Search for meaning

By Bridget Cook
DAMIEN Burns volunteered for the SES for the same reason he became a nurse; to know the time he invests has meaning to someone else.
The Dandenong hospital nurse joined up with the Narre Warren SES during National Volunteers Week last year. Now this year as the celebration approaches, to be held between 11 to 17 May, Mr Burns wants to encourage others to do the same.
The SES is a volunteer organisation that assists other emergency services when needed, and is in demand.
Mr Burns said he joined the SES after he had been thinking about it for a long time. “I decided to stop thinking about it and actually do something,” he said.
He did three months of basic training and a further three months of general rescue training. He now dedicates four to five hours a week to the SES.
Mr Burns said everyone could bring their own attributes to volunteering. “I use skills from my nursing and other facets of my life to assist with emergency services,” he said.
It is the look of relief on people’s faces when the SES showed up, that Mr Burns said he found most rewarding.
“I love the variety it brings and turning out in times of greatest need,” he said. “Many volunteers say they get more of a buzz out of volunteer work than their paid work.”
This year National Volunteer Week will be held between 11 and 17 May. This is the largest celebration of volunteers and volunteerism in Australia, and provides an opportunity to highlight the role of volunteers in our communities and show our appreciation.
Mr Burns said so many Australians volunteered, and anyone could do it.
For more information on joining up contact 9684 6651.