SEVERE FLOODS AND STORMS HIT VICTORIA - OUR BUSIEST WEEK ON RECORD: Diversity and inclusion at VICSES
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SPRING 2021
EDITION 16
OUR BUSIEST WEEK ON RECORD:
SEVERE FLOODS
AND STORMS
HIT VICTORIA New VICSES
website
Diversity and inclusion
at VICSES
CONTENTS
Highlights from the spring edition
What’s happening
across our regions:
14 CENTRAL
Lilydale Unit against the storm.
16 EAST
VICSES Buchan Unit
celebrates 300 collective
years of service.
ESTA and VICSES fleet 18 MID WEST
When the storm hits,
showcase day pg. 26
emergency service
comradery shines.
A VICSES superstar
20 NORTH EAST
End of an era: VICSES
farewell’s Keith O’Brien.
in the making:
Meet Judd pg. 11 22 NORTH WEST
Castlemaine Emergency
Response Expo.
24 SOUTH WEST
Precarious Portland pup.
CEF Course Front Cover:
SPRING 2021
facilitator training VICSES volunteers
EDITION 16
and strikeforce
for our CRCs pg. 32 support flooding
in Leongatha. N
e
w
V
IC
SE
S
OUR BUSIEST
web
WEEK ON RECO
Interested in contributing?
RD:
SEVERE FLOO
si te
DS
AND STORMS
HIT VICTORIA
New VICSES
Submit your article here:
Diversity and website
inclusion
at VICSES
publications@ses.vic.gov.au
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, Victoria 100% post consumer recycled paper in a Process Chlorine
the Traditional Owners of the lands and waters. We pay our
State Emergency Service, Free environment under the ISO 14001 environmental
respects to Elders past, present and emerging.
September 2021. management system.
MESSAGE FROM THE MINISTER
FOR EMERGENCY SERVICES
Welcome
Hello everyone, and welcome
Welcome to the third edition of Community
to the spring edition of
Matters for 2021.
Community Matters.
I’m delighted to formally welcome you 1,182 and 775 requests for assistance
to this special edition of Community over the period. Firstly, I’d like to thank all of our members for your support during
Matters for 2021 as I take on the role as the severe storms and flooding in June, where we received over
Victoria’s Emergency Services Minister. This was no mean feat for Emerald’s 10,000 requests for assistance – an incredible and challenging
While new to the role, I’m passionate unit in particular, whose rescue truck response period. I cannot express how grateful I am for your
about the hard work of Victoria’s State was crushed by a fallen tree while ongoing support and dedication to VICSES, and our communities.
Emergency Service volunteers – your on a callout during the storm. It was
incredibly lucky no-one was injured, VICSES was recently handed the preliminary findings from
efforts over recent months have not
and a reminder of the risk emergency the independent review by Beyond Frontiers into sexual
gone unnoticed.
services volunteers put themselves into harassment and discrimination within VICSES, which inform us
Winter was extremely busy for VICSES in order to keep the community safe. in understanding the scale of this important issue. It is vital that
and during a seven-day period in early every member feels safe and supported at VICSES, and we are
June, you experienced your busiest In June, hundreds of VICSES volunteers committed to driving the contemporary standards to ensure the
operational period on record. were deployed to help impacted areas wellbeing of our volunteers and staff.
and volunteers and staff attended
In early June, heavy rain and fierce more requests for assistance than VICSES has also sought advice from the Victorian Equal
winds swept over Victoria with they did all year. Opportunity and Human Rights Commission, to ensure that we
the Dandenong Ranges and East are applying best practice approaches. Read more about the new
Gippsland among the areas most Emergencies like this show us just how ‘Be heard’ Hub page and new mechanisms to report grievances or
impacted. Tragically, two people important it is to support our volunteer raise concerns on pages 10 - 11.
lost their lives after drowning agencies so they can keep adapting
to withstand future challenges. That’s I’d also like to acknowledge long serving Regional Managers
in flood waters.
why the Victorian Government this Stephen Warren and Keith O’Brien, who have both recently
In the second week of June there were year invested more than $125 million retired. Together, Stephen and Keith have dedicated over 64
more than 6,946 callouts for trees in infrastructure for VICSES and I look years’ service to VICSES, and their leadership has shaped many of
down, 1,082 callouts for building forward to seeing this investment our units and members today.
damage, 250 for flood rescues and coming to fruition as your Minister.
In July, we welcomed Jane Foley to our VICSES Board. Bringing a
98 domestic rescues, involving the
I’m looking forward to helping wealth of executive and leadership experience across corporate
rescue of persons trapped in homes
communities rebuild and prepare for and not-for-profit sectors, Jane is passionate about driving
and properties.
future emergencies, as well as meeting organisational development and positive workplace cultures, and
The busiest units included Lilydale and our VICSES volunteers who continue will be a fantastic asset to our Board, and the growth of VICSES.
Emerald VICSES, which attended to to show strength and determination
Finally, as Victoria experiences another period of lockdowns and
through challenging times – you have
restrictions due to COVID-19, it’s more important than ever to
my heart-felt gratitude.
look out for each other and maintain our health and wellbeing.
Remember to check-in wherever you go, mask up, and adhere to
the latest COVIDSafe directions, to keep our members and the
The Hon. Jaclyn Symes, community safe.
Minister for Emergency Services
As always, I hope you enjoy this issue of Community
Matters, and stay safe.
