WOW! Driver Reviver Easter launch - Hub Refresh - Victoria State Emergency Service
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WINTER 2019
EDITION 7
Hub Refresh
Changes to My Region
and Homepage
Driver Reviver
Easter launch
WOW!
Melbourne CBD comes alive for
Wear Orange Wednesday ‘19
CONTENTS
Highlights from the winter edition
What’s happening
across our regions:
10 CENTRAL
Central Region gets to know
their neighbours
12 EAST
East Region celebrates
International Women’s Day
14 MID WEST
Sunbury hosts Women
Hepburn Shire takes on new
junior recruits
in Rescue event
16
pg. 11
NORTH EAST
Volunteers and staff share
learnings at operations
workshops
18 NORTH WEST
Bendigo Unit shines in State
Vision Road Crash Rescue Challenge
Australia
Easter egg
pg. 20
ROSS AND ANDREW POWELL
20 SOUTH WEST
Heywood Unit and CFA
recruit 16 new members in
hunt pg. 18 A celebration of life joint recruitment campaign
WINTER 2019
Myrtleford Interested in
EDITION 7
talks safety contributing? Hub Refresh
Changes to My Region
and Homepage
to Italian Submit your article here: Driver Reviver
Easter launch WOW!
publications@ses.vic.gov.au
seniors pg. 17
Melbourne CBD comes
alive for
Wear Orange Wedn
esday ‘19
pg. 20
VICSES would like to respectfully Authorised and published by This magazine is printed on ecoStar 100% recycled,
acknowledge the traditional Victoria State Emergency Service, an environmentally responsible paper made carbon
custodians of the land throughout 168 Sturt Street, Southbank, neutral. It has been independently certified by the Forest
Victoria and acknowledge their Victoria. © State of Victoria, Stewardship Council (FSC). ecoStar is manufactured from
ancestors and elders, both past Victoria State Emergency Service, 100% post consumer recycled paper in a Process Chlorine
and present. June 2019. Free environment under the ISO 14001 environmental
management system.
MESSAGE FROM THE MINISTER
FOR POLICE AND EMERGENCY
SERVICES
It’s a pleasure to welcome you to
the second edition of Community
Matters for 2019.
Over the past few months It’s a reminder that our VICSES
Welcome
I’ve had the opportunity to volunteers put themselves
meet so many wonderful in harm’s way and face often Hello everyone, and welcome to the
VICSES volunteers. deeply personal and traumatic
scenes every day, particularly winter edition of Community Matters.
The annual Wear Orange when responding to road
Wednesday celebrations saw crash rescues.
us come together to thank you, In April we lost two exceptional a big thanks to everyone who
and recognise the sacrifices you This year we’ve already seen far volunteers, Ross and Andrew participated on the day, and to all
make for our community. too many deaths and serious Powell. Ross and Andrew were involved in the official launch on
injuries on our roads. These both highly respected and skilled Bourke Street in the Melbourne
Last month, I joined the Victorian incidents destroys lives, and members of the VICSES Port CBD. You can view all of the fun on
community to pay tribute to have devastating effects on so Campbell Unit, who dedicated page 4.
Ross and Andrew Powell – two many families and communities. their lives to helping those around
dedicated VICSES and Life Last but not least, I’d also like
them. On page 20 we celebrate
Saving Victoria volunteers who Our brave volunteers shouldn't to thank everyone for their
their lives, and reflect on the
tragically lost their lives serving have to witness the trauma we're involvement in this year’s Driver
inspiring legacy that they have
the Port Campbell community seeing on our roads. That is why Reviver Campaign over the Easter
left behind.
they loved. campaigns like Driver Reviver are long weekend. As Australia’s
so important. They are literally I’d also like to take this opportunity largest road crash rescue network,
They are shining examples of life-saving. to remind everyone that in difficult our involvement in promoting
Victoria’s proud and selfless
times, it’s important that we road safety is paramount to
spirit of volunteerism and they As a government, we’re working
look out for each other. If you or our organisation. Well done to
will never be forgotten. tirelessly to keep Victorians safe
someone you know needs support, everyone who gave up their
on our roads, and you’ll soon
we have a range of services time to keep our roads and
hear more about our plans to
available for 24-hour assistance, community safe.
help stop this carnage.
such as our Peer Support Line.
More information on page 21. As always, thank you for helping
Once again, I’d like to thank all
us put together another fantastic
of our VICSES volunteers who
On Wednesday 22 May we edition of Community Matters.
give up their time and put their
celebrated Wear Orange
lives on the line to help protect Kind regards,
Wednesday, an opportunity
their community.
to thank all of our incredible Stephen Griffin
Hon Lisa Neville MP volunteers and the amazing work CEO Victoria State
Minister for Police and that they achieve. I’d like to give Emergency Service
Emergency Services
03
FEATURES
Melbourne
CBD comes
alive for
Wear Orange
Wednesday ‘19
By Gabi Barkmeyer, Corporate
Communications Officer, VHO
Wear Orange Wednesday
(WOW Day) was celebrated
across Victoria on Wednesday
22 May, encouraging the
community to say thanks to our
amazing volunteers in orange.
04
T
he day was the Melbourne Town Hall
officially launched and along St Kilda Road.
on Bourke Street, On Bourke Street a VICSES
with attendance from our CEO community engagement area
Stephen Griffin, COO Tim was activated for the morning
Wiebusch, Minister for Police Orange isn’t of the launch, offering an
and Emergency Services Lisa opportunity for the public to
Neville, Victoria Police Search my colour, engage with our volunteers
and Rescue Senior Sergeant
Greg Paul, and volunteers from
but I’ll wear it on community education and
opportunities to volunteer,
Central and North East units. proudly from right in the heart of the
Melbourne CBD.
The launch also included now on,” said
Trevor Salvado and Jacinta Outside of the city, our units
Bohan, who received the Jacinta in and community members
help of VICSES volunteers
and other emergency service
her thanks to came together to celebrate
by dressing in orange and
personnel when they were VICSES. holding morning teas,
lost for four nights on Mount barbecues and more.
