YEAR Y o - Victoria State Emergency Service
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SUMMER 2020
EDITION 13
ur family,
o o
Y
ur
family
3 YEAR
Anniversary Edition
2019-20 VICSES Year at a glance
CONTENTS
Highlights from the summer edition
What’s happening
across our regions:
New VICSES
flood 14 CENTRAL
Central Region training team
preparedness making waves
animation with 16 EAST
East Region units engaging
catchy jingle with social media training
18 MID WEST
Bacchus Marsh Unit bike
pg. 32 riding group riding around
the world
20 NORTH EAST
Martin Forber ESM – 40 Years
Step It Up
of service and a well-deserved
retirement
2020 pg. 30
22 NORTH WEST
Preparing for floods - A
community led approach by
Rochester Unit
ESTA dispatch staff
to support VICSES
24 SOUTH WEST
Torquay dam event
in Incident Control SUMMER 2020
Front Cover:
Centres pg. 27
Chelsea Unit member EDITION 13
Debra De Boer
Interested in contributing? Yo
ur family,
ou
r fa
Submit your article here:
mily
publications@ses.vic.gov.au 3 YEAR Anniversary Editio
2019-20 VICSE
n
S Year at a glanc
e
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.
December 2020. management system.
MESSAGE FROM THE MINISTER FOR
POLICE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES
Welcome to the fourth edition of
Community Matters for 2020.
As the year draws to a close, we reflect for managing flood events are clearly
on what has been one of the most outlined and preparedness advice is
unpredictable and challenging years clearly and efficiently distributed to
that many of us have ever known, Victorian communities.
starting with a devastating fire season
followed by the COVID-19 pandemic. VICSES continues to play an important
role in the state’s response to the
Welcome
2019-20 was one of the busiest years pandemic. On top of operational
on record for VICSES volunteers support at our testing sites, border
who responded to 33,742 calls closures and the State Control Centre,
for assistance - that’s 382,141 our volunteers have continued to
operational hours. demonstrate their adaptability and Hello everyone, and welcome to
Over the course of one year, our
resilience in responding to requests for
assistance in a COVIDSafe manner.
this special three year anniversary
volunteers attended almost 25,000
storm assistance calls, more than We are continually looking at how we edition of Community Matters.
2,000 for flood relief and carried out can improve our emergency services
over 1,200 road rescues. by providing our volunteers with the As we come to the end of one of our busiest years on record,
facilities they need to carry out their I’d like to thank each and every one of our members for your
At the end of August, we continued important work. continued dedication to VICSES and the community. Your
to face icy conditions and wild winds, commitment to the safety of Victorians through this time has
which resulted in over 3,200 calls for Over the past three State budgets, the been remarkable, and I can’t thank you all enough. You can
assistance in just one weekend. Victorian Government has invested view the figures and events that contributed to the 2019-20
over $54 million in VICSES facilities to year at a glance on page 6.
While our weather remains typically ensure the state’s emergency services
unpredictable, Victorians can always volunteers are equipped with the The declared La Niña has seen a huge amount of work go
rely on the support and assistance from resources they need to tackle any into flood planning and preparedness, including community
dedicated VICSES volunteers. I’d like challenge now, and into the future. engagement and the release of the State Emergency Response
to thank each and every one of you Plan (SERP) Flood Sub-plan Edition 2.
for your unwavering dedication to the Works are currently underway on two
Victorian community and for always of our busiest units in Emerald and As COVID-19 restrictions begin to ease across Victoria, I’d like
stepping up to the challenge. Knox, which will each be welcoming a to acknowledge our members who have shown great flexibility
brand new, fit-for-purpose facility later in dealing with new training and service delivery methods,
With the seasonal outlook indicating next year. demonstrating one of our key Values – we are focused and
a high likelihood of above average adaptable. It’s important that we continue to adhere to hygiene
rainfall across the state, VICSES We’re proud to be supporting our and physical distancing requirements to ensure an ongoing
will continue to play a key role in volunteers with infrastructure upgrades commitment to our individual health, as well as other members
supporting the community and other that will enable our units to continue and the community.
agencies in the state’s response to their excellent work, while also
major weather events. providing additional space for training This year has also seen significant changes to our Board, saying
that will help with the retention and farewell to Director Evelyn Duke, Chair Peter Akers, and Board
In September 2020, we also released recruitment of new volunteers. member Barbara Yeoh. We also welcomed Greg Wilson to
the State Emergency Management the board in February, who has taken on the position of Chair.
