MANSFIELD SES has a proud history of volunteer female members, the first joining the unit back in 1988.
And with International Women's Week upon us, there's no better time to celebrate their contribution to our community in times of need.
The first junior members who joined the Mansfield SES unit in 1992 were female, and over the past few decades more than 50 female members have contributed to a combined 340 years of voluntary service.
Women are involved in all aspects of SES operations the same as the male members, including storms and flood (the main role of SES), road crash rescue, boating, search and rescue, general rescue, and broader assistance roles with sister agencies.
Female members at Mansfield serve in both operational and non–operational roles, including administration officer, finance officer, training officer and deputy controller.
The current female membership of 13 includes a Community Engagement team of six, and past operations have included the now disbanded Horse Unit, First Aid for the JLW Challenge and the Cattlemen's Cup, Fundraising, Buller gates collection and raffles.
