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Wollongong City Unit
My name is Owen Pacewicz and I am a volunteer with the Wollongong City NSW SES Unit.
Why did you join the NSW SES?
I originally joined the NSW SES through a school program where we were asked to do some volunteer work for various organisations. I decided on the NSW SES because I wanted an interesting experience and somewhere where I would learn new skills. Once I had turned up to the Wollongong Unit, I found it to meet my expectations and therefore I officially joined and became a volunteer. I also had wanted to do something that challenged me and at the same time gave something back to the community.
What is your favourite part about the NSW SES?
The best parts about the NSW SES for me are the great friends you make and the skills you learn. The NSW SES becomes a family and you get to know your teammates very well, not only on callouts and jobs, but socially as well. And you also make a lot of friends when on Out Of Area (OOA) trips to assist other communities around the state.
The skills I have learned whilst volunteering in the NSW SES are also great. The biggest thing I have done with my skills is applying them to my life outside of the NSW SES.
What skills have you learned along the way?
I have learned numerous skills in my five years as a volunteer. Leadership, problem solving and people management skills are skills for life. Completing the skills trainer course was also beneficial for me to learn how to deliver training. Other skills and qualifications I have attained include land search, vertical rescue, flood boat, flood rescue operator Level 1 and 3 and chainsaw.
Thinking about becoming a member like Owen but not sure what you'd like to do? Find out more about our various volunteering roles
