WEAR ORANGE WEDNESDAY 2022 - Women in Rescue VICSES supports flood response in New South Wales
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WINTER 2022
EDITION 19
WEAR ORANGE
WEDNESDAY 2022
Women in Rescue pg. 08
VICSES supports flood response in New South Wales pg. 04
CONTENTS
Highlights from the winter edition
What’s happening
across our regions:
10 CENTRAL
Continuing to champion
women at VICSES.
12 EAST
Bemm River community
rises to flood challenge.
14 MID WEST
Mid West Region supports
VICSES Nillumbik Unit’s newly NSW deployments.
refurbished facility opens
16 NORTH EAST
pg. 24
North East Region’s 2022
Service Awards Ceremony.
Interim Female Fit
Personal Protective
18 NORTH WEST
VICSES Woomelang
Unit welcomes new
Clothing (PPC): Rolling Unit Controller.
20
out across the state SOUTH WEST
pg. 25 South West Region
recruitment drive.
VICSES supports Front Cover:
flood response WOW Day media launch WINTER 2022
starring Kimba Wall,
in NSW pg. 04 photographed by EDITION 19
David Murphy.
Interested in contributing? WEAR ORANGE
WEDNESDAY
202 2
Submit your article here: Women in Resc
VICSES suppo
ue pg. 08
rts flood respon
se in New South
publications@ses.vic.gov.au
Wales pg. 04
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. © State Stewardship Council ® (FSC ®). ecoStar is manufactured from
The Victoria State Emergency Service respectfully acknowledges
of Victoria, Victoria State 100% post consumer recycled paper in a Process Chlorine
the Traditional Owners of the lands and waters. We pay our
Emergency Service, Free environment under the ISO 14001 environmental
respects to Elders past, present and emerging.
May 2022. management system.
MESSAGE FROM THE MINISTER
FOR EMERGENCY SERVICES
Welcome to the second edition of
Community Matters for 2022
As we head into the cooler months,
I’m reminded of the many ways our
I was so pleased to be among the
Victorians celebrating our volunteers
Welcome
VICSES volunteers dedicate their time during national Wear Orange Hello everyone, and welcome
and energy to protect the Victorian Wednesday (WOW Day) on May 18.
community and beyond, at all times to the winter edition of
While WOW Day is always a great
of year and in all kinds of weather.
opportunity to shine a spotlight Community Matters.
F
Whether it’s responding to severe on our hardworking volunteers, it
weather events across the country or was fantastic this year to see one irstly, I would like champion gender equality
attending a road crash rescue closer particularly dedicated volunteer to acknowledge across the sector. The
to home, our volunteers have once - VICSES Chelsea Unit member the tremendous event also presented the
again shown their true value these Kimba Wall - celebrated as an official efforts of our members who opportunity to launch our new
past few months. volunteer at the unit. have been deployed over the Interim Female Fit Personal
The past year has been the busiest Kimba is one of the first official past few months to support Protective Clothing (PPC),
in VICSES history – our volunteers volunteers with Down Syndrome the flood response in New which has now been rolled
have responded to more than to be recruited, and it is wonderful South Wales. With so many out across the state. You can
46,000 requests for assistance to see her recruitment celebrated communities devastated view more information on
around the state. as part of the emergency by this declared national both WIR, and the Interim
service’s commitment to emergency, the assistance Female Fit PPC Project on
In early autumn we saw large numbers diversity and inclusion. provided by our highly-skilled pages 8 and 25.
of local volunteers heed the call to members has been integral in
travel interstate and attend some of The Victorian Government is doing ensuring the safety of those April saw the launch of our
the most devastating floods in the its part to ensure all volunteers affected. I cannot thank you Driver Reviver campaign
nation’s history. are recognised and rewarded for all enough for your resilience, ahead of the Easter long
their efforts, and we are ensuring and shared leadership as part weekend, with locations
Between March and April, close to Victoria’s emergency service of these deployments. You can activated across the state to
200 VICSES members were deployed volunteers receive the resources read more on pages 4-5. encourage drivers to a take a
to northern New South Wales to and equipment they need. break and arrive alive at their
help support flood response efforts. On the 18th of May, we destination. A huge thank you
During this time, many held roles as That’s why, in the recent Budget, came together to celebrate to our volunteers who gave
part of Incident Managment Teams we invested $26.1 million for the Wear Orange Wednesday up time with family and friends
and on-the-ground, providing much- maintenance of VICSES facilities, – a national day of thanks during this holiday period, to
needed relief to their often exhausted the replacement of vehicles, vessel for our incredible SES support this important road-
NSW counterparts. fleet maintenance and extra support volunteers. Our volunteers safety initiative.
for volunteers. We’ll also deliver a are truly inspiring people,
Protecting communities and further $2.7 million towards VICSES dedicating their lives to the Last but not least, new unit
supporting emergency services volunteer training and professional safety of others. I am in awe builds and refurbishments
in other jurisdictions are brilliant development programs. of the achievements of our have continued to progress
examples of how our volunteers volunteers every day, and their across the state, ensuring the
have been serving the community I’m proud of all our volunteers commitment to our shared of response capabilities and
this past quarter. and I’ll continue to support you Vision of Safer Communities – sustainability of our units now,
in every way I can. Together. Read all about our into the future. You can find
celebrations on pages 6-7. out more information on one
Thanks to you, thousands of requests of our latest unit openings at
for assistance around Victoria and In March, we hosted our first Nillumbik Unit, on page 24.
beyond have been answered and will ever state-wide Women in
continue to be. Rescue (WIR) event, aimed Thank you all for contributing
at providing women with to another fantastic edition of
Keep doing what you do, take care Community Matters.
and all the best for the season ahead. the opportunity to showcase
their skills in a fun, safe, and Kind regards,
Jaclyn Symes supportive environment. It was
Minister for fantastic to have our regions Stephen Griffin
Emergency Services n come together to empower CEO, Victoria State
the women of VICSES, and Emergency Service n
03
FEATURES
Working as one across the
border: VICSES supports
flood response in NSW
By Gabi Barkmeyer, Corporate Communications Officer, VHO
Towards the end of February 2022, relentless heavy rainfall covered parts of
Queensland and New South Wales (NSW), causing widespread flooding.
With properties completely submerged underwater, and most devastatingly –
the loss of lives - the severity of this event was felt far and wide.
W
itnessing the impacts from communities impacted once again, with
across the border here in many neighbourhoods re-flooded after only
Victoria, our members were just beginning to recover from the weather’s
eager to provide their skills and time to deploy initial impacts.
interstate to NSW to support the hardest
hit areas, which would soon to be declared This began our second round of VICSES
a national emergency by the Australian deployments, with 74 members deployed to
Federal Government. NSW between 29 March – 8 April.
