General News
29 June, 2025
Local SES volunteer honoured for service
Warracknabeal's Geoff Stewart was one of nine VICSES volunteer members from the Grampians Region to be recognised for their valuable roles in protecting the community as part of the annual awards initiative.
A special ceremony was held in Stawell recently where volunteers representing VICSES units stretching from Warracknabeal to Woodend were presented service awards between five and 35 years.
Mr Stewart was honoured for his 15 years of volunteer service as a member of the Warracknabeal VICSES unit.
"It's nice to be recognised but I don't do it to get medals or anything," he said.
"I like helping the community and helping people who are in trouble."
After retiring from the farm, Mr Stewart moved to Warracknabeal where he was soon asked by a VICSES member if he was interested in joining the unit.
"I then went along and had a look," he said.
Mr Stewart soon commenced a three-month trial period as he tested out the organisation before he started to gain competencies.
He said his first major event was the floods that occurred in late 2010 to early 2011.
"What a great first initiation," he said.
In 2019, he helped celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Warracknabeal unit which he said was a highlight.
Mr Stewart recounted the adventures they would have during camps in the Grampians.
"Most of the camps have been in the Grampians for search and rescue," he said.
"It was good because you could meet people from other units."
Mr Stewart encourages anyone who may be interested in joining their local VICSES unit to "just do it".
"Come along and have a go," he said.
"You can do as many competencies or as little as you want."
Through competencies, volunteers are able to learn skills including four-wheel driving, radio and communications, alongside many others.
"It gives you valuable life skills that can be transferred into the workforce," he said.
Mr Stewart was presented with a certificate of service and 15-year clasps by VICSES chief executive officer Rob Purcell and acting chief officer operations Alistair Drayton.