As a volunteer based organisation, the Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) provides emergency assistance to thousands of Victorians every year.
Harminder Singh started volunteering with VICSES to help and support the community. “I have been training as a volunteer from the last 2 years,” said Harminder. “It is an amazing experience so far. With this work, I feel a sense of joy, achievement and connectedness with the local community.”
“We help people when they’re in trouble. We are committed to make things better for them,” explains Harminder. “There could be whole range of things from a bad weather, storm or something disastrous that no one expected.”
Like many other volunteers, Harminder is learning to put his abilities to good use.
SES volunteer Harminder Singh at SBS Studio, Melbourne (Photo Preetinder Singh Grewal) Source: Supplied
“Volunteers come from many backgrounds with wide variety of skills. All you need is a learning attitude, a helping hand and commitment with the time. There are wide varieties of roles available within the organization.”
Harminder believes that volunteering has been a very positive experience. “This is the best thing one can do in life. It feels good to be in an orange dress and to see the gratitude people show after we help them.”
“It is our duty and responsibility to give back to the society and the country, and I am trying to do my bit."
"I wish to see more people from the community joining in for this good cause.”
“This area [Craigieburn] has a reasonable Sikh community presence. The numbers have been increasing from the last 20 years. Now it’s our turn to show our presence in the wider community. There is no better way to do it other than extending a helping hand.”
“In Sikhism, there is a concept of ‘Daswand’, which means sharing the 10th part of your income with the needy people. I thought of giving at least 10th part of my leisure time for volunteer services.”
“As a migrant one should also take this opportunity as a way of social inclusion."
"It will not only help improve individual confidence but will also help spread the message of peace, love and humanity within the community.”
Harminder believes there are a few challenges that need to be addressed before joining in as SES volunteer. “Don’t rush - take a balanced decision before committing to SES. It's important to remember that it's easy to spare time if you are good at work-life balance.”
VICSES at the forefront of Remembrance Service - Lest We Forget
Volunteer Harminder Singh was a member of the Flag Party - Craigieburn SES Unit play a key role in the conduct of the ANZAC Day Service Source: Supplied
Although volunteering is about giving back to the community, it can also be quite the receiving experience, too. Harminder is living testimony to this.
