PHILLIP Island and San Remo towns are rapidly evolving and with the increase in emergency services required to accommodate a greater population, the Sentinel Times spoke with couple Ellie Bate and Elder Bejar who recently signed up as volunteers for the San Remo SES unit.
Ellie, Elder and their two-year-old daughter Mia moved to Phillip Island in July last year; sharing that after 10 years of living in New Zealand they made the decision to relocate to Australia to be closer to family.
“I initially joined the SES late last year and our Unit Controller Mandy Chancellor was adamant she wanted more women to get involved and therefore provided amazing support to Ellie – a new mum to Mia – to get her onboard to join the unit,” said Elder.
“We chose to join SES to engage in the community and meet likeminded people, put our current skills to good use, and learn a new skillset,” Ellie explained.
The pair volunteered in smaller roles in New Zealand. Ellie was part of Dogwatch Sanctuary Trust in Christchurch helping with the rehoming of abandoned and surrendered dogs and Elder had volunteered for a number of years for 180 Degrees Trust as a youth mentor for ‘at risk youth’ on the Southern Alps Traverse.
They both have long history in tourism, with Elder (originally from Peru) a guide his entire working career, guiding hiking and biking trips in South America, New Zealand, the Himalayas, and Europe.
“I have guided hiking and biking trips in New Zealand too, although I have also been in operations and logistics roles, sales, and customer service,” said Ellie.
With the pair currently taking a break from tourism before they launch their very own tour company, guiding trips in Peru and Nepal, Elder is working construction here on Phillip Island, whilst Ellie is an employee at the renowned Rusty Water Brewery.
As well as taking on these new roles here on Phillip Island and becoming parents to little Mia, the pair are still selflessly finding the time to volunteer for their new community.
“We’re both currently still in the preoperational phase at the SES, as we’re waiting to get through the induction. Elder will then be operational, and I will be a mix of both,” said Ellie.
“Mandy has been so supportive, especially in encouraging me to join the unit. She is very passionate that there is a place for anyone at the SES regardless of whether they’re working full time or even a new mum with a young family – just like myself.
“There is a place for anyone no matter your skillset or circumstance, so if you’re thinking of becoming a volunteer and joining the SES, I highly recommend that you just do it!” said Ellie.