Buffalo. The event provided Throughout Melbourne, our
an opportunity for some of volunteers were celebrated Thank you to everyone
our volunteers to finally meet with major landmarks such involved in celebrating our
the couple who had they as the Bolte Bridge and the amazing volunteers – what
had set out in search for just Melbourne Cricket Ground would we do without you! n
months ago. lit up in orange, and WOW
Day flags positioned outside
05
GENERAL
NEWS
Volunteers
connect with
community for
Neighbour Day
By Gabi Barkmeyer, Corporate Communications Officer, VHO
On Sunday 31 March VICSES, Red Cross
and CFA banded together to hold the first
ever volunteer Neighbour Day Challenge.
L
inked to the annual Campaign lead Jamie Devenish,
Neighbour Day event Manager Emergency Management
held on the last Sunday Planning said he hopes to see the
of March each year, the Neighbour campaign grow in future years.
Day Challenge was launched to
highlight the strong link between “It was great to see the three
positive social ties with neighbours agencies get behind this initiative.
and outcomes in an emergency, and Recent research and stories from
encourage our volunteers to connect within our own units highlight the
with the people that live around important role that knowing your
them. To enter, participants simply neighbours can play, before, during
had to photograph themselves and after an emergency. Well done
getting out there and doing to all of our members out there
something neighbourly – anything walking-the-talk and building those
from a note under the door, to a connections with their neighbours in
friendly cuppa or a barbecue. the first year.”
06
HUB REFRESH UPDATE:
Changes to My Region
and Homepage
By Scott Morgan, Digital Content Officer, VHO
Changes have been made to the Hub homepage
and My Region sections to deliver a better experience
to volunteers as part of the Hub refresh project.
A
new Hub across the organisation to give • Removal of duplicate/
homepage will content a consistent structure. outdated content.
be rolled out this
Each My Region section has • Implementation of a
month featuring a refreshed
been reviewed and updated consistent landing page for
look and feel. This new
to include: each region.
page has been designed
to provide easier access to I’d like to give a special thank
• A restructure and reorder
the information that is most you to all the volunteers that
of pages and content in
important to our volunteers, were part of the volunteer
line with feedback from the
and includes tiles for easy working group, who played
volunteer working group.
access to key applications a critical role in these
and pages, a new quick links recommendations. n
section and a simplified news
feed to allow for quicker
scanning of the latest news. For further information or for any assistance with the
Hub, please contact Scott Morgan via email to
The My Region section has scott.morgan@ses.vic.gov.au, or visit the Hub
also been updated in line Refresh page: Hub > My State > Media and
with feedback from Communications > Volunteer Hub Project.
SPOTLIGHT ON
OUR VALUES
Congratulations to the five VICSES
winners of the inaugural Neighbour Day
Challenge, who each received a $200
Safety drives our
Bunnings voucher thanks to our campaign
sponsor PFD Food Services: Chris Riley,
decisions
A
Tash Drake, Aleisha Borg, Moe Unit and s one of our five organisational • If you notice something has changed
South Barwon Unit. Values, it’s important that safety in the surrounding environment, make
Thank you to everyone who took part in is a priority for every one of us sure you communicate this to the rest
this year’s challenge, and we look forward at VICSES. If you’re attending an incident: of your team.
to celebrating Neighbour Day again • Always identify who will be in charge Together, we can work towards an even
next year. and all other key roles. safer VICSES. For more information on our
Values, visit the Hub. n
You can read more about the Neighbour • Make sure to stop, think, and assess all
Day campaign on page 10. n risks, and how to correctly approach
the situation.
07
GENERAL
NEWS
VICSES celebrates
International
Women’s Day at
Federation Square
F
By Gabi Barkmeyer, Corporate Communications Officer, VHO ree for the public to At VICSES we are proud of our
attend, the celebration commitment to diversity and
On Friday 8 March VICSES was invited to celebrate highlighted the empowering women across our
importance of gender-balance organisation. This event was a
International Women’s Day at Melbourne’s within the sector. It also offered fantastic opportunity to celebrate
Federation Square. The event, hosted by Melbourne the chance for agencies to engage the incredible leadership and skills
with the public on volunteering of our female members. Thank you
Fire Brigade (MFB), honoured the contribution of opportunities and insight into what to everyone who came along and
women in emergency services and also featured we do behind the scenes. VICSES supported this fantastic day.
Life Saving Victoria, Country Fire Authority, Victoria and MFB also joined together to
perform a live road crash rescue Read more about International
Police, Emergency Management Victoria and demonstration for the public, Women’s Day celebrations on
page 13. n
many more. which highlighted VICSES’ skills
and capabilities.
08
5 Q’s with
Sco Morgan
Scott Morgan has joined VICSES as our new
Digital Content Officer, and the first point of
contact for anything relating to Hub support.
We sat down with Scott to ask him a few
questions…
G
reat to have you
on board Scott! Stepping
Can you tell us
a little about your career
back
prior to VICSES? in time…
My previous role was with
the Australian Taxation Office
(ATO), where I started as a
Librarian and ended up a few
years later working as part of
the Intranet team, which then Pictured here, Mid West
led to working on the ATO Region members Kevin
website. So I have quite a bit
of experience in organising
Liersch, Rohan Eales and
and managing information on Denis Purcell proudly exhibit
intranets and websites. and make it is easier to find channel or place for
what you’re looking for. The procedures to be stored. It’s a a series of hydraulic rescue
What are you most looking second is a refresh of the Hub really exciting development. equipment at the local
forward to in your new role? homepage to provide easier
access to key resources and Finally, we have to know… Warracknabeal Show. The
I’m looking forward to cats or dogs?
improving the Hub so that
information. Jaws of Life sure looked a
it becomes more usable There are also many less visible Definitely Dogs…I have a lot different back then! The
and useful, and is better at but equally important ongoing very energetic 12-year-old
Siberian Husky. n photo is believed to have
directly supporting the work projects underway – including
of volunteers and staff. I’m removing dead links and been taken in the late 1970s
keen to remove some of the improving the search function. or early 1980s. Do you know
roadblocks and frustrations so
that finding the information Who or what inspires you for sure? If so, drop us a line!
you need becomes the most?
simpler. There are lots of
I try to attend intranet Contact
challenges ahead!