Stephen Griffin
CEO Victoria State Emergency Service
03
FEATURES
Severe storms B
ased on this information, had been conducted with 135
state, regional and local properties classified as damaged
plans were immediately but habitable and 129 properties
and floods hit
put in place to manage the damaged and uninhabitable.
potential impacts from this event,
including establishing command During the period of operations
from 8 June to 8 July, 128 of our
Victoria: Our
and control arrangements, and
supplementing local response units contributed to responding to
resources with taskforces from a total of 10,288 RFAs, including
7,776 trees down, 1,198 counts
busiest period
South West, Mid West, North East,
North West and Central Regions. of building damage, and 350
flooding events. Some of our
on record
The predicated weather hit Victoria busiest units including Lilydale and
hard, with requests for assistance Emerald received a year’s worth of
(RFAs) flooding in across the state. RFAs in just 48 hours – a mammoth,
VICSES, alongside support from and challenging task at hand.
our partner agencies, provided
By Jessie Schliebs, Operations Business Coordinator, VHO Our contributions as an
immediate response. This included
deployed Taskforces and ground organisation didn’t stop there,
crews to impacted areas in the with many members dedicating
On 7 June, advice was received East, Mid West, North West, countless hours to ongoing
recovery efforts for those
from the Bureau of Meteorology North East and Central Regions,
as well as personnel across communities hit the hardest. This
included working alongside the
that there were initial indications a range of specialist Incident
Management Team roles including Country Fire Authority and the
forecasting 100-150mm of rain logistics, media, planning, Australian Defence Force to deliver
and set-up almost 200 generators
staging area management,
based on an East Coast Low, operations and more. for community members that were
without power for an extended
which could potentially impact At the height of the storm event, period of time. Communities
over 320,000 people across the included townships in and
parts of Gippsland from 8 June. state were without power, that around the Dandenong Ranges,
also affected telecommunications such as Mt Dandenong, Olinda,
for a number of communities. Kalorama, and many more.
By the end of the event, over
2,300 initial impact assessments
04
For the 2020-21 financial year, this event
marked VICSES’ second busiest year
on record, with our busiest period ever
recorded between 9 and 16 June 2021.
During our response and recovery efforts,
our VICSES members demonstrated our
Values and went above and beyond to
support the community. As an organisation,
we are thankful and proud of all our
members and the professionalism they
exhibited during this time. n
MANY
THANKS Thank you all.
Our busiest units*:
Lilydale Frankston
1,329 RFAS 604 RFAS
Emerald Morwell
874 RFAS 372 RFAS
Maroondah Hepburn Shire
600 RFAS 316 RFAS
Woodend
604 RFAS * 8 June - 8 July
05
FEATURES
Messages Tim Wiebusch
of thanks
Chief Officer Operations
had occurred, including Lilydale, I’d also like to recognise the
Emerald and Leongatha Units. support of our emergency service
Seeing the first-hand devastation colleagues, including Country Fire
of their communities was truly Authority, Fire Rescue Victoria,
eye-opening, and put into Forest Fire Management Victoria,
perspective the long road ahead Victoria Police, Ambulance
to recovery. It was also terrific to Victoria, Australian Defence Force,
catch-up with members that had as well as local government and
come from across the state to be more. The unity between our
part of Taskforces at both eastern services has been integral to our
Melbourne and Gippsland. response, and I thank you all for
your assistance.
I am incredibly proud of each and
every one of our members who Finally, I’d like to take this
have supported our response opportunity to remind our
during this event, and cannot thank members of the importance of our
The East Coast Low severe weather you all enough for your tireless
efforts in ensuring the safety of
key Values, in particular ‘Safety
drives our decisions’. We cannot
event that impacted Victoria in our communities. Notably, the forget to look out for ourselves, and
support of our members during our colleagues when responding
June stands as a historic event the recovery phase for those during such challenging events.
communities with significant Your wellbeing, health, and
for our organisation and the damage to infrastructure and safety is foremost.
affected communities. power outages, has been
truly remarkable. Thank you all, and stay
A
safe out there.
s the single largest event 128 of our VICSES units were
in VICSES’ history with actively involved in our response
over 10,000 Requests and support, both locally and as
For Assistance (RFAs), our members
undertook one of the most
part of taskforce deployements to
some of our hardest hit areas, as
Local students say
challenging response periods that
we’ve ever seen, particularly given
well as across a range of integral
Incident Management Team roles. thank you too!
the COVID-19 environment as well.
Although we were prepared for The messages of thanks for our members spread
Tragically, the extreme weather the potential impacts of this event,
event recorded two fatalities in we could have never predicted the far and wide, with local schools recognising
Woodside and Glenfyne. From tree size and scale of what lay ahead the efforts of their VICSES heroes too! VICSES
carnage, damage to infrastructure, of us, with the winds experienced
and road closures spread across exceeded the forecast in some Craigieburn, Narre Warren, Nillumbik and Lilydale
the state, particularly in areas parts of the state. were just some of our units who were both
such as Trentham, Macedon,
Dandenong and the Strezlecki As always, our members have surprised and heartened to receive dozens of
Ranges, to riverine flooding across proven their ability to provide hand-written letters and illustrations from students
parts of Gippsland including world-class response and recovery
efforts in the face of extreme of Birmingham Primary School in Mount Evelyn,
Traralgon Creek, the devastation of
this event was felt far and wide. conditions. I had the privilege of thanking them for helping their communities
visiting some of our busiest units
just days after the severe weather during June’s severe weather.
06
Greg Wilson Andrew Crisp
Board Chair, Victoria State Emergency Management
Emergency Service Commissioner, Victoria
O I
n behalf of the clock to ensure the safety of n many respects, the the ground working directly with
Board, I would those at risk. severe weather we saw in communities, leading in command
like to express my June was unlike anything and control roles, or managing
admiration and gratitude to all of As our busiest period on record, we’ve had before in Victoria. media and communications, you
our members who supported the it’s events like this that truly shine With devastating floods in South have done a fantastic job responding
impactful severe weather event a light on the dedication of our Gippsland, to winds tearing to an event of incredible scale
in June of this year. volunteers and staff, and just how through the Dandenongs, Yarra and complexity.
much Victorian’s depend on the Ranges, South-West Gippsland
Since my appointment to the response of ‘Our People’. An emergency of such significance
and Central Victoria, I cannot
Board in February 2020, I have requires a huge amount of work
While there are still parts of our overstate the impact to these
had the opportunity to witness and coordination across countless
communities that are recovering communities. When travelling to
the endless hours, expertise, agencies, bodies, organisations,
from the impacts of this weather some of our impacted regions,
and skills of our members across councils, and departments, as well
event, the ongoing support I was struck by the sheer size of
many challenging environments as at the local level between families,
of our members alongside some of the trees that had been
and conditions. No matter the friends, and neighbours. I was
our emergency service uprooted and snapped in half.
weather, our members are there impressed to see everyone working
colleagues is truly remarkable, I’m sure many of you witnessed
to keep our communities safe. together so well, and consistently
demonstrating our vision: Safer the destruction first-hand and put
engaging with communities along
The storms and floods that Communities - Together. yourselves in harm’s way to keep
the way. We also saw yet another
tore through Victoria in June your communities safe.
example of volunteers keeping their
were devastating to so many I am in awe of the achievements
I want to extend a big thank you communities safe while some had
communities. It was incredibly of our members every day, and
to all our emergency service their own properties impacted – such
inspiring to see our members am proud to be a part of such an
volunteers and staff, including a selfless contribution is at the core
respond so quickly and incredibly committed and driven
a huge number of VICSES of volunteerism.
efficiently, working around the organisation. Thank you all.
volunteers. Whether you were on
I was glad to make it out to several
impacted communities over the past
few months and to hear directly from
VICSES volunteers on the ground.