Plan. This ensures state arrangements I look forward to visiting these new I’d like to thank Evelyn, Peter and Barbara for their support
facilities and meeting with more and contributions during their time with our organisation, and
volunteers when we reach a COVID welcome Greg to the Board with his wealth of government and
normal, to personally thank you for departmental experience.
supporting Victorians.
Coming into the New Year, I look forward to our growth
You have all done an incredible job as an organisation and working towards our vision: Safer
throughout a very difficult 2020, and Communities – Together. I hope you enjoy this edition of
your efforts have been invaluable – Community Matters, and stay safe.
thank you.
Kind regards,
Hon Lisa Neville MP
Minister for Police and Stephen Griffin
Emergency Services CEO Victoria State Emergency Service
03
FEATURES
SUMMER 2018
EDITION 5
Introducin
g our
New
VICSES
Celebrating
Values
AAMI
er
Handov
three years of BRIAN
RICKARD
Community
Interview with a VICSES pioneer
Maers EDITION 5:
• Introducing our new VICSES Values
and Volunteer Code of Conduct,
better reflecting the VICSES we
It’s been three years since the first edition of know today.
Community Matters officially launched in 2017 – how • VICSES receives a generous
donation of more than 2,000 pieces
time flies! Here’s a look back at our past editions of equipment as part of the AAMI
Equipment Handover.
and the events, operations, and achievements that
shaped VICSES and our communities.
WINTER 2018
EDITION 3
2017
EDITION 3: EDITION 4:
VICSESde
• Wear Orange • VICSES officially launches the new
Gui
StyleUpdate
MOU
FAQ
ete
compl
ed
er
u
Yo
SUMMER 2017 rq
u e s ti o n s a n s
w
Wednesday is WOW WHAT A DAY
Victoria flooded in orange to support our volunteers
corporate style guide, including a
officially launched refreshed colour palette, graphic
on the steps of Parliament House elements, and greater focus on the
EDITION 1
in Melbourne. volunteer experience.
• VICSES launch our Operational • Volunteers from South Barwon and
Capability Strategy for 2017-2022, Corio Units join together to represent
outlining a holistic approach to our VICSES in the Australasian Rescue
operational service delivery. Challenge, held in Lardner Park in
AUTUMN 2018
East Region.
HELPING OUR Carina
Heppell
COMMUNITIES returns
from her
research
NSW
tour
40
YEARS OF
EDITION 2
SERVIC
A message from the Minister E
Fa
we e
re
ll Tr hit
for Emergency Services e vo r W
2018
SEEING ia
Australours
Day hon
ORANGE
VICSES
for
eers
volunt
INTER
NATIO
WOM NAL
EN’S
VICSES celebrates diversity at Midsumma Pride March DAY
EDITION 1: EDITION 2:
pe
S
cia
l fe a t ure
VICSES Launches new Strategic Plan
• VICSES says farewell to Trevor White • VICSES members Michael Hellwege,
as Chief Officer Operations after Dianne Dale and Ron Fitch honoured as
40 years of service. part of the 2018 Australia Day Honours.
• Members from Ballarat Unit travel • Previous Minister for Emergency Services
to Hobart, Tasmania in November James Merlino visits Narre Warren
to participate in the 2017 National Unit to sign a new Memorandum of
Disaster Rescue Challenge. Understanding (MOU) between the
Victorian Government, VICSES and the
Municipal Association of Victoria.
04
2019
EDITION 6: WINTER 2019
• WebEx Teams launched for all
members, transforming the way we EDITION 7
communicate as an organisation.
• Extreme overland flooding in North
East Region traps vehicles on the
Hume Highway, with approximately Hub Refresh
Changes to My Region
and Homepage
120 people needing to be rescued
from floodwater.
Driver Reviver
Easter launch
WOW!