conferences whenever I can Contact Scott for
What are some of the and I often meet some really help with the Hub
inspirational people making
changes that we can
expect to see on the Hub? amazing improvements to their Share with us
intranet. I can see the trend of
If you have a photo to share
There are several projects intranets becoming more user-
in our Stepping back in time
underway. The first project centred and personalised – an
feature, email your submission
is the refresh of My Regions entry point to a wider digital
along with a description to
that will improve the accuracy ecosystem, rather than just
publications@ses.vic.gov.au.
and consistency of content an internal communications
09
CENTRAL
Community Resilience Coordinator Gavin Quinn with local residents at the Castleford Community Centre
1 Jan – 31 Mar 2019 Central Region gets to
know their neighbours
By Gavin Quinn, Community Resilience Coordinator, Central region
1,879
This year we were excited to participate in the Warren Unit and neighbouring
Greater Dandenong Unit to
Neighbour Day campaign, held on Sunday show how VICSES works with
31 March. neighbouring units as support
on those busier events. I later
N
Volunteers eighbour Day talking to the residents at
attended my own Neighbour
Day event with fellow
is an ongoing Castleford Community Centre
3,440
occupants of the unit complex
opportunity within City of Bayside. We
in which I reside.
to remind people of the also held a talk with parents
importance of community and children at Hampton Park Read more about Neighbour
connections in their Community House, within Day on page 6. n
lives, as well as their City of Casey, where we were
Requests for assistance individual responsibility to joined by members of Narre
create a well-connected
neighbourhood. In my role
as a Community Resilience
Coordinator, we have seen
how positive neighbourhood
55%
Tree down Building
relationships have transformed
communities. These
20% damage connections can also help to
prevent loneliness, isolation
Support and depression.
8% other
5% 6 % 6% agencies In celebration of Neighbour
Rescue Day, we held a number of
Other Flood events throughout several
communities within the
southern metropolitan area,
10Sunbury
hosts
Women in
Rescue event
By Angela Lane, Sunbury Unit, Central Region
April saw Sunbury Unit host this year's ‘Women in Participants also heard from Katherine Cooney,
program coordinator at the Victorian Foundation
Rescue’ event at its local headquarters. for Survivors of Torture Inc. and co-founder of
the Australian Women in Emergencies network,
I
who shared her experiences as a volunteer in
n its second year running, the two-day This year’s event built on the outstanding emergency services and the leadership role
event was focussed on achieving four success of Women in Rescue 2018, and that women play in the broader emergency
key goals: included representatives from six units and services sector.
three regions.
• To build confidence in all roles associated Sunbury Unit’s Jarrod Bell, Gisborne Unit’s
with a rescue. Participants took part in a variety of practical Di Dale and Lisa Wise from Peer Support led
hands-on sessions, interactive workshops and sessions on leadership, focussing on the
• To increase familiarity with rescue tools
guest speaker presentations, all designed Commander role and the role a leader plays in
through more ‘hands on tools’ time.
to increase experience, knowledge and looking after the welfare of their team, including
• To provide a positive, welcoming and confidence in rescue. discussions on physiological welfare while
challenging learning environment. managing an emergency.
Sunbury Unit member Ben Stanford and
• To expand the leadership capacity and Seymour Unit Controller Christine Welsh led Thank you to all the amazing women that
networking opportunities of women in a series of practical sessions, which included participated this year, and to everyone involved
emergency services. challenging scenarios such as vehicle in making this event possible once again! n
stabilisation, rescue techniques for vehicles
on rooves, vehicles on their side, and third
door conversions.
11EAST
1 Jan – 31 Mar 2019
Remembering
Brian Rintoule
REMEMBERING
By the members of Leongatha Unit, East Region
702
BRIAN RINTOULE
It is with deep sadness and pain that we share with
Volunteers our community the terrible loss of one of our own,
Brian Rintoule.
692
Requests for assistance
O
n 10 April we
lost a dedicated,
passionate, kind-
hearted and honourable
man; a leader, a teacher and
We offer our most heartfelt
and sincere condolences to
Brian’s family. They will forever
remain our family, too. Mandy,
Shanna, Ellie; if there is ever
a much-loved member of anything you need, we are
the Leongatha and broader only one phone call away.
Building VICSES family.
5% damage You were the best of us Brian. Remember, grief and loss
Brian, you will forever have We thank you for your 39
59% Support affects us all in different
other our love, our respect and our years of unwavering service ways and across different
Tree down 14 %
agencies deepest gratitude. We cannot to our community. Together, periods of time. It’s okay
begin to imagine our lives we will mourn your loss, to not be okay. If you
without you. celebrate your life, and honour need support, reach
8% Rescue your memory.
Your smile lit up the room. out to a friend or family
1%
13% Your humour, your integrity, Vale Brian. member, speak to your
your wisdom and your GP, or contact Peer
Other Flood compassion made us all richer Rest easy, dear friend. n Support. See page 21 for
for having known you. Our more information.
lives will never again be quite
12 so bright.VOLUNTEER
SPOTLIGHT
Eileen
Laidlaw
By Merryn Henderson, Community
Moe Unit volunteers Resilience Coordinator, East Region
East Region celebrates Rosemary Dean and
Eileen Laidlaw
Unit: Moe Unit
International Women’s Day Name: Eileen Laidlaw
Age: 63
By Merryn Henderson, Community Resilience Coordinator, East Region
Joined: 2014
I
nternational Women’s Day is a great Roles: Active operational volunteer for Moe Unit
opportunity to recognise the work of and a member of the unit’s training team. I also
the many women within VICSES who record the unit’s meeting minutes.
serve their communities.
Skills and special interest areas: Search and
This year VICSES has continued to increase
opportunities and reduce barriers for women
We want to encourage Rescue, Map and Navigation.
across the emergency services sector, all women to come on What do you do outside of VICSES? I am
including 33% female membership, 35 female an equal active partner in a beef farm with
Unit Controllers, and 107 women in leadership board; women from 160 Angus girls. This includes feeding cows,
roles across the organisation.
all backgrounds,” assisting at time of calving, animal health and
being a general yard hand. When I have the time
Eileen Laidlaw has been a member of VICSES
for four years, and is currently a volunteer at
said Eileen. I also volunteer with the Friends of the Morwell
Rose Garden and Friends of Baw Baw National
Moe Unit and part of the unit’s training team. “Everyone has different skills to bring to the Park. I love gardening and bush walking, walking
Eileen is a hands-on volunteer who enjoys table and we really value that at VICSES. There most nights for fitness.
meeting with the community and engaging are no limits; at VICSES we are given the same
with the locals to build awareness around who opportunities as our male counterparts.” Why did you join VICSES? Retiring from dairy
VICSES is, and how they can better support I felt I had more time. I have always volunteered
their own communities. Eileen said she is keen Read more about International Women’s Day in the community and I felt I needed something
to see more women join the organisation. on page 8. n to keep my brain alive.
