HONOURS FOR VICSES VOLUNTEERS - Remembering the 2010-2011 Victorian floods - AUTUMN 2021 - Victoria State ...
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AUTUMN 2021
EDITION 14
HONOURS
FOR VICSES
VOLUNTEERS
This year’s VICSES
Emergency Service
Medal and Citizen
of The Year recipients
Remembering
the 2010-2011
Victorian floods
Exciting
new chapter
with AAMI
CONTENTS
Highlights from the autumn edition
What’s happening
Managing wellbeing during across our regions:
disasters: 2019-20 Victorian
bushfires pg. 26 14 CENTRAL
VICSES Chaps and Chainsaws
return to Bunyip State Forest.
16 EAST
Erica Unit welcomes
new Unit Controller.
18 MID WEST
Horsham tornado hits hard.
20 NORTH EAST
North East Region farewells
Rob Johnstone.
Supplementary
Alerting System
Wallboard pg. 22 22 NORTH WEST
Women of the North West.
24 SOUTH WEST
Wet and wild weather
hits Warrnambool.
Sunbury Training
Room and Emergency
Vehicle Garage Front Cover: AUTUMN 2021
Portraits of Strength:
Extension Project pg. 24 Monash Unit Officer, EDITION 14
David Michalowsky HONOURS
FOR VICSES
VOLUNTEERS
Interested in contributing? This year’s VICSES
Emergency Service
Medal and Citizen
of The Year recipien
ts
Submit your article here:
Remembering
the 2010-2011
Victorian floods
publications@ses.vic.gov.au Exciting
new chapter
with AAMI
Authorised and published This magazine is printed on ecoStar 100% recycled,
by Victoria State Emergency an environmentally responsible paper made carbon
Service, 168 Sturt Street, neutral. It has been independently certified by the Forest
Southbank, Victoria. Stewardship Council ® (FSC ®). ecoStar is manufactured from
The Victoria State Emergency Service respectfully acknowledges
© State of Victoria, 100% post consumer recycled paper in a Process Chlorine
the Traditional Owners of the lands and waters. We pay our
Victoria State Emergency Free environment under the ISO 14001 environmental
respects to Elders past, present and emerging.
Service, March 2021. management system.
MESSAGE FROM THE ACTING MINISTER
FOR POLICE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES
Welcome to the first edition of
Community Matters for 2021.
A warm hello to each of you in what is reports, 599 requests to assist other
my first Community Matters welcome agencies, 532 rescue incidents, 28
message as acting Minister for Police calls for assistance due to landslides,
and Emergency Services. I have 81 due to earthquakes and 62
long admired the remarkable efforts other incidents.
of our emergency services and first VICSES volunteers have also supported
Welcome
responders, and am looking forward to Victoria Police at checkpoints across
working with and supporting the many the state during road and border
hardworking, dedicated volunteers in closures to help stop the spread
the Victorian State Emergency Service
(VICSES) this year.
of coronavirus.
Hello everyone, and welcome to
The onset of La Niña and heavy rain
While the state has so far avoided major
fires, many Victorians were caught by
and flash flooding events this summer the autumn edition of Community
is a poignant reminder for many
heavy rains and flash flooding while volunteers reflecting on the 10-year Matters, our first for 2021.
holidaying early in the New Year, and anniversary of the devastating floods
VICSES volunteers played a crucial of 2010-11. Large areas of Victoria Firstly, I’d like to congratulate VICSES Whittlesea Unit Controller
role attending to hundreds of callouts experienced record flooding or storm Gary Doorbar and Wodonga Unit Deputy Controller and Peer
across the state. damage between September 2010 Support Team Leader Lisa Wise, who were both honoured
South-west Victoria was hit particularly and February 2011 under La Niña- with the prestigious Emergency Services Medal on Tuesday 26
hard, where VICSES crews around generated weather patterns. January. Both Gary and Lisa have dedicated much of their lives
Warrnambool dealt with a once in 50- It was a natural disaster that took a huge to supporting VICSES and their communities, and I could not be
year storm that pummelled the area on toll on communities across the state. more proud of their achievements. Several of our members also
Saturday, 2 January. In response, over the past decade received Citizen of the Year awards in their local areas, which
More than 50mm of rain fell in the VICSES and the emergency services is a testament to their contributions individually, and as VICSES
region over 30 minutes and local crews sector have been at the forefront of volunteers. You can read more about these honours on page 4.
responded to over 90 requests for help advancements in emergency flood Monday the 8th of March marked International Women’s
in six hours that day. response, designed to keep at-risk Day (IWD) - a day to celebrate the incredible achievements
communities safe. of women across all communities. As a Male Champion of
The deluge continued over the next
few days, with VICSES crews called Funding for VICSES essential Change, I am proud to #ChooseToChallenge – the theme for
to attend serious incidents including maintenance, building safety and this year’s IWD. As an organisation, we strive to raise awareness
a large landslide that hit a major road facility upgrades continues to be a against bias, and take action for equality and inclusivity every
in Geelong and several flash flooding priority with the Victorian Government day. To all the women of VICSES – thank you for your ongoing
incidents – including one at a popular investing more than $54 million contributions and service. We celebrate your achievements.
caravan park on the Great Ocean Road in VICSES facilities over the past
In January, we announced a new agreement with our Principal
which left up to 15 vehicles trapped in three State Budgets.
Community Partner AAMI. 2021 is the final year of the
flood water and many holiday makers’ This year’s budget delivered more AAMI Equipment Handovers, with a shift towards making
plans disrupted. than $3 million to upgrade the VICSES communities safer by funding projects that directly engage
Over the first two months of summer, head office, plus a further $4.7 the community. I cannot thank AAMI enough for their support
Victorians called upon our trusted million for essential facility upgrades for the equipment program in the past, and look forward to
volunteers more than 6,400 times, under the Emergency Services working together on our new community program. You can
with VICSES crews in December and Refurbishment Fund. read more about the history of the AAMI Equipment Handovers
January responding to 616 flood and This is all part of our commitment to on page 9, or visit the Hub for more info.
storm incidents, 3,512 tree down equipping the state’s emergency Last but not least, thank you to all of our members who have
incidents, 989 building damage services volunteers with the resources continued to provide assistance during the ongoing pandemic.
they need to tackle challenges now Your hard work and adaptability does not go unnoticed, and
and into the future. continues to contribute greatly to safety of all Victorians.
To all VICSES volunteers who have I hope you all enjoy this edition of Community
gone above and beyond this summer, Matters, and stay safe.
your efforts are invaluable – thank you.
