LYN MacLeod, Hastings SES unit’s newly announced controller, says she’s ready to rise to the challenge and continue making a difference in the community. A volunteer of three years, MacLeod takes the reins from respected colleague Brett “Dutchy” Holland who led the unit over the past four years with passion, dedication and a “constant drive”.
“I’m petrified,” she said good-humouredly of her new role. But as a paediatric nurse by day and having a natural sense of being calm under pressure, and always willing to help people, the unit can be assured they are in capable, compassionate hands.
MacLeod said volunteering was just something that’s always been part of who she is, including lending a hand at The Australian Centre for Grief and Bereavement and “working with the brave children that came through their service”. After taking a 12 month break from volunteering at the time, MacLeod decided to look at her options again, trying to find something that felt right as well as picking up new skills – and it took just one storm event in the area that spurred her towards the SES. She’s learned the ropes and has quickly garnered the respect of her fellow volunteers.
Speaking of her leadership aspirations, MacLeod said she hoped to follow in the footsteps of Dutchy, particularly in continuing to grow their membership base and guiding a tight-knit and highly capable team. “When he took over his controller, I think we had about 15 members. We’re now up to, I think my last count is 52 members and of that we’ve got a 50-50 split of female and male responders,” she said. “We’ve got more people responding to the demands we have year-on-year, but it would be fantastic to grow our numbers so we can get out in the trucks and respond to the community’s needs.”
MacLeod is also keen to strengthen skills and keep the team ready for anything, especially with windy and rainy conditions in winter. “Last year we put a whole crew through land based swift water rescue training and that was in response to when we had the flash flooding on the peninsula,” she said. “That means if someone’s vehicle is in floodwaters and they’re floating along and they’re on the top of their vehicle; we can actually rescue them off their vehicle and get them to safety.”
While there haven’t been any big jobs under her belt as controller as yet, MacLeod believes it “won’t be far away” when the weather starts to turn, with wild weather impacts expected to run through to September. “Skills maintenance is a really key thing, so we’re prepared for all flood and storm events.” MacLeod encouraged others to give volunteering a go. She said the SES welcomed people from all walks of life, and anyone interested should consider signing up – no experience is needed, just a willingness to learn and a desire to help.
First published in the Mornington News – 17 June 2025
