Belridge Secondary College was recently nominated for a Volunteer Employer Recognition Award (VERA) and on Friday, 20 October 2023, Mrs Lyon and Mr Chen (HOLA of Technology & Enterprise) attended the awards ceremony in the city.

Mr Chen, our HOLA of Technology & Enterprise is a regular volunteer.  Volunteer Employer Recognition Awards this year recognised 57 businesses and self-employed volunteers from across the State and the important role employers and self-employed volunteers play in the delivery of emergency services across Western Australia, where more than 95 percent of emergency services personnel are volunteers.

WHICH SERVICE DO YOU VOLUNTEER IN?

I am with the Wanneroo Joondalup State Emergency Service.

HOW MANY HOURS DO YOU NORMALLY PUT IN?

I attend training (try to!) every Wednesday evening and attend callouts to respond to emergency situations as needed, this includes storm damage callouts, fire support during big fire incidents and searching for missing people when the police requests support from the SES.

WHAT MADE YOU DO IT? 

I have lots of knowledge and skills built over the years, through my work as a Design & Technology Teacher and from my time in the Singapore Army through National Service. I didn’t want my knowledge and skills to go to waste and was looking for an opportunity to use the skills I had. I was told about the SES from a friend and thought I’d explore this option.  Almost 9 years later, I am still in the SES and find the work highly fulfilling!

ANYTHING ELSE YOU CAN TELL US ABOUT YOUR ROLE? 

I am the Deputy Team Leader of my team at WJSES and also the current Team Leader of the Bicycle Team. I assist in supporting my Team Leader and Team to fulfill our duties, ensuring the well-being and safety aspects of our duties are met. I conduct annual Bike Training courses to ensure that we have a regular supply of qualified members for the Bicycle Team to support the search of Missing People, which is the primary role of the Bicycle Team. I also assist in training new SES Team Members when they first join the SES.

To find out more about volunteering and the benefits in doing so, go to https://dfes.vol.org.au/