As soon as COVID-19 restrictions started easing in Victoria, events that had been cancelled or postponed over two long years sprouted back up again.
Most community events and festivals need a first-aid presence, which is usually provided by the volunteers of St John Ambulance.
"Basically as soon as the restrictions were lifted, the events started coming in thick and fast," said Wodonga division manager Yvonne Berrie.
But there is a problem: the Wodonga branch of St John Ambulance has had a 70 per cent decline in volunteers since the pandemic began.
"During COVID we tried to keep members engaged, but they found other things to do, or they moved away to get jobs, or their life circumstances have just changed. And we haven't seen a return," explained Ms Berrie.
The service is down to just 18 volunteers, and although it only has had to knock back a few events due to capacity so far, things can't continue in this way.
"If we're constantly calling on the same people over and over again to cover events, they get to the stage where they're just burnt out," Ms Berrie said.
Festivals, fires and floods
Many community events would not be allowed to go ahead without a first-aid presence, but it's not just fairs and festivals that could be put at risk by the volunteer shortage.
"During the Black Summer fires our teams provided support in nine different communities across the border and north-east," said Josh Jarrott, regional manager for Alpine and Gippsland.
St John's ability to assist is only becoming more important as pressure increases on Ambulance Victoria resources around the state — the Wodonga area saw a 7.4 per cent drop in the number of Code 1 emergencies responded to in less than 15 minutes compared to this time last year.
It means community members are being asked to step up. The Wodonga division needs a minimum of 15 new members just to keep things running throughout 2022.
"We're looking for passionate people that have a drive to help their community. You don't need to have any health experience, we do all the training for members," Ms Berrie said.
St John is holding an information session at 9.30am on Sunday at 125 Chapple Street. People can register their interest on the St John website.
Mr Jarrott said it was essential that people came on board soon so they were ready for future crises.
"Training is comprehensive and it takes around six months for a new recruit to be fully qualified, so the new members we bring on board now will help us tackle the next summer's emergencies."
He hopes people will sign up for the good of the region but also for their own satisfaction.