Melbourne CBD comes alive for
Wear Orange Wednesday ‘19
EDITION 9: EDITION 8: SPRING 2019 EDITION 7:
• VICSES launches our first ever Your • A rare EF-2 • South West Region celebrates the lives
EDITION 8
family, our family campaign, aimed tornado event hits of Port Campbell Unit members Ross
at highlighting the incredible people Axedale in North and Andrew Powell, after their passing
that love and support our amazing West Region, with 5 Q’s
with Amit
Chaudhary
during a life-saving rescue attempt.
volunteers throughout the year. gusts in excess of A BORN LEADER
Interview with Leanne Klammer
• VICSES competes in the Victorian
200km per hour. AFL Emergency Services Match
• VICSES celebrates Police and Emergency Service Games,
17 years with • In July, VICSES joined our emergency winning 42 gold, 39 silver and 12
our Principal service colleagues to take part in the bronze medals.
Community inaugural AFL Emergency Services
Partner AAMI. Match.
2020
EDITION 11:
AUTUMN 2020 • COVID-19 restrictions come into
effect across Victoria, with VICSES
enacting the COVID-19 Pandemic
EDITION 10
Plan to ensure our members safety
and continued ability to support our
communities.
• VICSES Mallacoota Unit volunteers are
flown out to Melbourne for the AFL
L
Bushfire Appeal State of Origin, to say
10
IA
C
SPE
TH
thank-you for their hard work during
N
IO
IT
ED
the fire season.
Task Force Alpha – Cann River deployment
The bushfires in photographs: Your photos from the field
EDITION 10: EDITION 12:
• A special 10th edition of Community • Wyndham West Unit commences
Matters, highlighting the devastating official operations in Melbourne’s
Victorian bushfires and the hard west as VICSES’ 150th unit, to better
work and dedication of many of our support their local community.
members who were deployed to
• VICSES demonstrates how we've
support fire events.
responded to the challenges faced
• VICSES also responded to storm and as we adapt to a new COVID-19
flood events throughout the summer, compliant state, continuing to stand
with 10,436 calls for assistance in by and support communities across
An eerily orange Orbost, photographed
January and February alone. Victoria.
by Sunbury Unit volunteer Nicole Dale.
05
GENERAL North West
42
NEWS Mid West
North West
North East
Declared
operations
VICSES
Mid West
North East East
South West
Year at a glance
East
South West
Central Local: RAIR response
2019-20
Local: General response
Regional Office
Central Regional Office
Local: RAIR response
State Logistics Centre
Local: General response
Regional OfficeVictorian Head Office
Regional Office
State Logistics Centre
Victorian Head Office
By Gabi Barkmeyer,
Corporate Communications Officer, VHO
The 2019-20 financial year has proven
to be one of the most challenging
12 months that we’ve faced as an
149 103 14
organisation, recording our second
busiest year on record.
F
Units* Road crash permanently
rom flood and storm response (*150th unit launched July 1 2020) rescue accredited units staffed offices
and the devastating summer
fire season, to supporting OUR PEOPLE
the response during COVID-19 and
5,147 223
everything else in between, our members
have continued to deliver world-class Volunteers Staff
services to keep our communities safe.
Here’s a glance at some of the facts,
figures, and events that have contributed
33% 66.9% 0.1% 43% 57%
Female Male Non-binary Female Male
to our journey during these 12 months,
highlighting the incredible dedication
and contributions of our volunteers and Volunteer leadership Staff leadership
staff throughout Victoria. (Unit Controllers, Deputy Controllers) (VPS6 and Executive)
28.1% 71.5% 0.4% 42% 58%
Female Male Non-binary Female Male
THE 2019-20 FINANCIAL YEAR
382,141
Volunteer hours
33,742
Requests for assistance
80%
of all RFAs relate
to flood and storm
Flood Storm Road Crash Assisting Community Tsunami, Rescue
Rescue agency engagement landslide or (other)
earthquake
11,501 150,748 12,162 150,980 51,391 3,226
Hours Hours Hours Hours across Hours 97 Hours across
2,139 24,926 1,261 3,543 714
Requests for
assistance
Incidents Incidents Incidents Incidents Events
06
OPERATIONS NOVEMBER 2019 – MARCH 2020
OF SIGNIFICANCE
8–9 AUGUST 2019
August storm events
In August Victoria was lashed with severe
storms, beginning with the 'Bass Strait Low'
storm event from 8-9 August, which saw
strong winds and an intense low-pressure
system affect parts of the state. Peak wind
gusts reached 110km/h, resulting in over 850
requests for assistance. VICSES members also
responded to a complex road crash rescue
as a result of a large tree that had fallen on
a vehicle travelling through the Black Spur Summer season 8-10 JUNE 2020
(Maroondah Highway). On 27 August,
damaging winds hit Melbourne’s outer November saw the onset of a
Eastern suburbs resulting in three fatalities, devastating fire season for Victoria,
water and power consequences, and over especially impacting East Gippsland
3,400 requests for assistance. and in the North East Region. On
21 November, the combination of a
state-wide total fire ban and storms
saw 150 new fires start, as well as
19 JANUARY 2020
2,042 requests for assistance for
VICSES for storm damage, including
fallen trees and building damage. As
the fires significantly increased in size
over December and January, a State of
Disaster was declared. 124 VICSES units
supported the fire response across a
huge variety of roles, including logistics
capability, staging area and base camp
management, Incident Management
Team roles at control centres, road crash Photo: Christopher Hopkins, The Age
rescue assistance for deployed units,
reloading aircraft and much more.