Kind regards,
Danny Pearson MP
Acting Minister for Police and Stephen Griffin
Emergency Services CEO Victoria State Emergency Service
03
FEATURES
VICSES volunteers
honoured with
Emergency
Service Medal Gary Doorbar
and Citizen of the G
ary joined VICSES in 2008, first
volunteering with Broadmeadows
Unit and then moving to the then
Year awards
newly established Whittlesea Unit in 2014 as Unit
Controller. During this time, Gary was instrumental
in the expansion of the unit, which has since grown
from 10 members to nearly 90 members today.
By Gabi Barkmeyer, Corporate Communications Officer, VHO Gary’s perseverance in building relationships with
local government and emergency service agencies
cemented the unit’s positive reputation in the
community, and ability to respond 24 hours a day,
On January 26, VICSES volunteers 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
were honoured across Victoria for their Aside from his incredible leadership of the
Whittlesea Unit, Gary has also undertaken many
contributions to their communities and the leadership roles across a diverse range of large-
emergency management sector. Here’s scale emergency events. This includes assisting the
2009 Victorian Bushfires, positioned Crew Leader
a look at this year’s VICSES Emergency in the search for Jill Meagher in 2011, deployment
to Queensland to support the storm response
Service Medal (ESM) and local Citizen of for Cyclone Yasi in 2011, and many more events
since. Notably in 2015, Gary earned Whittlesea
the Year award recipients. Unit a citation from the Victoria Police Local Area
Commander for the unit’s outstanding contributions
in the search for the remains of a deceased person.
“The members at Whittlesea Unit describe Gary as
a fantastic leader who is always supporting them
Emergency and enriching the experience of being a VICSES
volunteer,” said Central Region Manager Ray Jasper,
Service Medal who nominated Gary for the award.
A
ustralia has a system of honours and awards so “As is evident with numerous emergency events
its citizens can be recognised for excellence, where Gary has played an important leadership role,
achievement or meritorious service and he has displayed exemplified leadership, direction,
contributions to our society. The ESM recognises emotional guidance and support to others. Gary’s
distinguished service by members of emergency continual sacrifice of personal time to help the
service organisations across Australia and people community is over and above what is expected of
who are involved in emergency management, training any volunteer.”
or education. Only 86 Victorians have received this
prestigious award to date.
04
Citizen of the
Year awards
Across Victoria, VICSES volunteers were also awarded local
Citizen of the Year awards in recognition of their contributions
to their community. Here are this year’s VICSES recipients:
• Jesse Wright, Maryborough
Unit: Central Goldfields City
Citizen of the Year.
Lisa Wise • Bryce Pritchard, Murrayville
L
Unit: Mildura Rural City Citizen of
isa first joined VICSES in 1989, dedicating
the Year.
over 30 years of service. Beginning her
volunteer journey with VICSES Wodonga • Leo op den Brouw, Mallacoota
Unit, Lisa went on to become Deputy Controller Unit: East Gippsland Shire Citizen
in 2004 and has been positioned in the role ever of the Year.
since. In 2006, Lisa recognised that her experience Jesse Wright • John Simpson, Kilmore Unit:
in responding to road crash rescue events as a Mitchell Shire Citizen of the Year.
volunteer would benefit the then newly established • Chris Rogers, Pakenham
VICSES Peer Support program, and decided to jump Unit: Cardinia Shire Citizen
on board. of the Year. n
Since joining Peer Support, Lisa has become a
Team Leader in the North East Region, covering 25
VICSES units. Lisa’s role often involves travelling long
distances and late nights at short notice, to be there
as soon as possible for units who have attended a
traumatic event. Championing the services provided
by Peer Support, Lisa has also assisted in the
development of training and awareness materials
for members, and the overall accessibility of Bryce Pritchard (left)
mental health and wellbeing services for all VICSES
volunteers. John Simpson
As a prime example of her dedication, during
the 2020 bushfires Lisa gave up her holidays and
volunteered to be deployed to East Gippsland
to provided critical incident stress support for
volunteers and their families impacted by the fires.
Lisa quickly distinguished herself and built strong
relationships with volunteers, staff and families from
the community and across many different agencies,
offering significant support to those traumatised by
the devastating events.
Leo op den Brouw (right) Chris Rogers
“I can think of no other member that demonstrates
our VICSES Values as consistently as Lisa,” said North
East Operations Officer Neil Payn, who nominated
Y
MAN KS
Lisa for the award.
Congratulations to all of our 2021
THAN
“Lisa is highly respected by all those who have
worked with her or benefited from her services, and award recipients, and thank you
is an outstanding volunteer whose commitment
to VICSES and the community of Victoria is of the
for your ongoing dedication to
highest order.” n VICSES and the community.
05
GENERAL
NEWS
Remembering
the 2010-2011
Victorian floods
By Kathleen Jessop, Media Officer, VHO
Ten years after the devastating 2010- East Regional Manager Keith
O’Brien, who was positioned
that we apply during serious
incidents to this very day.” n
2011 floods, we reflect on the impacts as an Incident Controller
during the event.
and those who responded. Ten years on, the 2010-2011 floods
B Do you need
have shaped the way we plan and
etween September Rochester Unit Controller Judith
respond to floods today.
2010 and February Gledhill, who responded during
2011, a declared La the floods, remembers the severe “VICSES has learned so much from support?
Niña caused severe flooding and impacts that the event had in her that event,” said Mid West Regional
storm damage to 70 out of 79 local local community. Manager Stephen Warren, who Major incidents can have
government areas across Victoria. also undertook the role of Incident an impact on our mental
This included over 1,500 flood “I was new to VICSES a decade health and wellbeing. If you
Controller during the floods.
watches and warnings, 34,000 ago, and the experience of the need support, volunteers
requests for assistance to VICSES, 2010-2011 floods will stay with me “Giving affected communities can contact Peer Support on
and $1.3 billion dollars in damage. forever,” said Judith. adequate warnings and involving 1800 899 927, and staff
them in decisions that will impact can contact our Employee
Rainfall of 100-300mm was “I remember the phones ringing
their properties are critical things Assistance Program
recorded between 9 and 15 off the hook; the town of Rochester
was split in half by floodwater, on 1800 687 327.