Between 1 – 11 March, 121 VICSES members, Once again, our crews deployed to assist
both volunteers and staff, were deployed to communities affected by flood and storm
NSW. Our members were tasked with a variety damage. This included:
of roles across many locations, including: • Referrals of support for displaced community
• Boat crews sent to Coffs Harbour working in members.
Grafton, Casino, and Mullumbimby. • Distributing much needed supplies such as
• General Rescue crews and community liaison food and clean water.
members into Goonellabah. • Aiding NSW teams by covering shifts to give
• Incident Management Team (IMT) crews their members a much-needed break.
crews deployed to Wollongong, Metford,
Locations and roles also included an IMT and
Rhodes, and Taree.
JLO deployed into Wollongong, Goulburn and
• A Jurisdictional Liaison Officer (JLO) stationed Metford, and Task Force Crews deployed into
at Wollongong. Port Macquarie and Lismore. Task Force Crews
included a group of drivers to transport 12
Despite the massive response from our VICSES vehicles, to provide extra on-the-ground
emergency service agencies, local councils, emergency assistance.
community members and more, the
torrential rain only eased for a short period
of time, returning within days. This saw
04
Back in Victoria, our members headed up a range of leadership positions
to assist our deployments, including our VICSES Chief Officer Operations,
Tim Wiebusch as State Response Controller, and VICSES Operations
Manager, Gerabeth Abbot as the VICSES State Agency Commander.
As an agency we
have a strong and
ongoing commitment with our
counterparts’ interstate, and we
will do whatever we can to assist,”
said Gerabeth Abbot on the
support provided by VICSES.
“Our volunteers once again ahead in the recovery phase of
answered the call, leaving work this event for those communities
and family commitments behind impacted in NSW. We are so
to assist the flooding situation in thankful to those of our members
NSW. We thank those volunteers who have contributed to support
who assisted, and also send our these deployments, as well as our
thanks to their employers who members who held the fort back
released them for deployment at here in Victoria, ensuring our local
short notice,” continued Gerabeth. emergency response capabilities.
Although our crews are back on Thank you, all. n
home turf, there’s still a long road
05
GENERAL
NEWS
Wear Orange
Wednesday 2022
By Gabi Barkmeyer, Corporate Communications Officer, VHO
On Wednesday 18 May, we came together to
celebrate the incredible contributions of our
volunteers as part of our annual Wear Orange
Wednesday (WOW Day) celebrations!
T
he campaign kicked off with the and other VICSES members shared in the
media launch held on Sunday 15 celebrations and dressed in orange as part of a
May, the weekend leading into masterclass held at VEMI.
National Volunteer Week and WOW Day.
Key leaders including Emergency Management
VICSES Chelsea Unit member Kimba Wall was Commissioner Andrew Crisp, and Australian
the face of WOW Day this year, as one of our personalities like Shane Jacobson and comedian
agency’s first official volunteers to be recruited Karen From Finance, also submitted their thanks
with Down Syndrome. with video messages that were shared on our
state social media platforms.
Breaking down stereotypes and prejudices,
Kimba has a budding career in singing, Big and bold WOW Day banner flags were
modelling, and acting as part of print and TV prominently displayed around Melbourne’s
advertisements and commercials, showcasing to CBD, flying high in recognition of our
the world that a disability will not stop her from heroes in orange.
doing what she loves most.
We once again held an internal photo
Acting as an unofficial mascot for the VICSES competition to find the best dressed pet in
Chelsea Unit for over 10 years, Kimba is now an orange, with five lucky volunteers each receiving
official volunteer and was presented with her a $100 Bunnings voucher thanks to AAMI.
volunteer certificate at the WOW Day media
launch, to acknowledge her, and the work of our For the first time we also partnered with
thousands of SES volunteers across the country. McDonalds, who generously offered a free
coffee or other hot McCafé drink for every
On the day of WOW Day on Wednesday 18 VICSES volunteer on the day.
May, the community came together to join with
us in saying thanks to our amazing volunteers, We wrapped up the day’s celebration with
by dressing in orange, hosting orange-themed a colourful display of lights, seeing major
lunches and events, and sharing special landmarks across regional Victoria and
messages of thanks on social media. metropolitan Melbourne lit up in orange,
including the Bolte Bridge, AAMI Park,
It was fantastic to see so many of our partners get Melbourne Cricket Ground, and more.
around the day in orange.
We would like to thank everyone who joined
Staff of our Principal Community Partner AAMI, in celebrating this fantastic campaign, and
hosted a WOW Day morning tea across their most importantly – THANK YOU, to our SES
offices in Melbourne and Brisbane, while the volunteers, for all that you do. n
team at Emergency Management Victoria
06
07
CAMPAIGNS & EVENTS
Women in Rescue 2022
By David Murphy, Media Officer, VHO
On 19 March, our regions joined “Our units and volunteers should
represent the communities we
The day also featured guest
speaker Libby Murphy APM, Chief
together to host our first ever state-wide serve, from the diversity in our
education, to our ethnicity, and
Operations Officer at Ambulance
Victoria, who shared her wealth
Women in Rescue event. the skills we bring to our volunteer of experience working across
role. Women in Rescue is another the emergency management
F
way for us to come together, sector, and inspiring words on
ounded in 2018 by Event locations included:
and learn how best to serve the women in leadership.
the VICSES Sunbury
• Sunbury • Huntly communities we are a part of,”
Unit, Women in Rescue "As an agency, VICSES is
• Bangholme • Lake Eildon continued Angela.
is a training event designed committed to being an inclusive
to celebrate women in the • Benalla • Sale Excitedly, the event also aligned organisation,” said VICSES Chief
operational space by getting with the first ever showcase Officer Operations, Tim Wiebusch.
• Drysdale • Stawell
hands-on with tools and of our new, custom-made and
equipment, sharing rescue skills, “Women in Rescue is a fantastic fit-for-purpose Interim Female Fit “It is critical that we reflect the
and most importantly, having fun in initiative, where women can Personal Protective Clothing (PPC), communities we serve, and
a safe and supportive environment. come together to share skills thanks to funding from our Principal continue to develop the specialist
and techniques in the rescue Community Partner, AAMI. skills and leadership among our
This year eight events were women in orange,” continued Tim.
space, experiment with different
held across Victoria, hosting a The new uniform was showcased
techniques and handling of A huge thank you to everyone
variety of specialised training to members at our Sunbury and
equipment, and share this vital involved in hosting this incredible
and exercises to showcase the Huntly events, as well as media
information back to their units for event. See you all in 2023! n
diverse capabilities that our VICSES outlets who where in attendance
the benefit of all,” said VICSES
volunteers rely upon. This included to share the event with our
Sunbury Unit and Women in Rescue
road crash rescue scenarios, wider communities.
pioneer, Angela Lane.
domestic rescue, and much more.
