The SES and Berry Street Family Violence have been supporting each other ahead of what is one the toughest times of the year for volunteers and workers. 

SES volunteers ran a team-building adventure race for family violence workers.

In return, Berry Street donated a new toolbox to the Ballarat SES unit allowing them more of the right equipment to do their job in the summer storm season.

Berry Street family violence program manager Denise Sheridan said agencies could work better to help the community when they worked together, particularly during this festive period.

“We’re at the coal face of family violence and this can be one of the most stressful times with high incident rates. Team-building is very important to us to support each other and celebrate the year we’ve had together,” Ms Sheridan said.

“SES is not only about rescuing houses, it’s about supporting other agencies at the coal face in emergencies  and this was a great way they could help us.”

Amazing Berry Race had a series of team challenges, including a treasure hunt, but it was also a chance for workers from both agencies to learn more about each others’ work in the community.

Berry Street family violence worker and SES volunteer Nicky Shalders said the SES did not have a lot of funding and a toolbox could make a big impact.

“The more tools they’ve got, the more work they can get done to help people in emergencies,” Ms Shanders said.

“Donating the tool box is also a way for us to say thank you.”

SES has just had its latest intake of new volunteers ready ahead of the summer storm season.

Volunteers provide emergency assistance to the community 24 hours a day, seven days a week. SES is the control agency for natural disasters and supports other emergency services.

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