Mount Disappointment search
On 8 June 2020, VICSES crews were
tasked by Victoria Police to assist with the
Hail storm event search of a missing 14-year-old male with
autism in the Mount Disappointment area.
Severe and dangerous thunderstorms brought heavy rainfall, resulting in flash flooding The search effort ran for nearly three days,
and golf ball sized hail that had a significant impact across metropolitan Melbourne. with approximately 160 volunteers and
VICSES Malvern Unit received in excess of 1,000 requests for assistance, and VICSES staff from VICSES Central and North East
Manningham Unit over 470. An Incident Control Centre was established with VICSES, Regions assisting with the search. On 10
Country Fire Authority and Metropolitan Fire Brigade (now Fire Rescue Victoria), June, William was found safe and well by
contributing to incident management team positions. Crews from Mid West and South a community members and reunited with
West Regions also deployed to assist Central Region units. his family. n
07
GENERAL R
hys served as State Director
of VICSES from May 1987 to
August 2005, and played
NEWS an instrumental role in the organisation’s
history.
Positioned as the State Director,
the equivalent of our current Chief
Executive Officer and Chief Officer
Operations roles, Rhys served under
six different Ministers for Police and
Emergency Services: The Honourable
Mal Sandon, Pat McNamara, Bill
McGrath, Andre Haermeyer, Tim
Holding and Bob Cameron.
While VICSES is an emergency service,
really we are a people organisation
dedicated to helping members of the
community in their time of need. Often
our members face situations that are
distressing or confronting to their own
mental health and wellbeing.
Rhys always had our people at the front
of his mind. Symbolic of this, in the late
1980’s Rhys oversaw the establishment
of the VICSES Peer Support program
to foster meaningful connections with,
and help our members cope with the
Remembering
work they were doing. This program
continues to provide support to our
volunteers today.
Having seen the success of that
Rhys Maggs AM
program and to ensure members also
had access to pastoral care support,
Rhys sought out and found a couple
who had recently retired from the
Salvation Army, Major’s, Walter and Jean
Smart who commenced service with
On behalf of the volunteers, staff,
VICSES in 1993. Rhys, Wally and Jean
enjoyed a very close relationship over
their years of service.
management and the Board Throughout his service with VICSES,
Rhys consistently advocated to
of VICSES, we recognise and government for VICSES to have
standing as an outright emergency
celebrate the life and service
service, rather than just a business unit
within the Department of Justice.
of Rhys Maggs AM. One of the significant recognition
steps was when changes were
made to the Road Safety Act, which
allowed VICSES vehicles to respond
under lights and sirens. In 1992 this
progressed to authorising red and blue
Tim Wiebusch, Chief Officer Operations, VHO flashing lights to be used on VICSES
vehicles. But, more significantly, Rhys
advocated for VICSES to become a
Statutory Authority, which was achieved
in 2005 and at this point, Rhys retired
from the service.