January 2011, affecting two-thirds
of the state. Areas in North East and nobody had the use of their
and Central Region saw significant showers or toilets in that time.”
flood events between September Although the impacts of the
and December 2010, while floods affected so many, it
Melbourne and the Mallee were also highlighted the strength
impacted most in February of 2011. and resilience of communities
During this period some towns across Victoria.
experienced widespread flooding
up to four times in less than four “Communities across the state
months, including Charlton, banded together during what was
Echuca, Horsham, and Kerang. a devastating time for thousands
of locals, farmers, and businesses.
The severity of the event took its In addition to emergency services,
toll on many Victorians, with over it was residents who made an
56,791 insurance claims. enormous difference,” said North
06
Shaping the way we
work during COVID-19
By Gabi Barkmeyer, Corporate Communications Officer, VHO
Together, we have faced many challenges in the way that we work and
respond to emergencies during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Although the impacts of COVID-19 have been difficult, it has also
highlighted some great accomplishments across our organisation in
the way our members have adapted to a new working environment.
O
ne of the biggest Another huge change to our compared to 2019, and our
changes was working environment was the Neighbour Day campaign
the adoption
of Webex, enabling our
switch from face-to-face to
online training. The Learning
saw our average impressions
per post increase from Stepping back
members to be more
connected than ever before.
and Development team
acted quickly to increase
approximately 44,000 to
198,765 in 2020. Our efforts in time…
Prior to COVID-19, members the development of online to increase community
still preferred face-to-face content via the Training engagement via social media
meetings and training, with Portal, fast-tracking the are working and proving
Webex used only as a back- release of training programs their worth in every post, so
up. With additional training and COVID-19 content to thank you to our members for
and learning the balance of support the VICSES Pandemic sharing great content with us.
video conferencing and other Plan. New skill programs
communication devices, our and COVID-19 specific Although restrictions have
members have been able training included: eased and we have been able
to maintain relationships to gradually get back to face-
and undertake training from • First Aid Refresher to-face activities, the learnings
almost any location. gained by adapting to a new
• Emergency Vehicle
working environment have
Response Driving
While COVID-19 restrictions strengthened our ability to
meant less face-to-face • Crew Member Supervised be adaptable with how we
activities and more time respond to emergencies,
T
• Mental Health Awareness
spent at home, health engage with the community, here’s more than one way to
and wellbeing at VICSES • Responding During and look after each other. cross a creek! Back in 1984,
hasn’t taken a back seat. COVID-19
Northcote Unit held a training
The Wellbeing, Health and
Safety team switched to
• Working Remotely, Thank you session along Melbourne’s Merri Creek,
and more. which is still prone to flooding during
online sessions, holding all, for your heavy rainfall today. One of the many
Healthwatch @ Home, online Between 1 March and
healthy cooking classes, 31 December 2020, ongoing exercises included using a ladder as an
alternative way to cross a section of the
weekly mindfulness events
and more, all through online
there were 18,520
online learning programs
support to creeks rapid water (pictured). n
video conferencing. The completed, doubling the keep our
team also launched the
communities
numbers from 2019.
MindFit podcast, aiming to
spread the word of good Finally, although we couldn’t
gather in-person to support safe through Share with us
health to our members
across the state. The annual our annual campaigns and the most Do you have a photo that
events, we were still able
challenging
Step It Up campaign was you’d like to share as part of
the biggest yet, with more to celebrate across social our ‘Stepping back in time’
than 850 participants and media and reach even
larger audiences. Our 2020
times. n feature? Email your submission
200 million steps logged, along with a caption to
proving that our members Wear Orange Wednesday publications@ses.vic.gov.au
were keen to keep their campaign saw a 532%
fitness up more than ever increase in impressions across
despite the pandemic. all social media platforms
07
CAMPAIGNS
& EVENTS
International
Women’s Day
By Gabi Barkmeyer, Corporate Communications Officer, VHO
On March 8, we celebrated International Women’s Day Launch of
(IWD) in recognition of the incredible contributions of Emergency
women across VICSES and our communities. Management
Pride Network
T
his year’s theme networking opportunities for all Kate White, reflecting on our
was ‘choose those in attendance. own organisations commitment Victoria
to challenge’, to gender equality.
encouraging people to In addition to these events,
By Gabi Barkmeyer, Corporate
challenge gender stereotypes the women of VICSES were “With more than 5,000
Communications Officer, VHO
and bias. To highlight the also proudly celebrated across volunteers, we are extremely
multiple media publications, proud that 33% of VICSES
theme and to help celebrate
including Bendigo Unit Deputy volunteers are female and
On Friday 4 December
women across Victoria’s
emergency management Controller Natalie Stanway 27% are represented in our 2020, the Emergency
featured on the cover of The unit leadership teams, as well
sector, the Emergency Services
Age, as well as other member as a strong representation of
Management Pride Network
Foundation (ESF) hosted
three separate IWD events features in The Australian, women on our board, and in Victoria (EMPNV) hosted
Gippsland Times, and our senior leadership group.
in Bairnsdale (27 February), the network’s official
Wangaratta (14 March), and Wangaratta Chronicle. Our strong investment in
Melbourne (16 March). Each organisational Values is a key launch, virtually.
“It’s such a privilege to work for
T
event featured inspirational driver for an empowering
an organisation that proactively work environment that
stories, presentations and he EMPNV is a new network
celebrates an inclusive and acknowledges, respects, and
panel discussions from women that has been founded
diverse workforce,” said values the diversity, abilities
who are industry leaders to raise awareness and
VICSES Community Resilience and contributions of our
within the sector, as well as visibility of the LGBTIQ community
and Communications Director volunteers and staff.” n and allies from Victoria’s emergency
08
Exciting
new
chapter
with AAMI
By Amy Miles, Event and Project Officer, VHO
Our long-standing partnership with our Principal Community financial resilience, social resilience
and natural hazard resilience,” said
Partner AAMI has spanned over 18 years, and has seen Head of AAMI, Joshua Kelland.
“We hope our partnership with
AAMI generously donate over $9 million in contributions VICSES continues to increase the
to support the incredible work of our volunteers. connectedness, inclusion and
preparedness of our community
A
to respond to natural disasters,
s part of our new Initiatives that AAMI will be campaign and help change driver which reduces the physical and
partnership agreement, proudly supporting through this behaviour on our roads, creating psychosocial impact, enabling
AAMI has chosen to new partnership include our 15 to safer communities – together. them to recover more quickly.”
focus on making communities safer Float campaign. This will include
by funding projects that directly providing funding for a refreshed “Our community investment Over the past 18 years,
engage with the community. campaign look and feel, alongside strategy focuses on making a some key highlights of the
As such, the existing annual the development of augmented positive impact on the most partnership have included:
AAMI Equipment Program will reality capability to improve the material social issues facing the
• Annual joint launch events
conclude in 2021. impact and effectiveness of the Suncorp Group, specifically
for the AAMI Equipment
Handovers across the state.