What keeps you coming back? The
opportunity to continually learn and help out
across a diverse range of scenarios keeps me
involved, as well as being able to extend myself
out of my comfort zone.
Has there been a highlight or stand out
moment during your time with VICSES?
A highlight was definitely spending four days
at the Rawson Incident Control Centre (ICC)
for the Thomson fire, where I worked within
the Logistics team as a catering officer. This
really gave me an insight into the complexity of
the administration needed at Incident Control
Centres (ICCs) to support the fireground crews,
as well as all the different aspects that go into
fighting a fire on a large scale. n
East Region volunteers Kate Grass, Sharni Fairfield-Hughes, Rebecca Madyson,
Lisa May, Linda Bayly, Tanika Moore and Anna Hladyszew.
13Hepburn Shire takes
on new junior recruits
By Belinda Marchant, Manager Regional Operations Emergency Management,
Mid West Region
MID
WEST
1 Jan – 31 Mar
May 2019
2018
Unit members David Storer, Maddi Viola, Bella Viola and Cassie Blanks
Hepburn Shire Unit has always embraced diversity.
457
So when the unit was approached by one of their
own volunteers about taking on junior members,
they jumped at the opportunity.
Volunteers
T
Grampians
376
344
wins Maddy and as the unit who have learnt
Bella Viola have a significant amount along
been willing and the way. National
very active participants of the
unit now for over 12 months, Hepburn Shire Unit is Park Search
exceptionally proud of
Request for
Requests forassistance
assistance and have provided their fellow
members with a great sense the effort and maturity and Rescue
of energy and entertainment
during this time.
demonstrated by Maddy,
Bella and Cassie throughout Multi
Recently, the twins recruited
the year, including during
the unit's difficult time of the
Agency
Forum
55%
another junior member Cassie unexpected passing of a
Blanks to join their ranks and well-respected member. Most
Tree down Building boost the morale of the unit. recently, they have been able
13% damage
This keen and enthusiastic to put their skills into practice
By Belinda Marchant,
Support trio recently completed their by attending their first call-out.
Manager Regional
8% other General Rescue qualifications
12% agencies Well done to all involved for Operations
4% at the Mid West Region Annual
8% providing the support and Emergency
General Rescue training
ongoing training to enable Management,
Rescue weekend in Stawell in March.
Flood these active junior members to Mid West Region
Other This is a huge milestone for all
three junior members, as well achieve their goals. n
14V
ICSES staff participated With the City of Ballarat area
City of Ballarat Council in two public forums comprising more than 107,000
expands flood risk held in April at the local
Lucas Community Hub and the
people in 2018 and granting
approvals for 1000 new properties
management Brown Hill Hall, where members
of the community were invited to
every year, these legislative
changes for the City of Ballarat
provide feedback and information area will allow for future flood
By Belinda Marchant, Manager Regional Operations Emergency to validate and update local flood mitigation in an ever expanding
Management, Mid West Region intelligence. This allowed VICSES regional centre.
staff to promote the current Local
The new LSIO will affect Ballarat’s
City of Ballarat council staff, in conjunction with Flood Guides and available
heritage central business district,
community resources to support
VICSES Mid West Region and the Corangamite stronger community resilience. which is currently impacted by
significant flash flooding, and allow
Catchment Management Authority (CMA),
City of Ballarat Strategic Planning the Council to support further
has recently undertaken a range of community and Engineering staff discussed flood mitigation strategies for
engagement activities, exploring the impacts with community members the local businesses and residents into
importance and impacts of the the future.
of implementing major changes to its Council planned amendments, including
The planning amendments are
Strategic Planning. the Land Subject to Inundation
due to be completed before
(LSIO) and Flood Overlay (FO).
December 2019. n
V
ICSES has been provides insights, observations The new Peak Trail will be area. It has also deployed 4WD
instrumental in and lessons to improve the future completed in 2020, and will ambulances in nearby towns,
bringing together response of all agencies within the consist of a 170km trek from and plans to deploy more in
agencies involved in Search and Grampians National Park. the north to the south of the future to improve access. Victoria
Rescue at a forum held in the Grampians National Park. Police has also ensured local
Grampians National Park in May. Emergency Markers have been Emergency responders have been members from Halls Gap and
The forum was an outstanding installed in over 160 locations in involved in the planning of the trail Stawell stations have completed
success, with more than 40 the Grampians National Park with to ensure for proper emergency advanced training in Search
participants from VICSES, Victoria many more to be installed along access, including campsites built and Rescue Command
Police, Ambulance Victoria, CFA, the peak trail as it is developed. on platforms, helicopter landing and Control.
and Parks Victoria. Emergency Markers are accurately sites, and road access to key
recorded by the Emergency areas. The Peak Trail is expected Thank you to everyone
A range of topics were discussed Services Telecommunications to bring an extra 30,000 visitors involved in this informative
at the forum, including Emergency Authority (ESTA) in computer to the Grampians National Park and collaborative forum. n
Markers, Peak Trail development aided dispatch (CAD), and, when each year.
and new 4WD ambulances. referenced by the caller, help
Also discussed was the Lessons guide emergency responders to Ambulance Victoria has trained
Management Pilot that uses the the correct location and the best 140 paramedics in Wilderness
Emergency Management Victoria route to get there. Rescue with an emphasis on
framework, and collates feedback the Grampians National Park,
into an online program that to support operations in the
15New headquarters for
NORTH Beechworth Unit
By Neil Payn, Operations Manager – Emergency
EAST
Management, North East Region
B
eechworth Unit the Beechworth community
has recently were without a VICSES unit.
‘re launched’ their The date of the cutting: the 8th
local headquarters after a of April 1989, exactly 30 years
substantial makeover, funded ago. The unit tracked down
under the VESEP Grants the former councillors and
Scheme. The unit celebrated invited them to the re launch as
1 Jan – 31 Mar 2019
with an open day on the 6th guests of honour, which they
of April. were pleased to do.