It was inspiring to see volunteers and
community members in Traralgon,
Kalorama, Olinda, Mt. Evelyn,
Blackwood, Trentham, Woodend,
Daylesford, and others pulling
together to support each other.
Thank you to all who took the time
to brief me on your important work.
As we shift our focus now to the
recovery phase, I want to remind
all of you how important it is to
take care of yourselves. As we
continue to work through concurrent
emergencies, with the COVID-19
pandemic still ongoing and
summer fast approaching, we must
remember to look out for each other
and to take time to rest.
Thank you all again for
your hard work. n
07
Photo by Essendon Unit. Emerald Unit.
FEATURES
Your photos
from the
field
Daylesford storm damage.
Mansfield Unit member. VICSES volunteers and strike force support flooding in Leongatha.
08
South West members deployed to Daylesford. Photo by Colac Unit.
Storm damage located in Emerald Unit response area.
Photo by Colac Unit.
Traralgon Incident Control Centre.
Taskforce Foxtrot.
09
GENERAL NEWS
On this page you will find:
• Diversity and inclusion training
for members, including the
Respect and Equity training
module - available in the Training
Diversity and
Portal - with a new training series
launching later in 2021.
inclusion at VICSES
• Information on the VICSES
Gender Equality Project,
which commenced with an
audit to assess alignment and
By Chloe Jeffers, Senior Advisor Corporate Communications and Brand, VHO compliance with the Victorian
Gender Equality Act, with gender
champions appointed across the
"Strong in our diversity, united in our to taking a leadership role
in promoting equality for all business to carry out this work.
purpose; VICSES come together and who work in the emergency
management sector.
• Details of how to take part
in Pride March, International
support one another" As part of this focus on our
Women’s Day, Movember
and other diversity focused
T
diversity, a new Hub page has campaigns and events,
ogether we are VICSES safety, fairness, and high standards been established with the aim of including a catalogue of stories
is one of our core in workplace conduct. putting a spotlight on the initiatives highlighting the contribution of
values and represents we are doing to be inclusive and
In recent months, VICSES has our members towards diversity
a commitment to valuing our celebrate our diversity. You can
worked to improve our culture, and inclusion at VICSES.
members, contractors and the find the new Diversity and Inclusion
community. We support an by celebrating and supporting • Our Acknowledgement of
page on the Hub under My State
ethical, respectful, responsive and all our members regardless of Traditional Owners policy
> Membership > Diversity
accountable culture to maintain gender, age, ethnicity, religion including templates, and our
and inclusion.
and sexuality. We are committed statement of intent.
Introducing “Be heard”
VICSES is a fantastic organisation filled with many Be Heard
great people all over the state. With increasing Reporting a grievance
responses to the community and our partners over To report an issue within or complaints surrounding
recent years, VICSES volunteers and staff have VICSES, or for advice on what bullying, harassment,
action to take, please contact discrimination, or misconduct.
continued to answer the call and achieve great things grievances@ses.vic.gov.au. Your contributions will remain
to support our communities in times of need. This email will go directly to the confidential if you wish.
A
VICSES People and Organisational
new program to support some problems to overcome, and Development (POD) team, who
our members further together we must do everything will respond to you promptly.
has been launched - Be we can to ensure you - whether a
There is also a designated external
heard. The Be heard page on the volunteer or staff member - are safe
confidential specialist support line
Hub brings together the available and supported in this service.
(via our EAP provider Converge
resources, services, policies and
VICSES take any report of bullying, International) which you can
procedures and information to
harassment, or misconduct of any contact on 0434 617 594.
support you and other members to
kind very seriously. These specialists are available for
feel safe and supported.
advice or support on grievances
Recent insights and reports, If you have experienced or
including an independent review witnessed any of this conduct or
into sexual harassment and behaviour, you are encouraged
discrimination within VICSES, to come forward. You will be
suggest we have some issues in heard. We take your grievance aligned to Our Values, and a work You can find it by searching
some parts of the state that must seriously and will support you. We environment that recognises, ‘Be Heard’ on the Hub or by visiting:
be addressed. Clearly there are must together commit to driving respects and values the diversity, hub.ses.vic.gov.au/my-state/
a culture across the state that is abilities and contributions of us all. membership/be-heard
10A VICSES
superstar in
the making:
Meet Judd
By Gabi Barkmeyer, Corporate Communications Officer, VHO
During June’s severe floods and storms, our volunteers
As part of the project, and support to guide conversations
Hub page launch, we are in their Unit and promote weren’t the only one’s out and about helping to clear
looking for members to lead a supportive culture for all debris and support the community.