• 20,197 pieces of equipment
including our VICSES CEO, distributed as part of the AAMI
Stephen Griffin. Equipment Program since
2008.
“Our organisation is proud
to support the launch of the • Launch and delivery of
Emergency Management Pride campaigns featuring AAMI
Network Victoria,” said Stephen. including 15 to Float, Bag it,
block it, lift it and leave, Safer
“Our support of this network Communities, StormSafe,
reflects our commitment to FloodSafe, Neighbour Day and
eradicating discriminatory the Driver Reviver program.
behaviours, and endorsing an
• Events for community
management sector, aiming sector members and the inclusive culture within VICSES,
engagement and volunteer
to create a more inclusive and community, featured speakers and the wider emergency
development, both internally
collaborative environment. including the Commissioner for management sector.”
and with other agencies.
Gender and Sexuality, Ro Allen,
The network attended the Want to show your support? You
and Emergency Management “I cannot thank AAMI enough
Midsumma Festival at the can follow the network on Twitter
Commissioner, Andrew Crisp. for their support through the
beginning of 2020 to host its at @EMPrideVictoria and on
The panel discussion included equipment program over the years,
‘soft launch’. With the group Facebook at @EMPNV. n
our very own Sabrina Canfield and look forward to bringing our
now fully established and
from VICSES Pakenham Unit, as new community program to the
comprising of representatives
well as agency representatives state, together,” said VICSES CEO
from across Victoria’s emergency
from Victoria Police, St John Stephen Griffin of the partnership.
management sector, the
Ambulance and the Country Fire
One thing is
network was excited to finally
Authority. The event also included
host the official launch via Zoom
a series of virtual break-out
(due to COVID-19).
rooms for robust discussion, and for sure: Lucky
The event, which was open to
all emergency management
a highlight reel of messages of
support from key agency leaders
we’re with
AAMI! n 09
CENTRAL
VICSES Chaps
and Chainsaws is done,” said Chelsea Unit
return to
Controller Ron Fitch.
On their return to the fire
Bunyip State
ravaged community, the locals
couldn’t have been happier to
1 October – 31 December have our volunteers back.
Forest “It’s like some days you’ve
got to climb Mount Everest,
and some days you can’t
By Phil Wall, Chelsea Unit Deputy Controller, Central Region even reach base camp. A day
like today is not just about
Chaps and Chainsaws is an initiative that the physical support from
VICSES. In a lot of ways, it’s
2,023
was set up by VICSES in 2009 following the more about the emotional
devastating 2009 Victorian Bushfires. The idea support,” said local property
owner, Ingrid Green.
was for crews to go into fire affected areas and
assist property owners to clear trees and logs “Just knowing someone cares,
and that there is someone
Volunteers that had come down during the disaster. willing to help you reach your
F
own summit. At Mount Everest
5,453
or the next 10 years, to the area and promised to they had Sherpas, but today,
crews continued to be back in 2020. However, thanks to VICSES, we had
go back to areas like with the COVID-19 pandemic angels in orange.” n
Kinglake, Kinglake West and sweeping across the globe
surrounding locations as the soon after the fires, all
VICSES units that
Requests for assistance need arose. In early March plans were sadly forced to
returned to Bunyip
2019, a fire in the Bunyip State be put on hold.
in 2021 include:
Park, about 65 kilometres
Fast forward to 2021, in • Chelsea Unit
12% Building damage east of Melbourne, burned
January 35 VICSES volunteers • Essendon Unit
through more than 15,000
8% Support (including 30 Central Region • Footscray Unit
other hectares after several
agencies volunteers), travelled back to • Frankston Unit
smaller fires merged.
67%
Tree down 5
5%
%
Rescue
Flood
The fire destroyed 29 homes
around Bunyip North, Garfield
Bunyip over two weekends to
fulfil our promise to assist four
properties in the Tonimbuk
•
•
Glen Eira Unit
Greater Dandenong
3% North and Tonimbuk, as Unit
and Garfield North areas. • Hastings Unit
well as 67 outbuildings and
sheds. This event saw the “The last thing we wanted • Hobsons Bay Unit
Other • Malvern Unit
reintroduction of the Chaps was for the people from this
and Chainsaws concept in community to feel forgotten • Northcote Unit
an effort to assist the local by us. That’s why we‘re here, • Narre Warren Unit
community. In September and that’s why we will keep • Pakenham Unit
2019, the first crews went coming back until the job • Whitehorse Unit
10VICSES features
in Melbourne’s
'Portraits of Strength'
exhibition
By Kath Jessop, Media Officer, VHO
Chris Rogers
February, VICSES was fortunate enough to
be asked to feature as part of Melbourne’s
receives local
Portraits of Strength exhibition on the Crown Citizen of
Riverside, celebrating the Lunar New Year
and extraordinary people who embody the
theYear award
By Shayne Honey, Pakenham Unit, Central Region
spirit of the ox.
M
onash Unit months – all while undertaking
On January 26, VICSES Pakenham Unit
Officer David his day-job as a primary school volunteer Chris Rogers was the recipient
Michalowsky teacher, and dealing with
was one of five people a devastating personal loss
of the 2021 Cardinia Shire Citizen of the
chosen to have their portraits during this time. Year award – a deserving achievement
displayed on the iconic fire for an incredible guy.
towers along the Yarra River, The exhibition stood proudly in
C
photographed by Sam Wong. representation of the Chinese
zodiac of 2021 - the ox. This hris has volunteered damage, clearing
David was deployed in a animal personifies strength, with Pakenham Unit for 300 fallen trees, assisting police at
support role during the 2019- diligence, reliability, honesty over 36 years, going over 30 crime scene operations,
2020 bushfire season at the and commitment, which are above and beyond to support the and attending six aircraft incidents.
Traralgon Regional Control all characteristics that David unit and his community. This not There is no doubt that you could
Centre to help coordinate embodies in his role as a only includes responding to local potentially triple these numbers
resources, and has responded VICSES volunteer and leader in requests for assistance (RFAs), if we had records dating back to
to numerous other critical his community. n but also assisting in other parts the beginning of Chris’ VICSES
incidents over the past 12 of Victoria, and even interstate. volunteer journey in 1984.
