CSG Victoria aims to boost numbers
CSG Victoria's operational requirements have nearly doubled since October 7, 2023, as the organisation seeks to expand its volunteer base.
The Community Security Group (CSG) Victoria has announced its largest-ever recruitment campaign.
The organisation is aiming to significantly expand its volunteer base.
CSG Victoria CEO Justin Kagan told The AJN that the organisation’s operational requirements have nearly doubled since October 7, 2023, with increased demand for security at community functions and regular patrols.
“The demand is greater now than it ever was,” Kagan said.
“Functions are going to stay at a much higher level, nearly double what they were pre-October 7, and the number of protectors we have to provide to those functions and our routine shabbat shifts has increased substantially.”
The recruitment drive will commence in March with three information nights planned.
The comprehensive training program runs for six months, with new volunteers expected to be ready for High Holiday duties by August.
Kagan emphasised that while the organisation currently has 300 volunteers serving Melbourne’s 55,000-strong Jewish community, there remains significant capacity for growth.
The CSG is particularly seeking volunteers from two key demographic groups: young adults aged 19-26, and those aged 35 and over.
“There’s definitely a lot more people out there that have the capability to provide security services to our community, and we’re very happy to provide that training,” Kagan said.
The organisation has already demonstrated its effectiveness, with Kagan confirming that CSG intelligence gathering has directly contributed to law enforcement outcomes.
“From an intelligence point of view, we’ve picked up lots of information that’s been passed on to authorities. Those have led to arrests directly,” he said. Beyond physical security, the CSG offers diverse roles including research and analysis and base operations positions.
Kagan highlighted the organisation’s role in developing community leadership, particularly among younger volunteers.
“We create unbelievable young Jewish leaders. We believe that there’s no greater organisation in Victoria to do that for young Jews,” he said.
However, Kagan has noted a trend in reduced engagement from older community members compared to last year’s recruitment.
“We can’t just rely on university age kids to do it,” he stressed, calling on parents to step up.
The CSG’s presence has been crucial in maintaining community confidence, according to Kagan.
“The feedback we always get is seeing us there makes them feel so much more comfortable and confident that they can go about living a proudly Jewish life and celebrate that safely.”
Interested community members can register for the information nights using this link.
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