Above: Press cuttings found by
During the preparations for “We’d like to thank the the unit picturing councillors
Graeme Gallus and Leo Nette.
the event, the unit found a State Government and
press cutting in an archive box Indigo Shire for supporting “I would also like to recognise
outlining the work of two local Beechworth Unit with security the considerable community
councillors Graeme Gallus and of tenure in these refurbished support for our unit, and we
Leo Nette. Graeme and Leo headquarters,” said look forward to working with
699
were instrumental in gaining Beechworth Unit Controller and serving our community
support for the reformation of Neil Payne at the launch. for the next 30 years
the unit after a period where and beyond.” n
Volunteers
Volunteers and staff share learnings
at operations workshops
995
Requests for assistance
By Liz Frazer, Community Resilience Coordinator, North East Region
In March North East volunteers and staff attended two operations
workshops to share new information and encourage interaction
between volunteer and staff leaders.
M
embers They also learnt more about including Municipal
explored a interactions with councils Emergency Management
71%
Tree down
broad range
of topics, including safety
for relief of single-incident
events, such as flood damage
Plans (MEMP), Municipal
Flood Emergency Plans
matters, vehicle issues, to houses, council emergency (MFEP) and Regional Storm
Building
6% damage unit training procedures, contacts, and SES dispatch Plans, which included agency
Support other Incident Cause Analysis Incident Management System involvement in Incident
5%1% 9% agencies Method (ICAM), Transfer of (IMS) interaction with the Vic Emergency Management
8
%
Control, junior membership, Emergency application. Teams (IEMT).
Rescue upcoming events and
Flood Attendees also undertook Thank you to everyone who
Other exercises, and operational
readiness and capability. a desktop sector/Divisional attended. n
Command storm exercise,
16Myrtleford talks safety
to Italian seniors groups
MYRTLEFORD PARLA DI SICUREZZA
By Sue Sheldrick, Community Resilience Coordinator, North East Region
Myrtleford Unit volunteers
Ciao! In April, 82 members of Myrtleford’s Italian somewhat silent killer of vulnerable incident, the crew leader reports
older community members. The the situation directly to the
Senior Citizens groups were visited by guest Department of Health and Human relevant local council’s Municipal
speakers from VICSES, CFA and Alpine Shire for Services (DHHS) has excellent Recovery Manager (MRM) to
heat health videos available in initiate immediate action. If part
a combined emergency services presentation. many community languages, of a significant event or declared
The event included new and refreshed hazard and this video received very operation, the team leader reports
positive feedback. the damaged home location to
safety messages, and guidance on where to find the Regional Duty Officer (RDO).
emergency information. Council also explained its role A brochure on this information is
in Single Incident Emergency available from DHHS or your local
E
Assistance, where one home is council, and is a helpful handout to
ach agency was shared their in-depth knowledge structurally damaged or destroyed
represented by locals, and experiences of the Myrtleford have in your rescue vehicles.
and urgent accommodation
including Myrtleford Unit flood story. A very important and support is required. If this
Controller, Neralle Keesing, and conversation was also had about situation is part of a VICSES Arrivederci! n
Myrtleford CFA Captain, Gloria the community alerting siren in
Pizzolitto. The local connections Myrtleford and what it means when
and familiar faces really made the town's fire siren sounds for
a difference to the quality of more than 90 seconds, as it did
the conversations and follow during the major level floods of
up questions. December 2017.
VICSES introduced the local crew CFA presented new smoke alarm
and discussed recent emergencies, advice, recommending a smoke
which are unfortunately part alarm in every room and how to
of Myrtleford’s picturesque clean and test your alarm. Alpine
‘emergency hot spot’ location. Shire Emergency Management
The Myrtleford Italian and English Coordinator Karen Van Huizen
A hot spot for emergencies: The remains of a landslide as a result of flash
versions of the Local Flood Guides then finished off the session with
flooding on the Great Alpine Road.
were distributed, and the group information about heatwaves, the
17NORTH
WEST
1 Jan – 31 Mar
May 2019
2018 Vision
Australia
Easter egg
hunt
672
674
Bendigo Unit Controller Jason Hague
ByTrudi Pratt, Community Resilience
Coordinator, North West Region
Volunteers
This Easter, Bendigo Unit once
1,476
669
again supported the wonderful
cause of Vision Australia by
participating in local Easter Of course we ‘helped’
Request for
Requests forassistance
assistance festivities with the community. him”, disclosed the
unit members, who
O
Building
n Good Friday, Bendigo Unit may or may not have
Controller Jason Hague willingly
10 damage
thrown the odd bucket
%
(allegedly) participated in the
Support
of eggs in his direction.
61 % other Vision Australia Easter Egg Hunt in the over
7% agencies 18s division in Rosalind Park. The participants
Tree down all wore glasses to imitate different vision We’re sure it was all
fair play! n
12% Rescue impairments that members of the community
face and live with every day of their lives. The
1% glasses that Jason wore imitated diabetic
9%
retinopathy.
Other Flood Jason was supported by his fellow unit
members, who assisted in the challenging
egg hunt.
18INTERVIEW WITH
JUDI CANTWELL CROSS-BORDER
RESPONSE
Echuca Unit’s newly
Judi Cantwell (center) and her
fellow Echuca Unit members
EXERCISE:
appointed and first ever • Build up our boat crew
Bus crash on
female Unit Controller • Improve the training
facility at Echuca to George Chaffey
By Gabi Barkmeyer, include Safe Work at
Corporate Communications Officer, VHO Heights System (SWAHS), Bridge
Y
flood, and storm
ou have recently I have been surrounded by • Build relationships with By Jemma Nesbit-Sackville, Community
been appointed volunteers that have been other emergency services Resilience Coordinator, North West Region
N
as Echuca Unit's willing to give their time to organisations
first female Unit Controller, assisting new members with orth West Region took part in a cross
• More team building boarder exercise on Thursday 16 May
congratulations! What training, and most of all being
does this position mean treated with respect. How do you like to unwind alongside NSWSES Wentworth Unit
to you? outside of the VICSES? and Mildura Rural City Council.
