A GROUP of female first responders gathered for an afternoon of networking, connection, and celebration.
Hastings SES held their third annual Mornington Peninsula Female First Responders Networking Afternoon on 2 August.
Silvana Hobley, Section Leader of Member Welfare, Wellbeing, and Progression at Hastings SES, organised the event and said it was a huge success.
“Every year, it seems to be progressively getting better,” said Hobley.
“It was a wonderful turnout, and we had lots of different organisations and new faces from last year.”
Fifty-five volunteers from different organisations attended, including CFA, Marine Rescue, VF-06 coastguard, Southern Peninsula Rescue Squad, and various SES units.
Hobley said the idea stemmed from her old unit controller, who noticed females were in the minority of first responders at various jobs he would attend.
“He said it would be a great initiative to create a networking afternoon, or whatever I wanted to create, to bring all these female first responders together,” said Hobley.
This year’s event had guest speakers including Billee Amsden, a volunteer coast guard at Safety Beach, Rebecca Feasey, a Fortem Community Engagement Coordinator, and Di Batley, SES Acting Assistant Chief Officer.
“I wanted to do a different spin on things this year and acknowledge all the women that have been in our shoes over the last however many years,” said Hobley.
She said these networking events help female first responders feel less alone and now, when they do go out on jobs, they are more likely to recognise a familiar face.
Hobley said the afternoon ended up quite emotional.
“It’s nice to feel a sense of belonging in a group,” said Hobley.
“Even though we’re not from the same organisations, we all have the same values and the same reasons why we’re there. We want to help and support our community.”
She said she feels proud and humble to be in her unit and contribute in ways she never imagined.
“When I first joined the unit, I didn’t think I was going to last six months. So, for me, this is something I cherish very close to my heart,” said Hobley.
“When I see other new and upcoming female first responders, whether it’s in SES or whether it’s in any other field, it makes me really proud to know that I’m sort of leading the way for them as well.”
The afternoon was also a celebration of Lyn Macleod, who recently celebrated her one-year anniversary as unit controller of Hastings SES.
“She’s an amazing role model for all of us and very supportive,” said Hobley.
Hobley said they hope to continue hosting events like this in the future to help female first responders feel connected and supported.
“This event was a genuine team effort, and I feel both proud and humbled to be part of the SES Hastings Unit,” said Hobley.
“A heartfelt thank you to all; everyone who contributed to our networking afternoon.”
First published in the Mornington News – 11 August 2026