Passionate about all things road
crash rescue (RCR), Chris often Chris is a much valued volunteer
attends RCR forums, and even at Pakenham Unit, and we are
gives up his Sunday mornings to so proud of his achievements.
train unit members on RCR. This On behalf of the unit we’d
level of dedication ensures that also like to give a big thanks
all unit members are up-to-date to Chris’ family, who have so
with the latest RCR techniques generously supported Chris and
and skills, and that the Cardinia his invaluable contributions to
Shire area has enough competent community. Congratulations Chris
members to respond all year- and thank you for all that you do
round. During COVID-19, Chris has for our unit! n
continued to respond to RFAs and
host RCR training, even managing
to miraculously make reading
training books enjoyable!
Since mid-2009, Chris has
attended around 1,100 requests
for assistance. This includes
responding to 487 RCR incidents,
helping to secure over 150
residents houses due to storm
11EAST
Building additional
emergency response
capability for East Gippsland
1 October – 31 December By Merryn Henderson, Community Resilience Coordinator, East Region
VICSES East Region and the Country Fire Authority
(CFA) have joined forces to provide an enhanced
emergency response capability in Steep and
High Angle Technical Rescue for the eastern
664
side of Gippsland.
S
teep and High Angle Technical Rescue The region now has 10 trained High Angle
was identified in the South East personnel and 28 trained Steep Angle
Volunteers Victoria Technical Rescue Plan as an personnel, with all endorsed in Low Angle. The
emergency response gap in East Gippsland. area in which this team responds to spans from
763
With mountainous terrain and regular requests for the New South Wales border to across Central
assistance for steep and high angle rescue in the and South Gippsland.
area, everyone would agree that this response
capability is highly valuable and necessary. Thanks to this group of highly trained members,
we now have the ability to better respond to
Initiated by the VICSES East Region, Operations the residents of East Gippsland and keep our
Requests for assistance Officer Vin Bigham and CFA Commander Aaron communities safe – together. n
Worcester identified volunteers from both
agencies that were willing to formulate a team
Are you REALLY
and undergo extensive training and development
Building to form the technical response team.
ready to go bush?
7% damage
67 % Support The first combined training session for VICSES
other and CFA personnel took place in July 2018,
9 %
agencies By Jane Fontana, Community
Tree down with the final sign-off occurring in December Resilience Coordinator, East Region
V
10% Rescue
2020 after the team performed an independent
capability assessment and received endorsement ICSES East Region, in
4% to activate a response in this capability. partnership with Ambulance
3% Victoria, Forest Fire
Based out of VICSES Bairnsdale Unit and Lakes Management Victoria, the Department
Entrance CFA, and supported by surrounding of Environment, Land, Water and
Other Flood
units and brigades, the team continues to meet Planning, Parks Victoria and Victoria
for regular training sessions for skills maintenance
and accreditation currency.
12RediPlan Emergency Planning
Workshop – Cape Paterson
By Jane Fontana, Community Resilience Coordinator, East Region
O
n January 9, VICSES East Region 24 community members attended the
TIFFANNY
participated in a community COVIDSafe session, with 18 participating
emergency planning workshop in some evaluation feedback. Of the
for the community of Cape Paterson. 18 respondents:
The event was hosted by the Bass
Coast Shire Council and the Residents
• 100% found the content relevant. MOORE
• 17 found the content comprehensive
and Ratepayers Association as a
recommendation from the report into
and easy to understand. Erica Unit welcomes
the freak hailstorm that occurred in
• Each presentation was rated excellent or
very good. new Unit Controller
Cape Paterson in May 2019, which
cause widespread damage to buildings, • 16 of the respondents said they would By Jane Fontana, Community Resilience
infrastructure, as well as severe complete their individual RediPlan. Coordinator, East Region
I
coastal erosion. • 100% would recommend completing a n late 2020, Erica Unit welcomed
RediPlan to neighbours. Tiffany Moore on board as the unit’s
VICSES, Ambulance Victoria, Country Fire
Authority and Bass Coast Shire provided new Controller.
The Red Cross is now undertaking some
short, relevant presentations regarding follow-up assistance and evaluation for Tiff is an energetic and community minded local
local risk, followed by Red Cross facilitating those who attended the session, which mother of two young children, who has extensive
an emergency planning session with the will be provided in due course to VICSES local connections in the area and has already hit the
RediPlan and Get Prepared apps. and Bass Coast Shire to assist with shaping ground running in the leadership role.
future engagement opportunities with the
Cape Paterson community. n “I never thought I would be leading the
unit,” said Tiff.
“Sometimes you have to take a leap of faith, and I’m
so glad I did.”
The unit already has a fresh new approach to
training, social media, recruitment and community
involvement, supported by the enthusiasm and
energy that Tiff has brought with her.
“Even though we live in a small community, I am
excited to be a part of the unit, and how rewarding
it is to volunteer here. I want to give my members
every opportunity to learn new things and be the
best they can be, for themselves and the service
that we provide to our community,” said Tiff.
Congratulations Tiff, from everyone at East Region! n
Police, embarked on a local out camping, four wheel presented a comprehensive
campaign across Gippsland driving, bushwalking and other news story, and a couple
before the Christmas/New Year outdoor activities. of local radio stations ran a
holiday period, to get holiday story as well to further drive
makers thinking about their A flyer was created in the form community awareness.
preparation before heading to of a checklist, accompanied
bushland areas. by a media release, which was It’s fantastic to have all our local
distributed far and wide across agencies so well connected In
The campaign was initiated Gippsland. Posters and flyers Gippsland, and to be able to
by the growing number of were also distributed to key undertake these sorts of local
emergency calls being received locations at the entry points need initiatives in such a short
by agencies from people getting to many popular bushland space of time. n
into trouble when heading locations. WIN News Gippsland
13Supporting border
protection during
COVID-19
By Gordon Hicks, VICSES Ballarat Unit Controller, Mid West Region
MID
WEST
1 October – 31 December
On the Tuesday afternoon of December 29, VICSES
408
Volunteers
Ballarat Unit sent three of our volunteers to help with
the border protection efforts because of continuing
COVID-19 outbreaks across New South Wales.
608 O
ur task was to assist were from a non-affected area an incredible team of
Victoria Police to (a green zone), and had a Victoria Police and VICSES
ensure that local current travel permit. members, demonstrating our
residents could travel between commitment to keeping the
the border towns (the border We worked four very community, and the state safe
challenging, yet rewarding
Requests for assistance bubble), and check the travel
afternoon shifts alongside
during the pandemic. n
permits for non-locals.
