Emergency services highlighted at expo

Planning for an annual Western Victorian Careers Expo at Longerenong is well underway in preparation for another big event in June.

Expo project officer Annie Mintern said there had been a terrific response from exhibitors and attendees planning to be part of the June 26 event, which this year has an emergency services theme.

“The Western Victorian Careers Expo aims to bring together in one place, a broad range of exhibitors, offering the 2000-plus attendees an opportunity to gather information about many possible career options,” she said.

Ms Mintern said this year’s expo included a site layout that accommodated a new emergency services hub.

“We have changed things up a bit this year and have made a few changes to the layout of the site to incorporate an undercover area for emergency vehicles from Australian Defence Force, Ambulance Victoria, Victoria Police, Country Fire Authority, State Emergency Service, Parks Victoria and Forest Fire Management,” she said.

Expo chairman Andrew Vague said the committee had also secured a special guest in former commando Damien Thomlinson, to promote the emergency services theme.

“We are very excited to have Damien as our special guest this year. He has an amazing story to tell about being in the armed forces, followed by several career changes due to an horrific accident,” he said.

Mr Thomlinson is a veteran of the war in Afghanistan and former member of the elite 2nd Commando Regiment.

Similar to many of his comrades in the armed forces, Mr Thomlinson qualifies as a war hero, but it is his achievements since leaving the forces that have inspired people around the world.

Since returning to Australia he has become an acclaimed actor, aspiring paralympian, author and keynote speaker.

Mr Thomlinson’s story of losing his legs in Afghanistan, then going on to appear in a film directed by Mel Gibson, and training for the winter Paralympics, is set to provide an inspiration for expo attendees.

Mr Vague said it was not too late to apply for a site, however, with an influx of new exhibitors this year, advised that people should contact the committee as soon as possible.

People seeking more information or to apply for a site can visit website, www.wimmeracareerexpo.com.