S
the conversation. As our of our members.
membership becomes more ix-year-old Judd, dressed tour of the truck, the equipment,
diverse, the importance of an As we continue to develop our in his own SES orange having a chat, and even gifting Judd
inclusive workplace culture Diversity and Inclusion page, uniform, went viral after with his very own SES helmet, toy
grows accordingly. A call for your feedback is welcomed his mum Nicola filmed him clearing chainsaw, and SES truck lunchbox!
nominations to become a via email to publications@ some small fallen branches in his Our members didn’t leave empty
Diversity and Inclusion Leader ses.vic.gov.au n local area after the storm. Posted to handed either, with a thoughtful
will be made in the coming social media, the video soon caught hand-illustrated card presented to
weeks. These leaders will be traction nation-wide, appearing the Essendon Unit from Judd.
given access to resources and across the internet and television,
“The impact on Judd has been
warming the hearts of so many.
enormous. As parents, we couldn’t
Judd’s obsession with SES first be more proud of him. We can’t
began about a year ago, after thank everyone involved enough
a family friend’s cousin, William for giving Judd that incredible
Further improvements to our organisation and culture Callaghan, went missing at Mount experience.” said Nicola of
Disappointment. Judd meeting with Essendon
We continue to work with consulting widely across
Unit volunteers.
members to improve our VICSES on our Mental Health “Although Judd didn’t know
organisation and culture. In and Wellbeing framework William personally, he became Although just six-years-old, Judd is
recent years, VICSES has: under that strategy. very concerned when he saw that already counting down the birthdays
• Added professional he was lost and alone,” recounts until he’s old enough to join VICSES.
• Commenced the roll-out of In fact, he’s already quite prepared,
psychologists to staff to build Judd’s mum Nicola.
an online training program carrying a first aid and survival kit
on the extensive volunteer
‘Respect and Equity at “He would watch the news and everywhere he goes, and even
Peer Support network.
VICSES’ – now completed by ask his kinder teachers to give him introducing himself as “Judd Feeney
the vast majority of members. • Commenced a review of the updates throughout the day, and
VICSES Regulations which from Essendon SES”.
• Identified Diversity, Gender would spend his time coming up
aims to provide a more with ideas on how to find him. He “Judd is most excited
and Inclusion champions
contemporary approach to was so happy that he was found, and about specialising vertical
across the state and
managing member conduct, since then has become obsessed rescues,” says Nicole.
conducted a number of
including those that reach with the SES and rescue.”
workshops to broaden “During lockdown and home
formal investigations and
knowledge and practices Since the viral video of Judd learning he made a book called
resolutions for volunteers.
with the service. helping out his community in his ‘Judd’s guide on how to survive’,
• Implemented new ground- Whatever is needed to continue SES uniform, the response from the a book to get you out of trouble if
up organisational values. to drive the contemporary public has been incredible, with there’s an earthquake, flood, and
These reflect who we are and best practice standards to locals and even emergency service other dangerous situations. I think
and guide the shared ensure each and every member personnel stopping to say thanks to he will be very prepared for when
attitudes and behaviours of feels safe and supported, we Judd for his support. he can officially join!”
our members toward our will do it. VICSES is built on its
Upon seeing Judd across social It’s safe to say that we’re also
vision of Safer Communities - people and together we will
media, our members wanted to counting down the years until Judd
Together. ensure that VICSES continues
give their thanks as well. In June, can join the ranks of his local unit.
• Built a Health and Wellbeing to be a great organisation now,
Essendon Unit arranged a special Until then, we’re proud to have Judd
strategy, and are now and into the future. n
meet and greet, giving Judd a as part of our orange family! n
11CAMPAIGNS
& EVENTS
International
Youth Day:
The leaders of youngest member,” says junior unit Rebecca van der Veeke, 17, is
tomorrow, today
member Molly Ovenden. another junior member at VICSES
Chiltern Unit. Supporting her
“I know that COVID-19 has affected fellow members with response
a lot of the unit activities so I feel to storm damage and more, her
By David Murphy, Media Officer, VHO like my experience has been very membership with VICSES has
different compared to other newer opened up another career path for
This year, 12 August marked International members, but I am still able to
go out to between one and five
her in cybersecurity.
Youth Day – an opportunity to highlight jobs a week. And I do feel a lot
more confident… it’s changed a
“I actually got a place to study at La
Trobe University by volunteering
the contributions of young people across lot personally for me. My career with VICSES,” says Rebecca,
objective, I always wanted to be
our communities, who are the driving a vet. But when I joined VICSES I “There’s an early admissions
programme called called ‘Aspire’,
thought ‘I want to do this for the
force of change in the world. rest of my life,’ so I’m going to and La Trobe University really
values VICSES as a volunteer
O
be a paramedic!”
to talk to adults and building that organisation and our members.”
ur youngest volunteers -
the future leaders of our up…knowing that you can actually At VICSES Chiltern Unit, they have
an expansive junior members’ At Leongatha Unit, Jade Rhoden,
organisation - are a part help people, is a big part of that.” 19, is already in her fourth year of
of this change. Some of our youth program. It includes Adelaide
“I guess I was looking for Roach, 19, who joined four years service and the units appointed
members have grown up with their Deputy Controller.
local VICSES unit, either because something. I was looking to ago as a junior and has remained
their parents were members, or get more out of life,” continues there as a youth leader. Adelaide “I’ve had so many experiences I
they joined themselves from the sibling Jayden, who is currently supports the junior members wouldn’t have otherwise, and the
age of 15. At the VICSES Colac a junior member. across a wide range of training qualifications you get are looked
Unit, it’s a family affair. and initiatives, including mental upon so highly, at universities
“I’ve learned my community is health sessions to help manage
full of a lot of great people who and workplaces. I was lucky that
“We developed the junior stress and anxiety. the unit I joined was extremely
program when my daughter want to help each other out.
Everyone cares about each other, “Honestly? Join as soon as you can. supportive - there were obviously
Makayla joined,” says Colac Unit some hurdles to cross, but they
Controller Steven Tevelein, whose and because of VICSES’ level of It’s great for personal development
outreach in the community, it runs and communications skills. I hated were so supportive of tasks
son Jayden and partner Renee are we wanted to do and skills we
also members. “She’s 19 now, and pretty deep in our country town.” speaking in public, but now I
have the confidence to do that,” wanted to gain.”
moved up to seniors.” For junior members in lockdown, says Adelaide. “The culture within our unit has
“Most things I learn I take their training included checking
in on their mental health, as “Growing up, my dad was in the really shifted away from that men’s
back to work with me,” says club kind-of-thing,” continues Jade.
daughter Makayla of her well getting to know the other army and away a lot, and I didn’t
experience with VICSES. members of the unit. really see him that much. When “People are realising that the
he joined VICSES I decided to join youth are the future; the leaders
“I had very little confidence with “I joined VICSES Bacchus Marsh as a way to connect with him and
two weeks after I turned 15, of tomorrow.” n
people until I joined VICSES. Being get closer to him, then I ended up
around people and being able just at the end of 2019. I’m their loving it,” Adelaide continues.