We were assigned with
Victoria Police on an afternoon
Building shift at the Lincoln Causeway
24% damage between Albury and
30%
Wodonga, and our shift was
Support joined by another member
Tree down other from VICSES Wodonga Unit.
10 %
agencies
We checked licences and ID’s
318 30%
of travellers and ascertained
mage: 143
3% 4% 7% Rescue if they had been outside the
er agencies: travel bubble for that area. We
Other Flood also ensured that travellers
%
from outside the travel bubble
7%
%
14Horsham tornado
hits hard
By Jane Patton, Community Resilience
Coordinator, Mid West Region
A
t 1:00am on Monday 7 December
2020, while the residents of
Horsham were sleeping, a fierce
tornado blew strong winds through the
northern suburbs of Horsham. The force of
the winds snapped branches, moved tree
trunks from their base, and lifted sheets of
iron and tiles from house roofs. Debris was
also scattered across properties, including
parts of building structures, outdoor play
equipment and furniture.
Hot day for hot rods! with many people stopping
for a chat and a look over
By Dylan West and Linda Hardingham, VICSES Ararat Unit our rescue vehicles, which
According to the Bureau of Meteorology, the – Community Engagement Team, Mid West Region included our Ford Ranger all-
tornado wind blew strengths between 138 purpose support vehicle and
and 177kph. This resulted in around 3,200 On Saturday January 23, VICSES Ararat Unit our Ford Transit general rescue
residents losing power until mid-morning, support truck. Both were a
and damaging more than 70 homes and had a fantastic time at their first community hot item, with members of the
properties in the northern part of Horsham. engagement event of the year at the Great public asking many questions
The damage was so bad that some homes about each vehicle’s specific
became uninhabitable. Western Show and Shine, an annual event held use, and how they are utilised
by the Great Western Hotel. in various rescue situations.
VICSES Horsham Unit received over 100
T
requests for assistance for this event, The day went by fast and
responded to by the incredible efforts of he day was hot, the community to see who we are,
before we knew it, the event
over 50 VICSES crews from across Victoria cars were hotter, how we respond to requests
came to an end and we
who came to assist. Victoria Police, Country and the community for assistance, and to hopefully
were all heading home; hot,
Fire Authority, Fire Rescue Victoria, the was enjoying every minute of recruit new members.
happy, and already planning
Department of Environment, Water, Land and it. Our focus of the day was
SES Steve (our unit mannequin) our next event! n
Planning and local government also rallied all about raising awareness
of VICSES by allowing our attracted a lot of attention,
together to support the recovery effort.
Horsham Unit demonstrated outstanding
I
professionalism and commitment in
Lifting Horsham’s
n December 2020, VICSES
responding to the event, having a great Horsham Unit Controller
sense of comradery working alongside their
fellow VICSES volunteers and emergency spirits Crystal Sanders and
Horsham Country Fire Authority
service colleagues. A big thank you to (CFA) Captain John St Clair joined
everyone involved in this effort. n By Jane Patton, Community Resilience Coordinator, their crews together to spread
Mid West Region some festive cheer through the
northern streets of Horsham.
The lift in community spirit was
greatly needed, with some
families facing many hardships
after the tornado event, that
occurred only a few weeks prior
to Christmas.
There was a warm reception from
the Horsham residents as the CFA
and VICSES rescue trucks drove
down the local streets, greeting
the locals as they passed by and
wishing everyone a very, Merry
Pic: Paul Carracher Christmas. n
15North East
Region farewells
NORTH Rob Johnstone
EAST By Liz Frazer, Community Resilience Coordinator, North East Region
After 34 years of service with VICSES, North East Region
has said farewell to the one and only Rob Johnstone,
Regional Officer - Training. ‘Robbie J’ joined the
1 October – 31 December VICSES Benalla Unit in 1986, building crucial volunteer
experience and taking up Unit Officer and Deputy
Controller roles, as well as responding to the disastrous
t
s: 702
1993 flood event.
S
0 September ince 1996, Robbie “Robbie took to the Training mountain, and his contribution
or assistance: 327
714
has worked tirelessly Officer role with absolute is deeply appreciated by
n: 209 64% to train, mentor, and passion, and very quickly members in the North
support VICSES volunteers endeared himself to all units East who have expressed
damage: 4 1% to hone specialist skills and and members. He was quiet their sadness at Robbie’s
ther agencies: 52 respond to emergencies by nature, but a happy and departure, sharing well wishes
around Victoria. Mid jovial character, who was for his future.
Volunteers West Regional Officer - always willing to go above
% Emergency Management, and beyond what was Robbie, we wish you all the
827
9 15% Gavin Kelly, reflects fondly required," said Gavin. best in your adventures after
VICSES, and we thank you for
% on the time spent working
Robbie has taught many of your passion and patience.
alongside Robbie.
us the way of the rescue boat The orange doors will always
and the path to the top of the be open to you! n
Requests for assistance
Building
64 % 9% damage
Support
Tree down other
10% agencies
4% 10
%
Rescue
3
%
Other Flood
16"Rob has been a much loved
and vital fixture of our North
East Regional staff and regional
training team, delivering the
whole gamut of training,
particularly focusing his skills in
rescue boat and alpine search
and survival.”
Brendan Corboy, Manager
Regional Operations -
Readiness, North East Region
CELEBRATING Pic: North Central Review
JOHN SIMPSON:
“Rob always made time for
everybody. If ever there was
a cool, calm and collected
person during a major
operation, it was Rob.”
Mitchell Shire Council
Sue Sheldrick,
Citizen of the Year
By Justin Brumley and Steve Caddies, Kilmore Unit Deputy Controllers,
Community Resilience
North East Region
Coordinator, North East Region
J
ohn Simpson’s Although as the members for storms and floods. John
outstanding and at Kilmore Unit report, has really elevated the unit’s
“Robbie leaves a big pair of ongoing contribution there’s nothing ordinary standing in the community
shoes to fill. I’ll miss a great to his community was duly about John Simpson. by fostering relationships
work buddy and his smiling and recognised and celebrated with our emergency service
on Australia Day when he “John conducts himself in colleagues, the Shire,
happy personality.” was named the Mitchell an inspiring way. He leads Rotary, and the Returned
Shire Citizen of the Year. by example, and is a mentor Services League.”
for new members. John’s
Carolan Miller,
John’s many community contribution is constant, Kilmore Unit Controller
Volunteer Support Officer,
roles include nearly 38 years and when the unit has John Koutras also
North East Region
in orange at VICSES and had tough times, John’s acknowledged John's
39 years in yellow at the provided stability and achievement and service.