By Gerry Sheridan, events were run professionally and
Operations Officer – with plenty of enthusiasm.
Capability Improvement, VHO
T
Competitors from all emergency
he Victoria Police and services came together after what
Emergency Service has been another difficult year with
Games were held from 18 COVID-19 and busy operational
March to 27 March 2022, back in its periods. Our VICSES participants
traditional home of Melbourne after did not disappoint, seeing strong
2022 VICTORIA POLICE a very successful 2021 in the regional numbers again this year. We had
city of Geelong. The weather was 91 members participate, with 115
AND EMERGENCY terrific throughout the games, and individual entries across all of the
the volunteer sport coordinators did sports on offer. 115 medals were won
SERVICE GAMES a great job in making sure their sport across the same number of events,
broken up into 59 gold, 37 silver and
08
VICSES TAKES TO THE
GROUNDS OF THE 'G
By Jamie Devenish, Manager - Community Resilience
and Communications, VHO By Chloe Jeffers, Senior Advisor – Corporate
Communications and Brand, VHO
More than 30 VICSES volunteers were part of the on-
Once again, VICSES volunteers had the
field ceremony at the Powercor AFL Country Festival
privilege of heading out on the grounds
game between Geelong and Essendon at the MCG on
of the MCG on Saturday May 14 as part
Saturday 19 March.
of the second annual Emergency Services
T
he annual match is held the giant Australian flag, as Casey Barnes Match between Hawthorn Football Club
in support of regional sang Waltzing Matilda. They then formed and Richmond Football Club.
communities, and helps a guard of honour as the two teams came
T
celebrate their contribution to our on to the ground, and were invited to
he Emergency Services Match celebrated the
country. It’s about showing gratitude stay and enjoy the game.
efforts of our emergency service agencies,
for country people and highlighting the
Emergency service volunteers are with a tribute to 14 agencies on-field before
wonderful things they do.
such an integral part of the make-up the game. First held in 2019, the match is an important
This year, major sponsor Powercor chose of regional and rural communities in opportunity to not only raise funds for the Emergency
VICSES to join the pre-game activities Australia. Tying in with the theme of Services Foundation (ESF), but to also spread awareness
to recognise the incredible work of the Country Festival game, 61% of our of the mental health challenges faced by both our current
VICSES volunteers in responding to VICSES volunteers hail from regional serving emergency service workers, and also past.
storms, floods, and other emergencies. Victoria, making us a great partner
38 VICSES members from units across Victoria, including
Powercor General Manager, Corporate for the event.
as far as Swan Hill and Tambo Valley, took to the field pre-
Affairs, Jo Pafumi said, “We know first-
VICSES Gisborne Unit Deputy Controller match, unfurling an orange silk as part of a pre-game show
hand how committed and driven SES
Rosie McMahon and VICSES Winchelsea featuring a performance by singer Vanessa Amorosi. A few
volunteers are when responding to
Unit volunteer Angela Hooper, joined select members also took part in the guard of honour as
emergencies, as we saw in June last year.”
AFL stars Tom Hawkins from Geelong each of the clubs came out on the ground – a 'money can't
VICSES volunteers took part in the and Zach Merrett from Essendon for the buy' privilege that will be remembered for years to come.
pre-game celebration on the MCG, media launch in the lead up. n
As well as the activity pre-game, some of our members
alongside Powercor engineers holding
from Essendon, Maroondah and Nillumbik Units created a
great activity area in Yarra Park at the Emergency Services
Fan Zone, engaging with kids and adults alike and
educating about our preparedness initiatives – as well as
19 bronze medals, showing that every never competed in before. This is a showcasing our medium rescue, boat and 4x4 vehicles.
event we entered saw a medal won. testament to the game’s environment,
that you can give any sport a go no Two members also got a chance to take part in mid-
Having won the 2021 Stuart Taylor matter your ability. It's just about having a game activities, with VICSES Maroondah Unit member,
Memorial Award, which is presented go, and having fun. Derek Somers kicking a goal at quarter time to donate
each year for the “Best Performance $100 to ESF, and VICSES Nillumbik Unit member Liam
of the Games”, VICSES Craigieburn We now turn our preparations to the Wickham racing the LED and winning – picking up a $200
Unit volunteer Anita Lutz followed up Australasian Games, which will take Hawks nest voucher!
with an outstanding 17 medals – what a place in New Zealand in March 2023,
fantastic achievement! Members Rainer with preparation well underway. It was a great opportunity to give thanks to our members
Langhoff and Robert Reid also both put Keep up-to-date on the games on with an experience on the ‘G. One of our members,
in a stellar performance, winning 26 the Hub, located at My State > VICSES Greater Dandenong Unit Controller Michael Prior,
medals between them. Emergency Games. noting that after a tough couple of weeks for his unit, this
was a fantastic day out. We can’t wait to take part again
Our members had fun participating in Well done to all members, and thank you in 2023, as the partnership with the Hawthorn Football
many sports, some of which they had for representing VICSES. n Club continues. n
09
Continuing to
champion women
at VICSES
CENTRAL By Sarah Stephens, Community Engagement Coordinator, Central Region
Earlier this year, we proudly celebrated International
Women’s Day - recognising the passionate, powerful,
and talented women in VICSES.
V
ICSES has progressed along with has been the best decision of my life. I love every
a modern world. We have come a part of it. I know some people were questioning
long way in the service – roles for my ability to perform the role and I just said –
1 January – 31 March females are so varied. It doesn’t matter how ‘I’m going to try - I may not be able to do it, but
tall you are, your age – there is always a role. I will have tried.’ Believe me, from the moment I
Looking at role diversity, we have a lot of women applied, I have never received a negative word
in our leadership team, within finance, media, from this team,” said Anna.
community engagement, operations, training -
the list goes on. Cindy, originally from New South Wales
(NSW), joined for networking and friendship
In Central Region, over 28% of Unit Controllers opportunities:
or Deputy Controllers are female. At VICSES
1,654
Greater Dandenong Unit, female leadership “Being quite short, I didn’t think I was physically
makes up 40% of the Unit Management Team, capable for the job. I had a friend who joined
with a goal to reach 50% by the end of 2023 the NSW SES, and that inspired me to join when
(and the possibility of reaching this earlier), as I moved. Still a little apprehensive… I applied.
over the past five years the female membership Seeing a lot of female faces on the online
information sessions during my application was
Volunteers has tripled – currently sitting at 16. Some of
really encouraging. Being around normal kind of
these women got together to celebrate the
women, like myself, gave me the confidence to
4,381
success of our women at VICSES (image below).
keep going with my application,” said Cindy.
