Jessica Zuber named Heart Volunteer Awards emergency responder winner
Since taking the helm of Chiltern’s SES Unit, Jessica has been fearless in the face of disaster and inspired more than 30 new members to join the service.
When Jessica Zuber first joined the Chiltern SES in 2012, she was one of just six members.
Today, the emergency response group has 40 volunteers and is so well resourced, it can support units in surrounding regions whenever they put out a call for help.
The impressive growth is all down to the hard work of Jessica, who stepped into the role of controller in 2017.
“We have worked incredibly hard over the last few years to create a collaborative and family-friendly unit, where members are made to feel welcome and included,” Jessica says. “Our members are incredibly dedicated to Chiltern SES, it makes my job so easy.”
A native of the North East Victorian town, Jessica has dedicated time to volunteer organisations for as long as she can remember.
“My family has been involved with emergency services within Chiltern forever. I was brought up with it,” she says.
Now in her 30s, Jessica has volunteered for the CFA, Red Cross, Ambulance Victoria, Good Friday Appeal and even the local children’s theatre group.
Her work with the SES, however, is something she takes special pride in because she knows it can unite the community, offer vital support for other emergency response services and ultimately save lives.
“SES is fantastic,” she says. “The services that we offer, from storm damage, to trees down over roads, to flooding to road crash, and ICC roles and community advocacy; I love the diversity of it. And I don’t bat an eyelid at going into things.”
Jessica’s hard work building the unit means they were easily able to offer assistance at Kilmore and Woodend after the severe weather at the start of June.
Emergency response is not her unit’s only focus, however. They also organise events for the community, from fundraisers for men’s and women’s health, to beer-and-bingo nights and social get-togethers.
“We’re really lucky at Chiltern; we’ve got 40 members and they are all so dedicated to helping,” she said.
“These people not only help me assist our community and state during emergencies they are fantastic friends who support me in every way.”
Jessica is not only fearless in the face of disaster, she has inspired many other people to join an important volunteer organisation that keeps rural communities safe, which is why she is this year’s Coles Emergency Responder winner.
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