12Hawks and BankVic
recognise VICSES
By David Murphy, Media Officer, VHO
V
ICSES Lilydale Unit volunteer “As a Hawthorn supporter, it was made
Tim Isherwood has been even more special to be at the game for
honoured as one of this year’s Shaun Burgoyne’s 400th match.”
BankVic Emergency Services Champions,
for his work following the state’s Central Region Manager Ray Jasper
severe weather in June. who nominated Tim to be recognised,
acknowledged Tim's hard work in
The BankVic Emergency Services helping VICSES respond during our
Champions campaign is an annual busiest event on record.
Australasian Police
campaign partnering with Hawthorn
Football Club to recognise the “Tim responded that night when called
and Emergency contributions of emergency service upon, and for the challenging week that
personnel across Victoria. followed,” said Ray.
Service Games Tim was recognised as part of this year's
campaign for his integral role as a Lilydale
By Gerry Sheridan, Operations Officer, VHO
R
Unit volunteer during June's devastating
egistrations for the Australasian Police severe weather. Lilydale Unit alone
and Emergency Services (AP&ES) Games received 1,329 requests for assistance We are proud of
Tim, and we are
in 2022 are now open. The games will during the period of operations, with Tim
be held in Rotorua, New Zealand from 4 March to contributing countless hours of support
11 March 2022. alongside his fellow unit members. proud of all of our
To register and for a comprehensive list of the included Tim was presented with his award and VICSES members
sports, program and pricing structure, head to the
games website at www.apes2022.co.nz
thanked for his contributions as part of
the Hawthorn Football Clubs Presidents
for the significant
dinner, as well as at the Hawthorn vs Port work they achieved
The games organisers are offering full refunds should Adelaide AFL game on the big screen.
COVID-19 affect travel arrangements for the event. n following the recent
“It was a huge privilege to be asked to
attend the night, and one I know both
storm event.”
Deb and I will not forget,” said Tim Congratulations Tim on being honoured
reflecting on the president’s dinner event for your dedication as part of our
alongside his wife. emergency services! n
More
information
Further information is available on the Hub
under My State > Emergency Service
Games, or by contacting VICSES
Operations Officer Gerry Sheridan via
emergencyservicegames@ses.vic.gov.au
Use the QR code to access the 2022 AP&ES
Games promotional video.
See you there!
13A close call for
Emerald Unit
By Ben Owen, Emerald Unit Controller, Central Region
CENTRAL
On 9 June, during one of
Melbourne’s wildest severe weather
events, Emerald Unit received an
emergency call-out to a person
trapped by a tree in their home.
R
esponding to ambulance off the mountain, evening in a safe and warm
one of hundreds all while the destructive winds environment. Thankfully, the
1 April – 30 June of requests for continued the onslaught, crew was able to get back
assistance, the responding bringing down more trees. home safely the next morning.
crew arrived on scene
quickly to locate and bring Three of the Emerald Unit A big thank you to Lilydale
the trapped person to safety. crew travelled on board the Unit Controller Sean Caufield
During the rescue, a large Lilydale Unit truck, while for assisting our members on
tree suddenly fell across the another member travelled in the night. We're also thankful
unit’s emergency response the ambulance, stopping to to hear that the trapped
vehicle (Emerald Support clear trees and branches in the resident should make a full
2,004
2), completely crushing the path of the vehicles as they recovery, after a week-long
occupant cabin. made their descent. stay in hospital.
The responding four members Finally making their way out of As for the vehicle, a brand new
thankfully were not in or Mount Dandenong, members 2021 model vehicle is soon
near the vehicle at the time, were transported back to the to be on its way to our unit,
Volunteers although just metres away VICSES Lilydale Unit local after the State Government
assisting Ambulance Victoria headquarters. At this stage, determined it a high
7,963
paramedics. Despite the it was not certain if the crew replacement priority. While
howling winds and constant could safely return to Emerald, vehicles are replaceable,
sound of branches breaking and the decision was made to people are not, and we’re so
and trees falling around keep the crew safe at Lilydale glad to have everyone made
them, the crew continued Unit for the remainder of the it out alive. n
Requests for assistance to work to free the trapped
resident and carry him
to the ambulance.
12% Building damage As the casualty was safely
6% Support transported inside the back
other of the ambulance, VICSES
72 % 4% agencies
Lilydale Unit arrived on scene.
3% Rescue
Tree down 3% Crews quickly gathered some
Flood of the equipment from the
Other damaged VICSES vehicle and
stored it onto the Lilydale Unit
truck, as well as a Country
Fire Authority (CFA) vehicle
that had also made it on
scene. Then it was time for
crew members to assist the
14LILYDALE UNIT
AGAINST THE STORM
By Shaun Caulfield, Lilydale Unit Controller, Central Region
The storm that swept across Victoria in June was an
event that showcased how VICSES and the community
come together to deal with all levels of adversity.
T
he devastation caused by the and Forest Fire Management Victoria, who all clothes in the car and driving 30-40 minutes to
‘East Coast Low’ that started mid- undertook various roles in clearing the 1,329 a laundromat. Most of the people in Kalorama
afternoon on Wednesday June 9, requests for assistance that Lilydale Unit received couldn’t get off the mountain because their cars
was something that is rarely seen outside of during the event's period of operations. were destroyed or stuck behind fallen trees.
the tropics. When two of our members, with With power looking to be out for weeks, the
80 years of VICSES experience between them, The most fitting word to describe the seemingly simple act of being able to wash your
both considered this to be the most devastating infrastructure in the areas that we responded clothes was something that was so very much
storm they have experienced, we really knew we to would be ‘obliterated’. Not one single appreciated by the community. It brought many
were dealing with an event of some significance. powerline was left intact in the suburb of smiles, to many faces.