Anna, one of the Greater Dandenong team’s
newest members, has enjoyed every minute of Anna and Cindy are just two of hundreds of
her time with VICSES since arriving in Australia: women across VICSES, and thousands across
our emergency service sector, that are making
“I am new to Australia – I have only been here for a real difference as part of their communities.
Requests for assistance two years, and I can honestly say joining VICSES Aren’t our women amazing! n
31% Building
damage
10% Support
other
agencies
33%
Tree down
7% Rescue
17% Flood
2%
Other
10COMMUNITY
ENGAGEMENT
at the Melbourne
Autumn Home Show
By Bryce Wickham, Community
Engagement Support
Officer, Central Region
With community engagement
and public relations displays
now back on track, VICSES was
given the opportunity to have a Grand Prix
2022: It’s all go!
presence at the 2022 Melbourne
Autumn Home Show at the
Melbourne Convention and
Exhibition Centre in late April.
By Bryce Wickham, Community Engagement Support Officer, Central Region
O
ther exhibitors included St
John’s Ambulance, leading VICSES was more than overjoyed to be able
industry builders, and suppliers
and contractors showcasing promotional
to stand alongside the Australian Defence
information about their brands to the public.
Force, Victoria Police, St John Ambulance,
This year’s home show display saw 17 volunteers
from VICSES Northcote, Pakenham, Nillumbik,
Ambulance Victoria, Country Fire Authority
Hobsons Bay, Port Phillip, Manningham and
the State Headquarters Support Units, join
and Fire Rescue Victoria at the 2022 Formula 1
together to deliver the Bag it, Block it, Lift it, Australian Grand Prix.
Leave it campaign, featuring real-life props to
W
bring home the important message of how to
ith over 400,000 people in The VICSES stand was presented with a visual
prepare for a flood emergency. This was a great
attendance across the 7th to display showcasing the VICSES Chelsea Unit
opportunity for the volunteers to engage directly
the 10th of April, the event General Rescue Support Truck, which piqued
with the community, and with the watchful eye
was the first large-scale event for community the interest of people of all ages, particularly
of ‘Reg the Region’ mannequin. The setup at
engagers to be involved in as Victoria opened younger children and teenagers. In contrast,
the home show also introduced the Red Cross
up again post pandemic restrictions. the kids rescue truck was a highlight for kinder
RediPlan to the community.
aged children, which brought in parents and
18 VICSES volunteers from across the guardians, making it a successful way to start
The three-day event proved to be successful,
VICSES Craigieburn, Greater Dandenong, conversations and deliver our key messages
with the volunteers receiving much
Manningham, Maroondah, Nillumbik, at this busy event.
appreciation and thanks for their time and
Northcote, Pakenham, and the State
contributions. n
Headquarters Units came together to deliver Thank you to everyone involved in this great
VICSES key messaging to racegoers at community engagement event. n
the Grand Prix.
SES RESCUE
11A new group
EAST
of Community
Engagement Facilitators
in East Region!
By Gail Cumming, Community Resilience Coordinator, East Region
1 January – 31 March
On the weekend of the 19th - 20th of March, a
dozen enthusiastic VICSES volunteers gathered at
the VICSES Stratford Unit to participate in the latest
Community Engagement Facilitation (CEF) course.
490 I
t goes without saying that being a VICSES
volunteer requires some degree of
community engagement, but the CEF
course takes it to a whole different level. Much
of the time was spent understanding and testing
Volunteers the VICSES Community Engagement Framework
665
– the basis of any good engagement. To know
who you’re talking to, what it is you’re talking
about, and the best way to communicate
with your particular audience, alongside an
assessment of whether or not it actually worked.
Requests for assistance Apart from a heated debate about questionable
practices in the paper plane making segment…
all was peaceful and very productive. We
had four great presentations to wrap-up the
11% Building damage day, focused on recruitment and increasing
awareness about floods and other emergencies.
9% Support
CELEBRATING AN
51 % other
agencies The course was delivered at a great learning
Tree down 14% Rescue
pace and provided a fantastic networking INSPIRATIONAL LEADER:
opportunity, with participants noting it was great
to meet their colleagues face-to-face and get to
13% Flood
know each other. VICSES Warragul
2% Thank you to everyone involved for making this Unit Controller
such an enjoyable day! n
Other
Alan Male
12BEMM RIVER
COMMUNITY RISES TO
FLOOD CHALLENGE
By Gail Cumming, Community Resilience Coordinator, East Region which places satellite and generator driven
communications in community assembly
In early April, four days of extreme weather hit many areas, under the local area’s Local Incident
Management Program – managed by the
communities in the East Gippsland region. Across East Gippsland Shire Council Emergency
Management team.
the catchment, 250-300mm of rain fell, causing After desperately trying to reach members
widespread flooding and damage. of the Bemm River community, contact was
finally made – the generator was turned on at
S
the local Country Fire Authority shed, and the
everal river systems reached major As is always the case in East Gippsland,
STAND system activated. That led to constant
and moderate flood levels. VICSES isolation and loss of communications and
communication for the community and the ICC,
units were out in force for what proved power were the major issues for most of the
and of course between community members
to be an exhausting, but hugely rewarding impacted communities.
and their families. The Ambulance Health
couple of weeks.
The situation in Bemm River was particularly Commander was even able to use Facetime
By the time an Incident Control Centre (ICC) serious, with a report of two metres of water to conduct medical assessments for those that
was set up on the 2nd of April, the communities over the road when the last phone went out. needed urgent help.
of Mallacoota, Bemm River, Genoa and Cann
But finally, there was some light at the The STAND system was also activated in Marlo,
River, amongst others, knew they were in for
end of the tunnel! and rumour has it that the local school held
some challenging times. Bemm River was
their classes there on the day Marlo lost power.
isolated by flood waters, and without power or Bemm River is one of approximately 44 The kids might not have been happy, but what
communications for over 48 hours. Mallacoota communities in East Gippsland to be part a success story for the resilience of residents
lost communications, and Marlo lost power for of the Strengthening Telecommunications across East Gippsland. n
24 hours. Over 150 roads were impacted by Against Natural Disasters (STAND) program,
flood waters, with 31 complete road closures.
