Zoe Schweda, Kristi Hardman and Nikita Carroll joined the SES career aged 16 and now, at 18 they have successfully completed their training.
“All three bring a positive, bubbly, energetic vibe and put in 110 per cent … I’m so proud of them,” SES Yarrawonga Unit Controller Jason Forber said.
Kristi, Nikita and Zoe have experienced the pager buzzing in the early hours of the morning, including in the last fortnight around 1.00am and 3.00am.
When fallen trees blocked traffic roads, all three were quickly on scene.
The girls have completed three levels of training, which includes a six-month minimum skill level.
They say they love the SES organisation and acknowledge and praise Mr Forber’s leadership.
“I love new experiences and feel like I’m making a difference. Jason’s leadership is amazing,” Zoe said.
“I wanted to make a difference in my community.
“I’ve always had a passion for wanting to help people.
“Dad (Ingo Schweda) is an SES member and loves the work.”
Zoe has dual SES membership to Yarrawonga and Alexandra SES units, having recently moved for employment.
She loves serving both communities and was glad to talk good friends Kristi and Nikita into joining the SES.
Nikita said she joined the Yarrawonga SES Unit because she wanted to be involved and part of something else in the community, and to put something back.
“I love the SES. Tuesday night training is my most favourite night of the week,” she said.
Being with the SES is “really good community engagement” according to Kristi.
“You get to learn various skills, which are just so handy for real-life situations,” she said.
“You can make people feel better.”
Zoe and Nikita have both won Yarrawonga’s Young Citizen of the Year Award at the Australia Day Awards in 2024 and 2025 respectively for contributions, including their work with the SES work.
50 years of community service
VICSES, which includes the Yarrawonga Unit, was established 50 years ago, on March 5, 1975.
Before that it was a Civil Defence Branch dating back to 1968.
After a milestone 50 years of service, the SES Yarrawonga Unit has 40 members, comprising 32 men and eight women.
Their work includes floods, storms, road crash rescues and debris including fallen trees from roads and footpaths.
“Fifty years is a lot,” unit controller Jason Forber said.
“Every year the SES has more and more requests for assistance.
“It’s harder to manage, but when the pagers go off, Yarrawonga SES members swing into action.”
The Yarrawonga Unit was formed later in the year of 1975 and Mr Forber said they will most likely celebrate the milestone occasion in the winter season when things are a little quieter.
In the meantime, the near six-year controller will represent the unit at a statewide SES 50-year celebration in Albert Park Melbourne, on March 22.
Moira Shire Chair Administrator Graeme Emonson said the Yarrawonga unit had been a pillar of strength, resilience and dedication, providing vital emergency response and support in times of need.
“On behalf of the Moira Shire Council and our community, I extend my congratulations to the Yarrawonga VICSES Unit on reaching this incredible 50-year milestone,” Mr Emonson said.
“We are incredibly grateful for the volunteers - past and present - who have given their time and energy to keep our community safe.
“Your commitment embodies the very best of community spirit, and we thank you for your service.”
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