What made you volunteer
I’ve always wanted to be for us? My husband of 44 years has The scenario included a truck loaded with
involved as a community retired and is greatly involved hazardous material colliding with a bus carrying
I had been looking for an passengers on the George Chaffey Bridge.
volunteer, and found Echuca with bowls Victoria, and I am
organisation to join as a
Unit to be a very good fit. still working fulltime, which
volunteer since doing the The objective for participants was to understand
Learning from my fellow keeps us very busy. We have
Fairley Leadership Program. and test how NSWSES and VICSES could work
volunteers gave me the a dog, cat, and cockatoo that
After listening to an ex together to respond to the initial incident.
confidence to put my hand are very demanding of ‘their
member, I decided to look It also touched on recovery post event for
up for the position of Unit time’ too! When I can, I like
into VICSES, and I’ve never the organisations that form our wide team in
Controller. Giving back to having a girls day out with
looked back. emergency management, where a river divides
the community when help is friends for brunch and movie,
not only states, but also services.
needed is very rewarding. What are your goals for or continuing with house
the Echuca unit looking renovations. My daughters
Judi how long have you
been with VICSES?
forward? have also got me involved in Fantastic work by
I have been with VICSES
• Increase unit members for
gym, and I’ve participated
in ‘Active April’ for the past
everyone involved. n
day/night response
for two years. In that time, two years. n
Bendigo Unit shines in
State Road Crash Rescue
Challenge
By Natalie Stanway, Bendigo Unit, North West Region
W
e couldn’t be Congratulations to team members
more excited to and volunteers Matt, Miranda,
announce that Nicole, Mike, Marty and Bec, who’s
Bendigo Unit has been declared months of training and practising
the winners of the State Road Crash were well worth the effort!
Rescue Challenge, and won the
honour of representing VICSES at You can read more about the State
the Australasian championships Road Crash Rescue Challenge on
later this year. page 22. n
19SOUTH Ross (left) and Andrew Powell
WEST ROSS AND ANDREW POWELL
A celebration of life
1 Jan – 31 Mar
May 2019
2018 On Sunday 21 April, Port Campbell Unit were humble, caring men
who never sought reward or
volunteers, Ross and Andrew Powell, personal accolades for their
passed away during a rescue attempt while tireless commitment to VICSES
and their community.
undertaking their volunteer roles with Life
Although we have lost
Saving Victoria. Today, we celebrate their two incredible men, we
incredible lives and the legacy that they have can be reassured that they
673
688
have left behind a legacy
left behind.
R
that will inspire people for
oss and Andrew, Andrew followed in his father’s years to come, through
or Po and Andy as footsteps, by also becoming their dedication, positivity
they were more a proud member of the Port and generosity.
Volunteers affectionately known, where Campbell Unit. Andrew was Our condolences are with Ross
remarkable individuals who an equally respected leader and Andrew’s family, friends,
989
520
volunteered their time across within the unit with a service and fellow unit members
a range of organisations, of 14 years, and was similarly during this difficult time. Their
including Life Saving Victoria, skilled like Ross in road rescue loss will be felt throughout the
CFA and of course VICSES. and technical rescue. whole community.
It was 1986 when Ross first Ross and Andrew were
Request for
Requests forassistance
assistance decided to join VICSES, after innovators, who regularly
Thank you, Ross and Andrew,
for your unwavering service.
his long association with the brought new ideas to the Gone, but never forgotten.
Port Campbell Cliff Rescue table, particularly around
Building Vale Ross and Andrew. n
7% damage Squad. As a founding member new training methods and
Support of the Port Campbell Unit high angle rescue. They
47%
other and with a service spanning
13% agencies more than 30 years, Ross A community tribute for Ross and Andrew
Tree down cemented his leadership and out at sea in Port Campbell
sought-after skills as the unit’s
19% Rescue Training Officer, specialising
in both road rescue and
11% 3% technical rescue.
Like his father, Andrew also
Other Flood
shared a passion for giving
back to the community and
helping others. In 2005
20Whether it was
responding to a road
rescue in the middle of Heywood Unit and CFA
the night, a cliff rescue recruit 16 new members
in the pouring rain, or
cutting up a tree from a
in joint recruitment
local’s home, Ross and campaign
Andrew have helped “The combined open nights
were a great opportunity
By Bruce Humphries, Community Resilience Coordinator,
countless people – people South West Region for people to come along
who may never know and learn more about what
CFA and SES volunteers do,
their names, but whose VICSES Heywood Unit and Heywood CFA and perhaps how they too
lives will be forever recently joined forces to increase the number could make a contribution
better because of their of emergency service volunteers available to to their community,” said
Darren Hogan.
selflessness,” support the local community.
Partners Rebecca Sidnall
W
TIM WIEBUSCH ith the “CFA and VICSES are often
and Cameron Leske are two
of approximately 16 new
VICSES Chief Officer assistance of both in attendance at local
volunteers to join either
Operations regional staff, incidents,” he said.
VICSES or CFA as a result of
both agencies embarked on
“That’s why it makes sense the campaign.
“Ross and Andrew a joint recruitment campaign,
to work together and
using the well-recognised red Moving to Heywood in 2017
were fully dedicated and orange logos together provide a better service to
after purchasing the local
volunteers, crossing with some familiar local faces. our community.”
caravan park, Cameron chose
multiple skills and “The current members are The campaign ran over to volunteer with CFA while
two months, and included Rebecca opted for VICSES.
competencies as VICSES doing a great job, but we need
a combined presence
more members to maintain
members … the holistic and enhance our emergency from VICSES Portland and
“We have been very happy
with the recruitment process
package that you get response capability,” said Heywood Units and the
so far and we look forward to
Department of Environment,
out of our people who VICSES Heywood Unit
Land Water and Planning
training,” Rebecca said. “We
Controller Charlie Debono, have been made to feel very
wear orange and protect who is keen to expand the (DELWP) at the local Wood,
welcome and everyone has
their local communities unit’s profile, membership Wine and Roses Festival.
been friendly and happy to
every day.” and capacity. An open night at each agency answer our questions.” n
Heywood CFA Group enabled people to learn more
DAVID BAKER Officer Darren Hogan is also about being an emergency
service volunteer. If you are finding it difficult
VICSES Deputy Chief Officer Operations enthusiastic about the benefits
to manage your grief or
– Capability of the partnership.