By Gail Cumming, Community Resilience As a mentor and a leader, Alan encourages they need support, especially during an
Coordinator, East Region unit members to engage in training and emergency. They would need a friendly face,
V
development programs that will enhance their and this is what motivates me,” said Alan.
ICSES Warragul Unit Controller Alan skills and enable them to carry out their duties
Male first joined VICSES in 2016. with the highest level of competency. He A mentor of members of all ages, Alan’s advice
He commenced his membership supports his unit members by mentoring them for younger members is to volunteer for the
in the North East Region, before moving to succeed and believe in what they do. right reasons and consider family members.
over to the East.
Alan is passionate about community “Our younger members need to think of the
Alan is known to be an inspiration to his fellow empowerment, and has been deployed commitment and how it might affect their
unit members. With eight years' of service as to assist several communities during large- family, because family is the one that gives the
part of the Royal Australian Air Force, and 16 scale emergencies. This includes the recent most’,” says Alan.
years of volunteering in emergency operations, flooding in New South Wales, where Alan was
Alan has the experience, knowledge, We’re so thankful to have Alan as part of
deployed as a Crew Leader. our team at East Region, hopefully well
and exceptional leadership skills needed
to lead the unit. “It’s the need to give back to our communities; into the future! n
lots of our communities are vulnerable, and
13Mid West Region
supports NSW
deployments
MID
By Gavin Kelly, Operations Officer, Mid West Region
A first hand recount of the response to the extreme
WEST flooding in New South Wales (NSW).
T
he VICSES as it gave all members a sense The tasking that was
response to the of familiarity. accomplished by all members
floods in NSW (as was wide and varied, and also
highlighted on pages 4-5), The welcome and support gave NSW SES units a chance
gave an opportunity for Mid from the NSW SES Port to stand down for a few days
1 January – 31 March West members to respond Macquarie Unit members was to rest. For us to take on their
to the destruction caused nothing short of amazing. requests for assistance was a
by the unprecedented flood Upon our arrival lunch was huge relief for them, especially
levels. In areas like Lismore, organised, along with access as some members had been
the height of one of those to all parts of the unit. When responding for up to four
floods was more than 2.4 the Unit Controller left to weeks straight.
metres higher than the return to his work, he left us
previous record event. the keys to the unit and told Some issues we faced were
us their unit was ours for our of a usual nature, such as
305
VICSES members were soon use – one of the greatest travelling long distances,
deployed as part of various gestures of good will that I navigating in unusual areas,
Task Forces and in Incident have never seen. and different taskings
Management Team roles to communications. Other
support this flooding event. Over six days, the Task Forces challenges faced were those
were made up of members
Volunteers The decision, based on
from across Victoria - both
of lost/delayed luggage (from
previous deployments, was flights), and accommodation
810
to have myself (Gavin Kelly) from VICSES and Country and catering. The second
as a Task Force Manager, to Fire Authority (CFA). The CFA round of Task Force members
manage, assist, and liaise with members were incredibly that arrived on the 1st of April
all other agencies both within supportive and fitted into (that date should have been
NSW and back in Victoria. I our crews and structure a sign!) arrived safely, but
was assisted by Central Region without a worry. In fact, they unfortunately their luggage
Requests for assistance Volunteer Support Officer all said when departing that didn’t. All but one bag arrived
Dimity Lynch, which made any time we were deploying on the last flight to arrive that
managing teams easier in again, they would be right night, which, thanks to the
regards of staff support. there beside us. work of one member, meant all
23% Building
damage members had their luggage.
Prior to the arrival of the It is hard to describe the
38 %
305
1 March first Task Force, the State devastation, damage, While there were challenges,
assistance:
Operations team and others sights, and smells that we long days and very high
Tree down all encountered during this
7% Support had arranged for six Medium humidity, all members
309 38% other deployment. In some areas
mage: 185 4% agencies Rescue Trucks and six 4WD performed in a manner
vehicles to be ferried to NSW, people had lost both their that made me very proud
er agencies: 1% specifically to the NSW SES homes and their businesses - and humble to have been
27% Port Macquarie Unit. These not once, but twice. To see the managing such a diversity of
7%
vehicles came from VICSES contents of entire households members from VICSES and
%
units across the state, and laid out on nature strips, is a CFA. Thank you all. n
Other Flood Rescue
were very much appreciated site I hope to never see again.
14Mt Stapylton
rescue success
By Jordan Bush, Volunteer Support Officer,
Mid West Region
Flood risk products O
n Thursday 28 April, VICSES
Ararat Unit received a call-out at
prove invaluable for
approximately 7:30am to assist
Ambulance Victoria Wilderness Response
Paramedics with a carry-out of an injured rock
guiding Victoria Police
climber at Mt Stapylton in the Grampians, above
the renowned ‘Taipan Wall’.
evacuations
We were made aware that both VICSES Stawell
and Horsham Units had been out there the night
prior to attempt a rescue, however, the weather
conditions didn’t permit.
Clare Mintern, Community Resilience Coordinator, Mid West Region
VICSES Ararat Unit members worked alongside
Responding to flooding in a timely manner is around 20 other personnel from VICSES
Horsham Unit, Fire Rescue Victoria, Country
extremely critical to VICSES during flood events, Fire Authority, Ambulance Victoria and Police
Search and Rescue. Team members hiked 3km
especially when large flood events occur. To aid into the Grampians and up Mt Stapylton with
the Horsham High Angle Rescue Cache to enact
our response, the Mid West Region are currently a High Angle Rescue, followed by a carry-out
to the staging area due to their being low fog
working closely with the Victoria Police to deliver and poor weather.
targeted flood training sessions. Upon our arrival at the casualty’s location, we
T
noticed the weather had started to clear, so
he focus of these sessions will Key elements of the flood training with Ambulance Victoria activated their Helicopter
be to ensure Victoria Police have Victoria Police include: Emergency Medical Service (HEMS). To be safe,
the flood information needed to the High Angle Rescue Technicians (HART) team
quickly respond to undertake evacuations of • Providing access to flood risk information. still set up the system in case the HEMS was
buildings at risk of flooding. This training will • Providing knowledge of where to access unable to winch the patient out.
improve knowledge and access to flood risk real-time flood stream gauge height
Thankfully the weather had cleared for a long
information, enabling Victoria Police staff to information, and what it means in terms
enough duration, that the HEMS was able to
evacuate people at risk of flooding efficiently, of buildings impacted by flooding.
successfully winch the patient out.
and effectively. Given that flooding in the Mid • Providing access to flood risk triggers.