Country Fire Authority (CFA), steadfastness. He is always
“Rob will be very much missed as well as other roles as a around to support his fellow “John’s recognition from the
community this Australia
by the Alexandra Unit and North scout leader, school teacher members and undertake
and driving instructor. whatever role is needed,” Day is very well-deserved,
East Region units as a whole. and I wish him my biggest
said Kilmore Unit Deputy
He was dedicated to the job Described by some as the Controller, Steve Caddies. congratulations," said
rock of VICSES Kilmore John (Koutras). n
with broad knowledge, and Unit, John is a quiet achiever “The Mitchell Shire Citizen
was always friendly and helpful who just keeps showing up of the Year award reflects
in any way that he could be. He and getting things done. John’s reputation within
John has given much of the community. He’s really
went above and beyond to help himself to the service and fostered the relationship Read more
us achieve our goals as a unit. his community by taking with our CFA brothers and
You can also read more
We wish him all the best in his on important unit roles, sisters, who we have a
about North East Region
including time spent as great relationship with. This
life after VICSES - maybe he’ll Unit Controller, Deputy means the local CFA is more
member Lisa Wise and her
recent Emergency Service
keep his foot in the door!” Controller, and as ‘Member than happy to come out
Medal honours on page 4.
Ordinary’ as the need arises. and help when we activate
Peter Weeks,
Alexandra Unit
17Women of the
North West
By Karen Dunstan, Community Resilience Coordinator, North West Region
To celebrate International Women’s Day, that we foster practices that
NORTH
support gender diversity.
in this edition of Community Matters we
With women joining the
are shining a light on VICSES women service in ever greater
in the North West, acknowledging the
WEST
numbers, our capacity
is building where we
contributions they make to both their unit were previously seeing a
and their community. decline in numbers and
I
units struggling to attend
n North West Region, roles even more, as well as requests for assistance. This is
we are working with other support roles such particularly reflected in some
units to support and as Staging Area Managers of our smaller towns.
empower female members to (SAMs), where currently
1 October
Jan – 31 May
– 312018
December take on leadership positions. more than 30% of endorsed
Being able to demonstrate
that VICSES is a volunteer
Across more than a quarter SAMs are women. There is
organisation of choice,
of the region’s units, women still some work to be done
one that is progressive
occupy over 60% of all to build up numbers in
and respectful, and that
leadership positions, and senior unit positions, but
welcomes members from all
overall, women make up what is exciting and a sign
walks of life, is critical to our
almost 40% of our region's of optimism for the future
ability to continue to serve
unit leadership teams. Of of gender diversity in the
our communities into the
672
597
all the North West Region region, is that more than 40%
future. While there is still a
VICSES volunteers that hold of Unit Officers are women.
long way to go regarding
Incident Management Team
Building gender diversity gender diversity (particularly
(IMT) roles, women account
doesn’t happen overnight, in emergency services where
for 50%, with the majority of
and where we are now is the it can be a generational
Volunteers those roles in operations and
planning cells. result of a conscious effort by change), here in the North
units and the region to ensure West we have our eye
1,476
706
We are working towards our membership reflects our firmly on the benefits of our
increasing the number of communities. This includes membership reflecting the
women undertaking IMT a review of our recruitment communities in which we
strategy to ensure live and serve. n
Request for
Requests forassistance
assistance
Building
I have been Deputy Controller of the
7% damage Echuca Unit for about three years, after
Support
being encouraged to take on the role
63 % 10 %
other
agencies
when our previous Deputy retired.
PROFILE:
Tree down
12% Rescue Being in a leadership role is beneficial
in many ways, and it has significantly
6% Bridget Burke – boosted my understanding and
2%
Echuca Deputy patience when working with people.
Other Flood
Controller
18PROFILE: Gender equity
three daughters, it has
in emergency
Michelle Singleton – been beneficial for them
Swan Hill Deputy
to see other members
(both male and female)
management
Controller make such a difference
within the community. By Karen Dunstan, Community Resilience
Coordinator, North West Region
V
My journey with VICSES started in 2008. My day job is as a Business
ICSES North West Region has
Manager at a specialist
I was looking for a way to make a difference school, which has taught recently joined the Greater Bendigo
Gender Equity Coalition. The
in the community, and something particularly me several strategies
coalition is a diverse collective of public, private
and has helped me in
within the emergency services sector. dealing with some high and community sector groups dedicated to
I
stress situations. I recently advancing gender equity and the prevention of
t wasn’t really my Swan Hill Unit is very completed the Business violence against women.
intention to be a part community minded, and Managers in Victorian State
of the leadership team we work very closely with Coalition members collectively employ over
Schools Program Certificate 8,000 staff in Greater Bendigo, and have direct
at Swan Hill Unit, however all other emergency service IV in Business, which has
when I was approached to agencies in the Swan and regular contact with the community through
also helped me with my the delivery of programs, services and facilities.
take on the role of Deputy Hill area. I am one of the role at VICSES.
Controller, I reconsidered. members responsible for The coalition’s vision is to see “a community
Although hesitant at the managing our social media I would definitely encourage where all people are respected, safe to
start, I soon realised I could page, and we are very other female members to participate in all aspects of community life and
actually make a difference. involved in all community take on any of the leadership have equitable access to the resources they need
I have had a lot of support events within the Swan team positions as part of to succeed in achieving their aspirations, whilst
from the more experienced Hill district. VICSES. It’s always a learning living in a community that is free from violence
members, and now seven experience, and very against women.”
years down the track, I have Our unit is a very family rewarding with many new
seen and implemented lots of orientated unit as well, opportunities for personal Action groups have been organised to focus on
new initiatives. and being a mother of development. n achieving positive social change across six key
areas, including emergency management.
As a member of the ‘Gender Equity and
Emergency Management Action Group’,
together with our emergency management
partners, we will work together to increase
the participation of women in emergency
management, with a focus on areas where
women are traditionally underrepresented.
We will also implement practices that consider
the needs and experiences of women in the
delivery of emergency services. This could
include activities such as ensuring access to
appropriate services for women during recovery,
and exploring the intersection of family violence
and emergencies.