would like to check in with
someone, remember you
are not alone:
It is an individual experience and may be more private and prefer to
Dealing has no timeframe. Like many human keep quietly busy. With support, For volunteers:
with grief reactions, we may experience a
variety of intense feelings (such
most people gradually find their
own ways to live with their loss.
contact Peer Support on
1800 899 927
as sadness, anger, guilt, disbelief Exercise, regular healthy eating
By Kelly Strange, Manager For staff: contact
and worry), repetitive negative and rest, maintaining a routine,
Mental Health and Wellbeing Lifeworks (EAP) on
thoughts and physical symptoms talking with others and developing
(Psychologist), VHO 1300 361 008
(like headaches, muscle tension, your own rituals or memorial may
G
nausea, difficulty sleeping, and all be helpful. It is important that Alternatively, please
rief is our natural
poor appetite). we support each other’s way of contact the VICSES Mental
response to loss and
grieving, even if it is different to Health and Wellbeing
helps us come to terms Some people will want to openly our own. n team on (03) 9256 9064.
with what has changed in our lives. express their feelings, while others
21OPERATIONAL
UPDATES
Bacchus March Unit members, who proudly
secured second place.
State Road Crash
Rescue Challenge
By Jackson Bell, Operations Manager – Operational Improvement, and Gerry Sheridan,
Operations Officer – Capability Improvement, VHO
This year’s State Road Crash Rescue Challenge Congratulations to
our volunteers from Bendigo
took place over the weekend of 30–31 March Unit and Bacchus Marsh
in Geelong. Unit, who placed 1st and
2nd at the challenge. Both
O
units now have the chance to
ver the duration demonstrated their skills
compete at the Australasian
of the two day and experience in a series
Road Crash Rescue Challenge
challenge, of complex road crash
in Dubbo, NSW, in July.
five participating teams rescue scenarios.
Well done also to our
members from the
Leongatha, Phillip
Island, Wonthaggi, Sunbury
and Warrnambool Unit
teams, who all put in an
incredible effort over the
two days demonstrating
their exceptional skills
and capabilities.
Read more about Bendigo
Unit’s win at the State Road
Crash Rescue Challenge on
Challenge champions, Bendigo Unit. page 19. n
22VICSES hosts
state-of-the-art Requests for Assistance
Road Crash Rescue
Workshop
1 Jan – 31 Mar 2019
By Jackson Bell, Operations Manager Total
6,724
– Operational Improvement and Gerry
Sheridan, Operations Officer – Capability
Improvement, VHO
VICSES hosted a state-of-the-art
Road Crash Rescue Workshop
over the course of two days Breakdown
in March.
T
his year’s workshop was themed
‘Heavy Rescue’, and welcomed
experts from Holmatro and
the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services
57 %
(QFES) to join VICSES trainers from across the
state to share new techniques and technology
on heavy rescue practices.
Road crash rescue workshops are necessary to
14 %
ensure VICSES remains at the forefront of road
crash rescue in Australia, and that Regional
Trainers can continue to provide consistent and
current information to all of our volunteers.
Tree down
Building damage
Thank you to everyone
involved in this
fantastic event. n
9%
Support other
agencies
9 %
Other
3 8%
%
Rescue
Flood
23Webex Teams is
live, get on board!
PROJECTS – By Peter Gaull, Project Manager –
Webex Teams, VHO
WHAT’S NEW W
ebex Teams and the new
interactive Webex boards
were launched in March
2019, and are already transforming the way
our members communicate.
Since then, the uptake has been significant
Launch of Role and
and the feedback very positive. Members
are embracing the app by communicating to
volunteers and staff across multiple regions,
Training Pathways: a
with the uptake on mobile phone usage and
instant messaging increasing.
brand new approach to
Saved time, direct access to members and
face-to-face communication are just some
of the immediate benefits of using Webex
capability development
Teams, and every day we’re learning of new
ways to use it at VICSES.
For those who have not yet utilised this new
communications tool, Webex Teams is an
By Paul Wallworth, Manager Learning and Development, VHO
app offering a range of new methods for one-
on-one or group communications, including
V
video conferencing, screen sharing,
ICSES is launching • Clearly identified skills For now, the approach is whiteboarding, file sharing, and instant
Role and Training maintenance requirements. being launched to help messaging. n
Pathways, a more prepare units for a new way
A new Hub page has been
effective way to support of thinking about how we
developed to provide
capability development of task our members. Over the
information on the pathways
our volunteers across the next month the transition to Instructions on how to download
in development, along with
diverse range of tasks our the Role and Training Pathway and install Webex Teams,
specific information about
organisation performs. approach will begin. To along with how-to guides and
requirements for the roles that
support this, changes will supporting videos, are available
Based on the new approach, have been developed already
be made to systems such as on the Hub at:
decisions on whether a with the assistance of subject
Emergency Response Activity
member has the ability to matter experts. In time, more Hub > My State > Information
Standards (ERAS) and the
perform a role will now be roles and pathways will be Services > IS How to
Training Portal. n
based on: added as the need for them
is identified.
• Clearly defined
responsibilities and tasks Changes will also be made
against each role that are to the Training Portal to allow For more information
clear about expectations members to see: visit the Hub:
and guide the training and
• The roles they are endorsed Hub > My State
assessment needed.
to perform. > Membership >
• Consideration of any Volunteers > Role and
• The skills maintenance
experience, licencing Training Pathways
needed to maintain
and fitness for duty
endorsement in
requirements needed.
those roles.
• Clearly identified role
• Ways for members to work
endorsement requirements
towards endorsement in
at unit, regional and
other roles within pathways
State levels.
they have an interest in.
24 Webex Teams user interfaceNew Leadership Seeks
Capability Framework
Models ethics,
understanding of
inclusiveness and
situation/actions
sound governance
and encourages
this in others
wo p
rk
Builds confident
i
e a rs h
launched to promote
and capable teams Practices strategic
e
and engaged thinking and
m
T h a te g
an lead
str
stakeholders planning
ink ic
dt
l
an ally
de
Uses effective Enables
effective leadership
consequence
dp
Mo
decision
making management
lan
Demonstrate
self-awareness
By Paul Wallworth, Manager Learning and Development, VHO
Monitors and Displays Recognises
manages self resilience and own strengths
awareness agility and limitations
The Leadership Capability Framework, launched at theLeadership
recent Controllers
Capability
Seminars, is now available, providing a common understandingFramework
of expected
leadership capabilities and associated behaviours that apply to all VICSES
members at all levels – volunteers and staff.