West Region occurs quickly, it’s important that This was a fantastic opportunity to work
• Providing access to maps of buildings
Victoria Police have access to detailed flood alongside our fellow emergency services and
at risk of flooding for a range of
risk information that they can use to guide learn from some highly skilled operators in
flood magnitudes.
evacuations. This includes flood impact maps the field. It was particularly beneficial to the
of buildings in flood risk locations. To compliment this training, the Mid West members from VICSES Ararat Unit, that have
Region are also working closely with Victoria limited opportunities to be a part of such a great
Flood maps and flood trigger summaries
Police to train staff to use Snap Send Solve – an outcome in a multi-agency event. n
are invaluable to guiding Victoria Police’s
app used to share real-time flood images via the
evacuation response. This ensures Victoria
administration portal Emergency Management
Police have the information needed to take
Common Operating Picture (EM-COP). Snap
key actions, such as targeted doorknocking,
Send Solve is used to substantially improve the
which will help to better guide our on-the-
efficiency and effectiveness of VICSES acquiring
ground response, and build flood awareness,
flood intelligence, and significantly improves our
preparedness, and community resilience.
capability of managing flood emergencies. It can
The largest recent flood event that the also be used to share information for a range of
Wimmera region has experienced is the emergencies in addition to floods. You can read
January 2011 flood event. During this flood more about the latest on this app on page 24.
event VICSES received significant support
We look forward to delivering this training,
from Victoria Police staff, assisting with ground
and strengthening our partnership with
flood observations.
Victoria Police. n
15Chainsaw course helps out
locals in the North East
By Dan Walton, Regional Officer – Training, North East Region
provider was brought on-board, and two
If you remember back to early courses were then approved to conduct the
February, a wind-storm event practical sessions of those training courses at the
passed through the North East storm affected property.
NORTH Region causing widespread
damage to trees and buildings.
The March course was completed successfully,
however, COVID-19 reared its head one more
time, and forced a last-minute postponement of
EAST T
the April course, which will be rescheduled and
hese were all resolved in a matter advertised soon.
of hours after the passing of the
front, thanks to a quick and efficient Although we weren’t able to get as much done
joint response from VICSES and our partner to help this member of our community as we
emergency service agencies. would have liked, this was still a great example
of using training courses to continue to improve
Unfortunately, there were - and still are - ongoing regional capability, and provided very realistic
impacts from this event. But thankfully, through practical training for these candidates.
1 January – 31 March our scheduled chainsaw courses, we were able
to assist one landowner in their recovery efforts. Thanks to everyone who helped to make this
a reality. We were very proud to be able to
Contact was made with a landowner in utilise these two training courses to assist a
Bobinawarrah, where there were reports of landowner in the region.
“hundreds” of trees down on private property
- quite a lot of work for any private resident in Keep your eyes and ears open in your own
our community. After some quick discussions, community for similar situations that you could
the property was visited, Site Safety Plans were use either at a unit or regional level, to assist the
575
developed, our external chainsaw training community outside of operations and through
training and skills maintenance opportunities. n
Volunteers
1,273
Requests for assistance RAIN, HAIL, SNOW OR SUNSHINE -
THE SEARCH GOES ON!
By Josephine Hunter, VICSES Marysville Unit Controller, North East Region
O
9% Building n Friday 13 May, the VICSES Bright Volunteers from North East, East, and
61 %
Tree down 8%
damage
Support
other
Unit were called to assist Victoria
Police with a search for a missing
Central Regions searched through difficult
terrain and weather, battling rain, sleet and
agencies person at the Dinner Plain Alpine Resort, snow. At times, search team members found
6% near Mt. Hotham. themselves pushing through native grasses
Rescue
and shrubs up to their chests, landing in knee-
13% Working through the night, by morning the deep mud and bogs, and crawling on all fours
3% search had quickly escalated. In total, more under or through walls of tea-tree.
Flood than 60 VICSES members would join the effort
Other over the eight-day search period.
16North East Region’s 2022
Service Awards Ceremony NORTH EAST
REGION 2022
SERVICE AWARDS
By Sue Sheldrick, Community Resilience Here's a look at both of their Life Member citations:
Coordinator, North East Region
Stephen Roberts He has over 50 training competencies and was
Held at Wangaratta Unit Local Stephen has 30 years of service with the VICSES a valued member during the 2009 Victorian
Yackandandah Unit, and was previously also a Bushfires, supporting the CFA to help them
Headquarters on the last Saturday member of VICSES Albury Unit. He is an integral navigate trucks to remote destinations. Joe has
in May, around 100 VICSES part of the unit’s mentor program, developing new also played a vital role in the North East Region
members. With over 70 training competencies, floods, where his rescue boat skills, dedication,
members, family, and friends and compassion shone through.
including Alpine Search and Survival, Coxswain,
attended the North East Region AIIMS, and Map and Navigation, Stephen has an Three members were also celebrated for just
2022 Service Awards Ceremony. amazing skillset that he puts to use both serving being in the right place at the right time - it’s
his community, and passing on to new members
A
not often we have three Medal of the Order
without hesitation as a trainer. He has served as of Australia (OAMS) in the same room! This
fter a pause during 2020-2021 due Unit Controller, Deputy Controller, Unit Leader,
to COVID-19, it was great to see the included volunteers George McPherson OAM,
and Trainer, assisted in the flood events at Lakes Irene Cracknell OAM and Valerie McPherson
three-years of combined awards Entrance with sandbagging and evacuations
being delivered to their excited recipients. OAM (pictured above with Brendan Corboy
during deployment, and the 2003 and 2009 and Tim Wiebusch). What a celebrated and
VICSES Chief Officer Operations Tim Wiebusch bushfires where he assisted the Country Fire decorated team we have!
and acting North East Regional Manager Authority (CFA) to navigate their tankers through
Brendan Corboy, presented medals ranging the bush clearing trees along the way.
from five to 50 years of service, representing a Joe Riella A big thanks to the volunteers and staff
combined total of 1,780 years of service being
Joe is a valued and well recognised member of that helped to set up and ‘demob’ after
recognised. An outstanding achievement for all
the VICSES Yackandandah Unit, with over 35 the ceremony. Many hands did make
those involved.
years of service to the unit. Commencing with light work. We’re all looking forward to
Two members were presented with the Life VICSES Wodonga Unit in 1985, he has held the 2023 awards already, so start thinking
Member medal: Stephen Roberts and Joe Riella, many roles in his extensive time including Unit who in your unit might be eligible for
both from VICSES Yackandandah Unit. Controller, Training Officer, and Crew Leader. recognition! n
By Wednesday, thick snow and frost had for ten days as a beacon, and described by have been. We’re all hopeful that further
blanketed the area. Specialist VICSES and the Victoria Police Forward Commander as a developments will allow the missing person to
Victoria Police Alpine Search and Survival flagship part of the search effort. The VICSES be returned to their family soon.
