Among VICSES’ youth volunteers is Kilmore Unit member Amber Meuwissen, who joined the service aged 15. After completing her Crew Member 1 & 2 courses and Community Engagement Facilitator training, she is now in the process of working towards her Crew Leader accreditation.

For Amber, shadowing and watching other members take on leadership roles within the unit has inspired her to become a positive influence in her community, motivating others with her passion for the service. She credits VICSES for helping her develop key communication skills vital in understanding chain of command and tailoring communication styles to your audience.

Age certainly isn’t a barrier for Amber, who believes it shouldn’t be a limiting factor to what your potential opportunities could be. VICSES embraces flexible and inclusive programs to engage youth members, an approach that broadens VICSES’ capacity and capability to respond to emergencies now and into the future.

Volunteering has opened a whole new world of possibilities for Amber, appreciating the encouragement she received from the unit management team when joining. For more information on VICSES Junior Members and how to become one, visit our website here. 

Quotes attributable to VICSES Kilmore Unit member, Amber Meuwissen:

“I’m also shadowing senior members, so when I turn 18, I can take on that youth leadership position. I’m really looking forward to it, I have watched our other members – like Cheryl and John – take on leadership roles and I’ve aspired to be a positive influence, motivate them with my passion for the service.”

“Don’t let your age limit what your potential opportunities could be. Your age should not be a limiting factor as you contemplate what you would like to spend your time doing.”

“As a 15-year-old you are getting closer to adulthood but you don’t have much idea yet about how everything works. It has opened up a whole new world of possibility for me.”