E
ffective leadership is essential The framework is summarised in an
for the future success of online interactive PDF, which can also
VICSES. The new Leadership be downloaded and printed from the
Capability Framework will enable us to new Leadership Capability Framework
strengthen our leadership capability page on the Hub: Hub > My State
by capturing workforce gaps and > Membership > Volunteers >
development pathways. Leadership Capability Framework
The framework was developed through
consultation with volunteers and staff,
and was finalised in February 2019.
The capabilities within the framework More
support our Strategic Plan and our
Values, and align with leadership
information
development in other emergency visit the Hub.
management sector frameworks,
allowing for flexibility across the
different organisations. It is scheduled
to be reviewed in 2022.
A t t r ac t i o n
The Volunteer and
Re
on
cr
iti
uit
ns
me
Tra
Employee Lifecycle
nt
Member’s
COMING TO THE TRAINING PORTAL SOON lifecycle
The Lifecycle supports the Leadership through to departure from VICSES
nt
Ret
me
Capability Framework by providing and potential re-engagement. This
en
op
tio
el
access to resources that support the will be soon be available via the
ev
n
D
member lifecycle at VICSES, from Training Portal as an interactive tool.
volunteer and employee recruitment, Watch this space! Engagement
development and role changes,
25WELLBEING, 1 Check
yourself
HEALTH & SAFETY As individuals, it is important
to take some time to
familiarise ourselves with the
warning signs that our body
Fatigue
is giving us when we are
fatigued. These include:
• Chronic tiredness or sleepiness
By Alison Wright, Health and
Wellbeing Coordinator, and • Headache, dizziness
Stewart Riddel, Work, Health • Sore, aching muscles or muscle
and Safety Advisor, VHO weakness
• Slowed reflexes and responses
• Impaired decision-making and
We regularly encourage the public to be aware judgement
of fatigue with our Driver Reviver program, but • Moodiness, such as irritability and
lack of motivation
how many of us are actively taking time to look • Impaired hand-to-eye coordination
after ourselves? • Appetite loss
O
• Reduced immune system function
n both an • Decreased alertness Operationally, we can look • Blurry vision, hallucinations
organisational and at arranging regular breaks,
• Slower reaction times • Short-term memory problems,
individual level, rostering cover for members
we have a responsibility to • Reduced decision making who have been in the field for poor concentration
understand the causes and ability extended periods, providing
risks of fatigue and set up • Poor judgement and risk hydration and nutrition, and
strategies to manage it. Why? assessment capability including information on
Put simply, higher levels of fatigue in our briefings.
fatigue can expose us to: • Reduced vigilance
All of these points can impact
our performance and safety in
the field.
Workplace inspections Injuries
July 2017 – July 2018 – July 2017 – July 2018 –
April 2018 April 2019 April 2018 April 2019
91 91 174 77
262 Time for
change 3 Strategies for
tackling fatigue
If you’re ticking off a few of these Tackling fatigue begins with good nutrition, sleep and stress
listed fatigue symptoms, it’s management. Different things work for different people, so here are our
probably time to start making top tips:
some changes. Continual fatigue • Try to finish eating three of our sleep, so restrict
NUTRITION
can have a long term impact on hours before bed. If this caffeinated drinks after
isn’t possible, opt for a light midday and aim for 4-5
your health and wellbeing, as well snack as your evening meal. alcohol free days every week.
as your ability to work and make Bananas or a milky drink are a
• Eat plenty of vegetables and
good option just before bed.
effective decisions. Although it fresh foods.
• Avoid spicy, rich and sugary
may seem difficult to • Stay hydrated.
foods before bed.
manage your fatigue,
• Alcohol and caffeine can
a few small changes seriously impair the quality
can make a huge
difference. SLEEP
• Make sure your room is dark • Reduce and control noise.
- light can disturb your sleep
• Build regularity into your
even with your eyes closed.
sleep routine – go to bed
• Control your room and wake up at the same
temperature – we sleep best time each day and aim for 7-8
at 18-22C. hours’ sleep per night.
Contact
If stress becomes overwhelming in
your life, seek help from your doctor
or contact one of these provided STRATEGIES FOR MANAGING STRESS
services:
• Meditation. • Opting out of social media for
For volunteers, contact Peer Support
a few weeks.
on 1800 899 927 • Slow-paced activities like Tai
For staff, contact Lifeworks (EAP) on Chi or walking. • Avoiding stimulants such as
1300 361 008 caffeine and nicotine.
• Breathing exercises.
Organisations such as Beyond • Talking to a close friend.
• Taking some time out –
Blue also offer a support network. switching off your phone and
Visit Beyondblue.org.au for more doing something you enjoy.
information.
YEAR AT A GLANCE
2018 2019
May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr
Hazards 9 5 7 4 5 5 7 3 5 13 9 11
Incidents 14 15 22 20 17 13 22 29 22 17 24 16
27CAMPAIGNS
& EVENTS
VICSES shone in the shooting events
VICSES sees
gold at VP&ES
Games 'Soccer Sevens' team
By Gerry Sheridan, Operations Officer – Capability Improvement, VHO
From 22-31 March 2019, VICSES competed
in the annual Victoria Police and Emergency
Service (VP&ES) Games. This year, more than 80
VICSES members competed in the games, with
a total of 199 entries across 20 different sports. Team VICSES in netball
T
his year events such as cross
country, shooting and golf saw Overall VICSES had an awesome
some great participation, while 2019 games, bringing home:
team sports drew in the usual big numbers.
42 12
Chief Officer Operations, Tim Wiebusch,
even took part, competing in VICSES’
‘Soccer Sevens’ team.
Gold Medals Bronze Medals
Rock Climbing was re-introduced to the
39 Go
games this year, organised and coordinated
by Aline Coulson and Operations Officer
Andrew Feagan. It was great to see so many
team!
enjoy this fabulous sport, and with this Silver Medals
year’s numbers we hope to see the event go Cross Country participants from VICSES
from strength to strength. n
28You can also read