(ASAS) teams were called in, putting in a North East Regional Support Unit deployed
mammoth effort to continue the search in the Field Operations Vehicle to assist with We encourage members who attend these
challenging conditions above the snowline. communications, and VICSES Bright Unit’s sorts of events to share their experiences with
The police search and rescue teams Alpine Search and Rescue Trailer was on their units, and reach out to Peer Support to
commented on the fact they didn’t hear a standby at the staging area. talk about the emotions that come with an
single complaint from any of our VICSES unresolved search.
searchers regarding the difficulty, with Unfortunately, despite the large-scale effort by
VICSES, Victoria Police and others, the missing This is also a timely reminder to ASAS
everyone just getting on with the job at hand. members to start your seasonal preparedness
person has not yet been located.
By day seven, the weather cleared overhead, now. If you are interested in undertaking roles
and police were able to again use helicopters, These sorts of jobs can be difficult for in remote area searching or joining the ASAS
Remote Piloted Aircraft Systems, and solo members who’ve put their heart and soul team, chat to your unit training team about
units to broaden the search. The VICSES into searching. However, we shouldn’t lose upcoming opportunities. n
Chiltern Unit’s lighting tower was deployed sight of how important and valued our efforts
17NORTH North West Region
WEST Women in Rescue
By Jamie Macri, Community Resilience Coordinator, North West Region
In March, 38 women from 17 different units attended
1 January
Jan – 31 May
– 31 March
2018 the North West Region Women in Rescue event, held
at the Huntly Training Ground - a fantastic local facility.
T
he day included 10 volunteer
trainers and two North West Region
staff trainers, who helped run and
coordinate all participants. Working in groups of
six, they rotated through five different activities. I really enjoyed using
672
541
This included two Road Crash Rescue (RCR)
stands, two Safe Working at Heights System
the RCR tools, because
(SWAHS) stands, temporary building repairs, I have never really had
a go - the men at the
trailer parking and backing, alongside a 4WD
course in the afternoon.
Volunteers All of the women who attended got have a go at unit just do it.”
1,476
896
each workshop, and develop and demonstrate
existing and new skills. Everyone got along
great, and we had so much positive feedback
about the day. No one wanted to go home,
staying to chat well after the event was over!
I have never backed a
Request for
Requests forassistance
assistance The feedback and comments that we received
were all positive. Here’s a snapshot of the
trailer in my life, but
commentary overheard on the day: I had the confidence
12% Building damage • “I loved going on the roof, I can’t believe I to have a go today
and I was so proud
did that!”
8% Support
46 % other • “It was a wonderful opportunity to have a go
agencies at backing a trailer.” of myself.”
Tree down 10% Rescue • “I would have never had a go in front of
people at the unit.” • "Today was so much fun, and a great chance
• “This is the first time I have been on a roof; I to meet other women from other units.”
22% was so nervous!”
2% As you can read above, the day was a huge
Flood • “I loved the 4x4 driving course - it was so
much fun.” success and ran without any problems, thanks
Other to all participants and the North West Region
team. What a fantastic day! n
18VICSES Woomelang Unit
welcomes new interim
Unit Controller
By Jamie Macri, Community Resilience Coordinator,
North West Region
In February, VICSES Woomelang Unit welcomed
Lisa Emblem as their new interim Unit Controller.
VICSES
Here’s a look at Lisa’s journey with VICSES so far.
MURRAYVILLE UNIT
I
n 2017, Lisa made the are uncomfortable with, and
huge move from Sydney
to Curyo, Victoria, with
that diversity is promoted and
highly encouraged.
PRESENTATION DINNER
her parents Darlene and Eddie,
and sister Lauren. In 2018, a In her four years with VICSES By Jamie Macri, Community In addition to these awards, the
Facebook post about an open Birchip Unit, Lisa has held the Resilience Coordinator, function was also held to farewell
night at the VICSES Birchip Unit positions of Unit Officer, Section North West Region unit member Bryce Pritchard.
O
piqued Darlene’s interest, and Leader, and Administrator.
she attended the open night When the opportunity arose n the evening of Bryce has committed over 30
with daughter Lauren. Excited to be interim Unit Controller at Friday 8 April, VICSES years in supporting both VICSES
about how interesting everything VICSES Woomelang Unit, she Murrayville Unit held a and his community, and recently
seemed and how friendly and was shocked she was considered presentation dinner in celebration moved to South Australia with
welcoming the unit was, they for the job, and felt it was a little of the achievements of their his family to enjoy retirement.
signed up that night. It wasn’t daunting and terrifying knowing volunteer members. Bryce will be deeply missed by all
long before Eddie was on board she was responsible for an entire of his colleagues at the VICSES
unit. However, Lisa’s mother and Operations Manager Jim Murrayville Unit, as well as the
too, as well as Lisa. O’Donnell was on hand to
VICSES Birchip Unit Controller, wider local community.
Lisa joined VICSES as a way to Darlene Emblem, encouraged conduct the awards presentation,
give back to the community. her to take on the role. Darlene with many members receiving Congratulations and heartfelt
Having only recently moved to is Lisa’s greatest supporter in VICSES long service awards thanks are extended to all of these
the area, she wanted to get to everything she has achieved so varying between five and 40 award recipients and Bryce, for
know the locals - and what better far in her journey with VICSES, years. These awards came to a their dedication to VICSES and
way to do that than joining a local and is a wonderful mentor. combined total of 330 years of the community in which they
community group. Lisa says it service, which is a significant live and work. n
was one of the best decisions she Lisa hopes the VICSES milestone for such a small unit.
has made, and definitely not one Woomelang Unit will be as
she has regretted. accepting of her as the VICSES
Birchip Unit, while looking Awards presented on the night included:
Lisa loves being a volunteer and forward to all the challenges
finds it rewarding – it’s selfless, that come with being a Unit
and brings the best feeling Controller. She is confident 5 YEARS: 35 YEARS:
knowing that you have helped that she can overcome any
• Josh Willersdorf • Beris Etherton.
people in desperate times of challenges because of her
• Regan Wyatt
need. She also loves that each great support system, including 40 YEARS:
volunteer, no matter what unit mum Darlene and the North
20 YEARS: • Kevin Willersdorf
they are from, has a different West Regional team.
experience with the service. No • Christine Heintze • Brian Etherton
one is forced to do anything they All the best, Lisa! n
• Ned Wyatt
25 YEARS:
• Neville Heintze
30 YEARS:
• Megs Willersdorf
• Bryce Pritchard
• Alma McDonald (posthumously)
• John Heintze
MURRAYVILLE
• Marilyn Wyatt SERVICE AWARDS
19South West Region
recruitment drive
By Alex Suwitra, Community Resilience Coordinator, South West Region
Multiple units throughout the South West Region
have opted in to a region-wide recruitment campaign
SOUTH - the first large scale drive for members in the region
since the start of the pandemic.