Kalorama. Hundreds of power poles were
The pager was going non-stop for nine hours. damaged, and power was going to be out for The locals rallied to help themselves as much
Starting with the usual tree down jobs, then a weeks. Our members were on the ground for as they could with the community driven hub.
swift water rescue event early in the evening, 22 consecutive days. Community members were able to organise
and then more and more tree related events, some support, while we continued to ensure
with trees falling on buildings, roads, and sheds. During our work around Kalorama, we found via social media that people were aware of the
the community in desperate need. It started situation, as it was getting very little mainstream
Then, as the winds picked up further around with providing a generator so people could media. Donations continued to come in, and
10:00PM, we received the first of a flurry of charge their devices. The community then the community was well placed to manage.
rescue events. One particular job, our members established their own ‘local hub’. Formal Eventually, once resources were in place, we
had to find a way through Mount Dandenong to assistance was slow to arrive, delayed in part were able to move out.
assist a man trapped under his house after a tree by the lack of accessible roads to the area. Our
had landed on it. With trees still falling around unit harnessed the power of social media to get There will be much the learn from this event,
the crew, they cut through to the property some community driven support in the form of but one thing we have learnt already is that
alongside VICSES Emerald Unit and Ambulance donations of food and much needed supplies our communities rally together when needed
Victoria paramedics, and transported the patient like fuel and generators. to. Our unit showed it was able to rise to the
to hospital. This kind of rescue was repeated on challenge - from our group of experienced
several occasions that night, and in the following The response we received was overwhelming, members, to our youngest and newest recruits
days our unit assisted Ambulance Victoria in with engagement from locals and non-locals - everyone got involved. As the Lilydale Unit
rescuing several people from their homes. alike. One great achievement was being able Controller, I couldn’t be prouder of what we as
to get the amazing people from OrangeSky a unit, and as an organisation, achieved. n
The work didn’t stop when the wind stopped. to bring their mobile washing machine vans
We were assisted by 19 different units, as well as to the area. A fact that may be lost on many,
the Country Fire Authority, Fire Rescue Victoria, was that it wasn’t as simple as packing your
15VICSES Buchan Unit
celebrates 300 years
of collective service
By Merryn Henderson, Community Resilience Coordinator, East Region
EAST
1 April – 30 June
On Sunday 16 May, past and present members recognition of service
provided during the 2019-20
of VICSES, alongside their family and friends, Victorian bushfires.
659
gathered to celebrate the service achievements “It was really special to
of long-standing volunteers from Buchan Unit. be able to recognise and
T
present the members with the
he Buchan Unit was work together for the sake of commemorative pins, as each
established in 1980, the community.” member from the Buchan Unit
Volunteers and currently has was touched by this event.
Other award recipients Not only on a support level,
1,557
22 members who support their
community in times of need. included: but on a personal level too,”
said East Regional Manager,
The day was spent recognising 35 YEARS OF SERVICE: Anthony McLean.
individual efforts of unit
• Lindsay Fall VICSES Chief Operations
members, as well as celebrating
• Geoffrey Hodge Officer Tim Wiebusch also
Requests for assistance 41 years of operating as a
attended the special event
unit and approximately 300 • Sandra Maiden
years combined service by the to help present the awards
unit’s members. 30 YEARS OF SERVICE: to unit members.
8% Building damage
6 % Support VICSES Buchan Unit • Megan and Dean Phelan “I was delighted to spend time
other with the Buchan Unit volunteers
8% agencies Controller Kevin McCole, • Roslyn McCole
63 %
Tree down
10
Rescue
Flood
also known as Jim, received
a service medal for 35 years 10 YEARS OF SERVICE:
in recognising their outstanding
service and commitment to
their community,” said Tim.
%
service with the unit.
• Ean Free
5% Other “Being a part of VICSES is just Congratulations to all of the
• Lynton Hill
something you do when you award recipients, and the
live in a small town,” said Kevin. Buchan Unit for your ongoing
In addition to these dedication to VICSES and
“You help each other out achievements, members the community. n
when things get tough, and all were also presented with
commemorative pins in
16Several other VICSES Service Awards were also
presented on the evening, including:
30 YEARS OF SERVICE:
• Cath Wood
25 YEARS OF SERVICE:
• Rex Skinner
• Linda Bayley
Warragul Unit
• Kenneth Allan
• John McLennan
awards night
20 YEARS OF SERVICE:
• David Richards
10 YEARS OF SERVICE:
By Jane Fontana, Community Resilience Coordinator, East Region
• Trevor Kitt
VICSES Warragul Unit recently celebrated the 5 YEARS OF SERVICE:
dedicated service achievements of their volunteer • Zoe Hall
members and the support provided by their • Julie Ziebe
• Jamie Magyar
families, at a special function night in July at • Caz Hall
Warragul Country Club. Altogether, this is an additional 180 years
A
of combined service achieved by members
wards presented on the night first clasps to Cath Wood, David Sparks, John at Warragul Unit.
included several National Medals McLennan, Kenneth Allan and Peter Wood.
and clasps. The National Medal Amanda Allan and Linda Bayley received their “We are extremely proud of what our
recognises those who have spent at least 15 National Medals and first clasps in the same members have achieved”, said Warragul Unit
years risking their lives at the service of the presentation, and Robert Vermay received his Controller, Alan Male.
community, and clasps acknowledging every first and second clasp.
additional 10 years of service. “Their dedication and commitment speak
All together, these members have dedicated an for itself, and we could not be more grateful
National Medals were presented to David incredible 150 years of combined service just in for their time and investment in protecting
Richards and Findlay (Rex) Skinner, along with National Medals, which is a huge achievement. their community.” n
MANY
THANKS
Gippsland storms statistics
By Jane Fontana, Community Resilience Coordinator, East Region
The severe storms that ripped
O
ver the five-day period from midnight units on Bass Coast, Phillip Island, Inverloch,
on 9 June when the bad weather Wonthaggi and San Remo Units, received a
through Gippsland in early started to cross Gippsland, 1,185 total of 180 RFAs.
June resulted in many areas requests for assistance (RFAs) were received by
17,363 hours of dedicated work was
East Region units. Of these, 759 were for trees
being impacted by strong down, 94 for building damage, 121 for flooding, contributed by East Region volunteers across
the five-day period, responding operationally
winds and heavy rain, causing and 57 rescues for people trapped.
on-the-ground, alongside roles in Incident
widespread damage, flooding Morwell Unit was the busiest unit with 360 Management Teams across the region.
and power outages. RFAs, followed by Leongatha Unit with 130,
and Warragul with 126. Foster and Yarram Thank you to all of our members for your service,
both had around 85 RFAs each, while our four in keeping our communities safe. n
17WHEN THE STORM HITS,
Emergency Service
Comradery Shines
By Jane Patton, Community Resilience Coordinator,
Mid West Region
MID The Mid West Region has been extremely busy
responding to requests for assistance since the
severe storms and flooding back in June.