M
y husband My involvement in all of these VICSES units that I can tap We look forward to making a change in our
and I own a areas and groups, including into, especially when I’m community and the emergency services sector
local pizza VICSES, means that I can seeking help or advice. as part of this great initiative. n
shop in town, and through tap into a broad range of
that we sponsor a lot of local networks in the Echuca I’m not sure if my gender
sporting teams, fundraisers community. This opens up plays any specific beneficial
role, but having greater based on their I would say go for
and schools. I am also a a lot more opportunities to skills and knowledge. it! As long as you’re
volunteer for the Echuca connect with people and diversity within our unit and
as part of our leadership willing to learn and put
Country Fire Authority, groups who can help to For other women who in the effort, there is
and involved in local bring a different perspective team demonstrates the are interested in taking
importance in providing nothing stopping you
social groups. or life skills. There’s also a on a leadership role, from doing it. n
strong network among other opportunities for people
19Community engagement
is back and running in
South West! By Ysabel Cronin-Guss, Community
Resilience Coordinator, South West Region
SOUTH
WEST
1 October – 31 December
Face-to-face community engagement Community Engagement
Facilitator for the past 12
has restarted in the South West Region, months. Although it has
with our members engaging with the been a challenging year to
take on a new role, Kylie
community in a COVIDSafe manner as has taken it in her stride. As
642
we gradually move towards a ‘COVID part of her role, Kylie most
enjoys the support from the
normal’ world. community and meeting
A
new people from all walks
lthough all run by the Camperdown of life. Kylie can be credited
Volunteers public relations, Cycling Club. They have for driving the unit’s social
fundraising and been attending the event media presence, as well as the
873
community engagement since 2006 and were thrilled unit’s involvement in recent
are to remain contactless, to be able to attend in 2021, community engagement
Warrnambool, Port Fairy, although in a slightly different events including the bike race.
Camperdown, Hamilton, capacity due to COVID-19
Portland and Corio Units restrictions. The race is held in “Events like this are important
have all started getting memory of Saul Pasque, a local to expose newer members
Requests for assistance back into the community rider and Camperdown Club to real life experiences, like
with various events, with a president who died as a result situational awareness and
number of other South West of a traffic accident during a radio communications,
Building without the pressures of a
10% damage Region units starting to book training ride near Geelong in
in future events. 2005. The original connection time-critical emergency.
11% Support This helps to build a better
other came about because of a
Hamilton Unit kicked things foundation for future
50 % agencies friendship between one of the
off with a static display at Camperdown Unit members responses,” said Kylie.
9% Rescue
Tree down
Bunnings, with the aim of and Saul’s family. Being a small
educating the community on Well done to the units that
community during a time of
sandbagging and supporting have been out in orange
15% Flood need, they pulled together
a fundraiser for Motor Neuron and engaging with their
5 and the relationship between
%
Disease (MND). local communities. We look
the club and unit was born.
forward to sharing many more
Camperdown Unit recently Camperdown Unit member community engagement
Other marshalled and fundraised activities in 2021, and to make
Kylie Warren has been a
at the Saul Pasque Memorial volunteer for two years, up for what was lost in 2020! n
Bike Race, an event that is
20 and positioned as the unit’sWet and wild weather hits
Warrnambool
By Ysabel Cronin-Guss, Community Resilience Coordinator,
South West Region
O
ver the weekend of 2-3 The primary zone (Warrnambool)
January, Warrnambool had 97 RFAs within a 6-hour period
experienced a large on Saturday. Many surrounding
amount of rain and subsequent VICSES units and other emergency
flash flooding. The Bureau of services assisted the Warrnambool
Meteorology referred to the heavy Unit, proving that we really
rainfall and flooding as a 1-in-50- do #workasone.
year event, meaning that there is
a 2% chance of a flood the same “We knew a storm was coming
size occurring in any given year. from all the warnings, but what we
An incredible 50 millimetres of didn’t know was how quickly and
rain fell in town within a 30-minute with what intensity. The whole unit
period just after 2pm on Saturday. came together, and with support
from some neighbouring units, we Nearing the end of the weather
Between 6pm on the Friday and event on Sunday, there was a
6pm on the Sunday, Warrnambool were able to respond to all RFAs,”
said Warrnambool Unit Controller light at the end of the tunnel for
and surrounding units received a the community, as a spectacular
total of 387 requests for assistance Giorgio Palmeri.
rainbow appeared to lift everyone’s
(RFAs), including: “By the end of the day, even when spirits. Thank you to all of our units
• 143 flood. we knew the worst had passed, and other emergency services
we made sure every household involved that helped over the
• 118 tree down. had been checked and that the weekend to ensure the safety of
• 68 building damage occupants were okay.” the community. n
(likely due to flood).
‘2020, it’s a Here are just some of the reflections from
our volunteers:
wrap’ video
production "While the pandemic was really bad “I was given a lot more responsibility
for South
for a lot of people, there were also in a really encouraging atmosphere,
good things to come out of it. I think and I learnt a lot of skills really quickly
West Region
Stop recording
the community has learnt a lot about too.” Tilly Jansen, Torquay Unit.
resilience and helping each other, and
By Rachel Vella, Torquay Unit Controller, South West Region demonstrating that when we work “We had to adapt everything
D
together we can better support each basically. The way you respond,
uring December, a way for future generations other.” Rachel Vella, Torquay Unit. learn and communicate - all of
eight members from to get some insight into our that had to change. People have
South West Region lived experiences. “We had to move the classroom to had to be much more attentive
shared some of their experiences the shed, with 2 metres between to emails, careful about cleaning,
on camera from the year 2020. The project was lead and filmed each chair so we wouldn’t come too mindful of what they touch, and who
by volunteers, who developed close to each other. We couldn’t they are coming in contact with.”
2020 is a year that will be a list of open-ended questions use people, we had to use the Catherine Cloutier, Bellarine Unit.
remembered in history for that could be asked to members dummies as casualties and clean
incredible hardship and loss, but speaking on camera as prompts. everything that we touched.”
also a time where communities From hearing everyone’s stories, Majd Eskeif, Bellarine Unit.
came together. It also brought the biggest thing that shone
Watch it now
a sudden change to the way we through was that although
dealt with training and operations. 2020 was an extremely tough Thank you to the members who
As time passes, it is often the little year for everyone in different shared their stories with us, and You can check out the video
things that we can forget. This ways, throughout it all, members also to the VICSES Media and at www.vimeo.com by
video was a way of capturing were there to help and Communications team for their searching VICSES South
those memories; to both reflect support each other no matter advice and organising the editing West Region – 2020 wrap.
on the year, as well as providing what happened. and release of the video. n
21You can also read