WEST F
ollowing the 2019-20 Victorian units based in the Geelong area (VICSES Corio,
Bushfires, many volunteer units were Geelong, South Barwon, Winchelsea, and the
approached by community members Regional Headquarters Units), planned two
interested in learning how they might become sessions in which interested people could
emergency service volunteers. However, just attend to find out more about volunteering for
as with all aspects of our lives, the COVID-19 VICSES. Attendees were able to explore some
pandemic prevented recruitment and training of the equipment and vehicles that VICSES
from occurring as planned. volunteers operate, including heavy rescue
1 January – 31 March trucks, the Field Operations Vehicle, rescue
With restrictions easing in 2022, VICSES boats, swift water rescue equipment, and more.
units were finally able to move ahead with the
recruitment of new members. The South West Over 40 people attended the sessions, which
Region, which extends along Victoria’s south is a fantastic result for our units, and a great
west coast from Geelong to the South Australian opportunity for potential future members to see
border, was split into ‘east’, ‘central’ and ‘west’ and learn more about volunteering for VICSES.
clusters of units. This meant that nearby units in
The coordinated approach to recruitment
528
each area could work together in promoting,
recruiting, and training new members. across the region has been well received, and
has allowed units to learn from each other and
A highlight of the campaign has been the joint support their new members across a wide
information sessions at the VICSES Regional area as they begin their volunteer journey
Office in Bell Park, Geelong. Five volunteer with VICSES. n
Volunteers
1,163
Requests for assistance
Vale Bruce Warton:
VICSES Port Fairy
Unit Deputy
Remembering
Bruce Warton
Controller
22% Building
damage By Ysabel Cronin-Guss, Community Resilience Coordinator, South West Region
I
8%
Support n late February, Bruce transferring to the VICSES Port friendships within the unit,
other
29% agencies Warton, one of our Fairy Unit in 2011. Bruce was and VICSES as a whole. A
12% long-standing South a well-respected member of memorial service was held on
Rescue
Tree down West Region volunteers, the community and dedicated the 4th of March at the Port
sadly passed away. countless hours volunteering Fairy Uniting Church, where
with VICSES. This included Bruce’s family, friends and
2% 27% Bruce was the Deputy advocating for the new VICSES members celebrated
Controller of the VICSES Port facility, which is due to be his life. The VICSES Port Fairy
Fairy Unit and will be dearly finished by 2023. Unit would like to thank all that
Other Flood missed by all. He started his have sent their well wishes and
VICSES journey at the VICSES We remember Bruce for his messages of condolences.
Tatura Unit in 2009, before leadership and meaningful Rest in Peace, Bruce. n
20Celebrating the
women of South
West Region
By Ysabel Cronin-Guss, Community Resilience Coordinator, South West Region
We celebrate and appreciate all VICSES members in the South West Region, but
in March we were able to highlight some of our inspiring female volunteers with
our Women In Rescue event in Geelong, alongside International Women’s Day.
O
n International Outside of VICSES, I’m a Have you had any surprises and would love to see more
Women’s Day we medical receptionist for a regarding your opportunities females join VICSES.
interviewed VICSES radiology department. as a VICSES volunteer?
Hamilton Unit Deputy Controller Reflecting on International
– Training and Members, Jessica What is the biggest Surprises, yes! I am a Coxswain, a Women’s Day, why
Mayne (pictured), to gain her contribution or achievement Divisional Commander, and I can do you think it’s so
perspective of what it’s like to be a that you’ve made in your role? even drive a truck. Never in my important to celebrate?
volunteer with VICSES. wildest dreams did I think I could
As a Deputy Controller of Training do any of that. It’s all thanks to the We should celebrate to show
When was the moment and Members, I have attained my VICSES Hamilton Unit. Without how far we have come and
you decided to become a Cert IV in Training and Assessor, their support, I wouldn’t be inspire others.
VICSES volunteer? which has allowed me to facilitate where I am today.
training at both a regional and What would be your advice
I decided to join VICSES in 2016 unit level. This has allowed me to Would you like to see VICSES to women wanting to join
when the floods were happening inspire other women to take on continue to improve its VICSES or the emergency
in Casterton. My family have always roles or complete courses. gender balance? services sector?
volunteered in some capacity and I I would say give it a go - why not! I
felt that was the right time for me. I am proud to see more females
going through more courses, know some may be unsure, but it
is rewarding. n
As well as practising search evidence, or large areas of land
techniques, the exercise was a or waterways for missing people.
great opportunity to test new
and potential Crew Leaders, who VICSES Corio Unit Deputy
JOINT TRAINING EXERCISE were mentored by experienced Controller of Training, Nigel
Sector and Divisional Cunningham, said the evening
A HOPPING SUCCESS Commanders and Crew Leaders was a great success.
on the night. The Regional “We had a great turnout, with
By Alex Suwitra, Community Around 40 volunteers Headquarters Unit brought the
Resilience Coordinator, participated in a large-scale members from the different units
Field Operations Vehicle for combining to form three teams
South West Region search for crime scene evidence
I
use as a command centre, and that all did a great job. There
in open parkland surrounding the VICSES Geelong Unit made
n mid-April, volunteers VICSES Corio Unit’s local were smiles all around at the end
from the VICSES Geelong, use of their lighting trailer to of the evening.”
headquarters in Lovely Banks. support the search.
Corio and South West But there was a twist – with
Regional Headquarters Units, A big thanks to the unit training
Easter not far away, members The session was a fun take on officers that organised this well-
came together for an egg-cellent were searching for Easter eggs a serious role that VICSES play
training exercise! received evening - the first such
and other items which had been in supporting Victoria Police. joint exercise for many members
hidden around the scene by VICSES volunteers are trained in the last two years. n
the organisers. to search crime scenes for
21You can also read