WEST
A
reas surrounding the extraordinary efforts and Fire Authority, Victoria
Ballarat, Buninyong, countless hours of service that Police, the Department of
Ballan, Trentham, our volunteers have provided Environment, Land, Water
Blackwood, Gordon, to keep their communities and Planning, Ambulance
Daylesford, Greendale, and safe, as well as our volunteers Victoria, VicRoads, Powercor
Bacchus Marsh were among families and friends for their local government, and all the
1 April – 30 June the locations in the Mid ongoing support and hard associated local businesses
West that were significantly work too. and contractors who’ve
affected by the event. worked tirelessly to clear
Our gratitude extends to roads, restore services and
From 8 June to 15 June, the the fantastic support from provide relief and support.
Mid West Region responded neighbouring units, including
to 522 requests for assistance volunteers from Sunbury It has been an incredible
(RFAs), with the Hepburn Shire and Woodend who were period of response and
Unit receiving 262 RFAs in willing to assist our affected recovery across the Mid
404
just four days. communities. We’d also like West Region and Victoria,
to acknowledge our region’s with our volunteers going
Alongside Hepburn Unit, own volunteers who were above and beyond to
our other busiest units deployed to assist with ensure the community is safe
included Ararat, Ballarat Incident Management and and reassured.
and Bacchus Marsh.
Volunteers operational roles in Gippsland.
Our thoughts are with all the
Even well after the weather During events like this, it
communities that have been
791
event occured, our volunteers truly shows the wonderful
comradery that exists as part of impacted, and the challenges
have continued to support that we still face in the
their communities with the our VICSES family.
aftermath. Stay safe. n
aftermath of the storm. We’d also like to give our
On behalf of Mid West Region, appreciation to our partner
Requests for assistance we’d like to acknowledge agencies, including Country
9% Building damage
8% Support
other
6
72 %
%
agencies
2% Rescue
3%
Tree down Flood
215 52%
Other
mage: 49
er agencies:
%
%
18Ballarat Unit are
Snap Send Solve
ready for flooding! FOUR QUESTIONS
By Clare Mintern, Flood Project Support, Mid West Region WITH LORRAINE KELL
Responding to floods in a timely manner is We sit down with St Arnaud Unit volunteer
Lorraine Kell and chat about her experience
extremely critical for VICSES, especially when as a VICSES volunteer.
large flood events occur. Hello Lorraine! Can you tell us what
brought you to VICSES?
S
I was inspired to join VICSES when my granddaughter
nap Send Solve is an app that's Send Solve during the October 2020 Port
had a car accident, and VICSES volunteers were on-
used to share flood photos via the Fairy flood event. He assisted in providing
scene to cut her out of the vehicle. I was so grateful
administration portal Emergency real-time, on-the-ground flood intelligence
to VICSES for helping to save her life, and I felt like
Management Common Operating Picture to the Warrnambool Incident Control
I had to give back. My husband Fred becoming a
(EM-COP). The Snap Send Solve tool is Centre, which assisted with creating
volunteer with VICSES was what also sparked my
used to substantially improve the efficiency a clear picture of the flooding impacts
interest in joining!
and effectiveness of VICSES acquiring quickly and efficiently. After the event
flood intelligence, and significantly Craig understood just how useful Snap What roles do you undertake for your unit?
improves VICSES’s capability of managing Send Solve was, and was keen to share his
flood emergencies. knowledge with his unit. Over the last 15 years, I have undertaken a broad range
of roles and jobs within VICSES, including road crash
The Ballarat Unit are aware of their local Given the recent rainfall and the saturation rescue, repairing roof damage, radio communications
significant flood risk, with over 50% of levels of the local catchment, Ballarat Unit operator, and as a Community Engagement Facilitator.
Ballarat’s urban area prone to flooding. felt it was important to be proactive and My main focus now is community engagement and
When impacted by a significant flood undertake a Snap Send Solve training managing the St Arnaud Diver Reviver site.
event, more than 684 buildings will be exercise. Craig and fellow Ballarat Unit
flooded above floor level, and more than Deputy Controller Cameron Maher led I mostly enjoy the opportunity to meet people from
8,751 properties will be impacted. a training exercise with the unit in June, all around Australia, including people that I wouldn’t
which enabled their 26 members who normally meet and hearing their stories. I also enjoy
Given there is a lack of stream gauge have completed training to put their making VICSES show bags for kids, which they are
monitoring in Ballarat, VICSES is reliant knowledge into practice. always very excited to receive. As a volunteer, I get a
on evidence such as flood photos before lot of satisfaction out of being able to help people in
a community flood warning can be Periodic Snap Send Solve training exercises the community.
published. This makes the use of Snap throughout the year will enable our Ballarat
Send Solve critical to warning the Ballarat members to be confident in using the app How has the support been from your unit
community of their flood risk. when flooding events occur, including since you joined?
the recent storm and flood events
Ballarat Unit Deputy Controller Craig West I have gained so many friends while involved in VICSES.
across Victoria.
gained a lot of experience using Snap When I lost two of my grandchildren in a house fire I
For further information regarding didn’t cope very well. The friends I made in VICSES
Snap Send Solve, visit the became my extended family and provided me the
Hub>My State> EM Planning> support I needed to get through such a difficult time,
Flood> Floodplain Management. n which meant the world to me.
Who or what inspires you the most?
I’m most inspired by my grandfather who was a
Lighthorseman in WW1, and fought in the battle of
Beersheeba. I have a passion for reading about the
Lighthorseman and getting to know more about what
they went through. I was disappointed when the
ANZAC Day March was cancelled due to COVID-19,
as it’s an incredibly special day to reflect on their
bravery and the sacrifices that they made for us. But I
still honoured the day regardless, and hope to be able
to attend next year. n
19Brothers in
Emergencies
By Sue Sheldrick, Community Resilience Coordinator, North East Region
Bright Unit Deputy Controller Graham Gales and
NORTH brother, Country Fire Authority (CFA) Wangaratta
Group Officer Lachlan (Lachie) Gales, rarely get the
EAST
chance to work together on the same emergency.
