she said.
“They respond at all hours, in all weather, often to unpredictable and serious incidents.
“These incidents can be life-threatening, and some sadly involve loss of life too.
“They were very welcoming, generous with their time and clearly proud of the work they do for the local community.
“When you hear about the long hours, the difficult call-outs and the challenging and confronting circumstances they deal with, you cannot help but be in awe of their efforts.”
Mrs McArthur said she felt the trio represented the best of regional and rural Victoria as people who were willing to step forward to help others when they needed it the most.
“SES volunteers do a job most of us probably could not do,” she said.
“They unselfishly answer the call when accidents, emergencies and disasters happen – without warning, at all times of day, and sometimes in very difficult circumstances.
“As a community I think we are extraordinarily lucky to have people who are willing to put themselves on the line for others.
“That’s especially true in rural and regional communities, where volunteering is such a vital part of what keeps communities strong.
“I would encourage anyone who thinks they might be able to get involved to look into volunteering with the SES – it is challenging and sometimes confronting work, but it is also deeply meaningful and rewarding.”
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