T
his might come as a suprise to some, as they take up the opportunity to use modern
even though both brothers have meeting facilities at VICSES Wangaratta Local
served a combined service of 73 Headquarters. Here’s hoping Graham and
years with their respective agencies. Lachie get to cross paths in the emergency
field once again! n
However, the planets finally aligned earlier
1 April – 30 June this year during a North East Region Incident
Management Team set-up to manage a local
storm and flood event. Alas, it was a near miss,
as the brothers ended up on separate night
and day shifts!
Never to miss such a unique opportunity for
sharing a family snap, the Gales’ brothers
allowed us to capture and share this special
707
brotherly moment. Thank you to both Graham
and Lachie for their amazing dedication in
protecting and supporting our communities
across Victoria.
Lachie and the CFA Wangaratta Group will
Volunteers soon be working more closely with VICSES
839
Requests for assistance
Thanking our North East
Region members
By North East Regional Management Team, Keith O’Brien,
8% Building
damage Neil Payn and Brendan Corboy, North East Region
T
10% Support
59 % other he North our VICSES Vision: Safer
agencies East Regional Communities - Together. unfamiliar roles, or making
Tree down 11% Rescue Management yourselves available
Team recognises that Whether it be catching for taskforces - all while
4% planes to join emergency
our region's volunteers standing by to maintain
8% have contributed an deployment efforts in coverage and response
enormous amount of faraway places, supporting for your local communities
service across the last few neighbouring units and in the midst of a global
months, demonstrating regions in response to the pandemic. Thank you all, for
Other Flood
great focus and severe floods and storms your incredible efforts. n
adaptability in achieving in June, stepping up to fill
20END OF AN ERA:
Send-offs from across
VICSES the sector:
farewells
“Keith has been a committed emergency
management leader in the Hume Region for the
past 17 years, and the Country Fire Authority (CFA)
Keith O’Brien
in the North East consider him a great friend of ours.
His contributions have been valuable through fire,
32
YEARS OF
floods, storm and blue green algae incidents. Keith
is an energetic character who loves to share stories
and information from his broad range of experiences
from emergencies, or his interests outside of work!
By Liz Frazer and Sue Sheldrick, Community Resilience SERVICE We wish him and his family well in the next part of his
n
re
Fa
Coordinators, North East Region
Br
ie
we
l l K e i t h O’ life, and suspect we will see him continue to pop up
at emergencies in the future in a variety of roles.” –
As the sun sets on Keith O’Brien’s huge 36+ CFA Assistant Chief Fire Officer Paul King, and
years in emergency management (32 of them CFA Hume Regional Operations Coordinator,
with VICSES), he enters retirement and we say Hayley Thomas.
thanks and farewell! “As a key member of the VICSES Incident
Management Team (IMT) Training and Development
K
group, Keith’s passions have included contributing
eith’s experience In addition to supporting VICSES, his passion to see
to developing our annual IMT program, demystifying
and contributions these events, Keith’s hard our organisation succeed
and walking members through the Level 2
across our work and dedication has and be a leading agency
accreditation process, continuous improvement in
emergency services is also been recognised within the sector has been
our coaching and mentoring capabilities, ensuring
remarkable, with a legacy that across many honours and influential on so many others,"
members get the most out of their PSI assessment
will be long lasting; not just in awards, including: said VICSES Chief Officer
progressing to Level 3 Accreditation, and being a
North East Region or VICSES, Operations Tim Wiebusch on
• Order of St John. regular member on multi-agency Level 3 panels,
but right across the sector. Keith's retirement.
• National Emergency ensuring the ‘best of the best’ of Victoria’s IMT talent
Keith's SES journey first Medal. Keith begins his transition into progress to Level 3.” – VICSES Deputy Chief
began with NSW SES in • National Medal First Clasp. retirement alongside his lovely Officer, David Baker.
1985. In 1989 Keith joined • St John Long Service wife Jo, planning a move to
“I’d like to thank Keith for his efforts in supporting
VICSES Bendigo Unit, has Medal. Canberra, a sailing adventure,
the Hume Regional Emergency Management
been the long-standing • VICSES Long Service many years of travel,
Planning Committee and the Hume Region
North East Regional Manager Medal. photography, and precious
community in general, in particular the work he
since 2004, and has taken family time with children and
has done to support VICSES and Emergency
on many short-term roles "Keith has been a significant grandchildren.
Management Team readiness levels for storm
around the state. Here are leader and contributor to
On behalf of the North East events. I appreciate Keith had to influence state
just some of the operations the development of VICSES
Region, VICSES and the for this to happen, and the levels of readiness has
Keith has contributed to in for over three decades.
emergency management now moved the agency from being reactive to
his many roles: Having the pleasure of
sector, we wish Keith proactive, providing the Hume community with a
working with Keith for all gold star service model.” – Victoria Police Hume
• 1999 Sydney Hailstorm. all the best! n
of his working career at Regional Emergency Management Inspector,
• 2003 Bendigo Tornado.
Pauline Williams.
• 2003 Canberra Bushfires.
• 2009 Victorian Bushfires. “On many occasions I worked with Keith during
• 2009 Boxing Day Tsunami. the response and transition to recovery phase.
• 2013 Cobram to Keith’s commitment to ensuring that the impacted
Bundalong Tornado. communities were provided with everything they
• 2018 Hume Freeway needed during these stressful times resulted in the
Flash Flood. Hume Region communities receiving the very best
support. Keith’s contribution to the development
• 2019-2020 Victorian
of the Emergency Management arrangements
Bushfires.
in Victoria has created a strong platform for now
• COVID-19 pandemic.
and into the future. All the best.” – Department
• 2021 NSW Floods. of Families, Faireness and Housing Hume
• Other major flood events Regional Recovery Manager, Leo Ryan.
in 1993, 2007, 2010,
2012, 2016 and 2021.
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