08
Rhys understood the funding challenges faced Rhys led the formation of the Australian National and take up the first Volunteer Support Officer
by VICSES, and considered alternate funding Road Accident Rescue Association (ANRARA) role in the organisation – a role that he was
mechanisms. His vision was realized with in 1996, and was fundamental in broadening personally passionate about establishing. I still
the start of VICSES offering an emergency the focus to be renamed the Australasian Road remember him saying, "This will just be the start
management consultancy service to large Rescue Organisation (ARRO) in 2003. of a long career for you at VICSES,"… and he
corporates such as the Australian Grand Prix was right. Rhys would walk the hallways at VHO
Corporation. Later he secured significant In 1999 he was elected as Vice Chair of the checking in with all of us, always with a smile on
sponsorship with RACV Insurance, which set World Rescue Organisation (WRO). Rhys later his face. When he was focused on an outcome
the bar for sponsorship rights and joint badging had ARRO accepted into membership of the he commanded accountability, but was always a
on uniforms and vehicles. This has set the WRO, and sought sponsorship to enable our very caring and compassionate man.
foundation for continued sponsorship with our first VICSES volunteer rescue team to compete
current Principle Community Partner AAMI. overseas in the World Extrication Challenge. In Rhys' unwavering passion for the welfare
2002 the World Rescue Challenge was held in of our members saw him foster many deep
Prior to 1987, VICSES volunteers were using the City of Prague at which Rhys was elected as relationships, which is clearly evident by the
second or third hand vehicles that were over Chair of the WRO for two years. many past and present members of VICSES that
20 years old and potentially dangerous. Rhys led attended the online funeral service to honour
the reforms that saw every VICSES unit receive Under his leadership of ARRO, this saw VICSES Rhys' life and service.
a state-plated purpose designed vehicle for host the first Australasian Road Crash Rescue
responding to emergencies in the community. Challenge, involving international teams called I know from the numerous messages that I
The difference between the vehicle fleet of Rescue Down Under and later iRescue (Cutting have received from across our organisation
1987 and post 2005 is a significant legacy Edge) in 2010, where Rhys was still involved with and from across Australia, that Rhys epitomised
in itself. ARRO in his retirement. the essence of what it means to serve the
community and uphold the Values we have at
During his career Rhys led numerous large Alongside these revered roles and VICSES.
scale emergencies, including the record accomplishments, Rhys was also the inaugural
breaking floods in North East Region in 1993, Chair of the Australian Council of State To Rhys' family, Lilian, Robert and Caroline,
and the large storm events across South West Emergency Services (ACSES) when it was I extend my heartfelt condolences with you
Region in 1995. I’m told it was not unusual for established in 2002. The various Directors of and your extended family and friends. You can
Rhys to answer calls for emergency assistance SES agencies across each Australian state and be proud of how highly regarded Rhys was
from the public himself, which were taken at our territory recognised that a collaborative national within our organisation and across the broader
Victorian Head Office (VHO) up until 1995. In approach would be required if the value of their emergency management sector in Australia.
2002, Rhys led the VICSES response in support services to the community was to be maximised.
of Victoria Police for the widespread ‘White Rhys represented ACSES on the Australasian Fire
Powder’ outbreaks. and Emergency Services Council (AFAC) until
all SES agencies became members in their own
right. Rhys was also the representative of AFAC
Rhys Maggs AM, we
on the Commonwealth Productivity Commission
for several years.
Passionate about all-things volunteering, Rhys salute you for your
Rhys was a leader (often alongside his wife Lilian), would regularly empathy and skills to
travel across the state to ensure that volunteers
in promoting the received due recognition for the role they assisting our members
highest of standards play in their communities. In doing so he
oversaw the development of the VICSES Long when they were in
and practice in Road Service Medal within the national honours and need themselves, and
Crash Rescue, with a
awards, which now play a centre role in annual
recognition of volunteers across the service. the ability to clearly
focus on reducing the Rhys did not seek rewards, recognition or demonstrate to others
impact to community personal accolades for his tireless efforts. That
the goodness of a life
said, Rhys did receive many accolades during his
members trapped in service to community, including being awarded spent in service of
vehicles. ” the Centenary Medal in January 2001 for “service
to the community as Director of VICSES”. During others.”
Rhys’ legacy saw every Road Crash Rescue unit the Australia Day Honours in January 2004, Rhys
Your selfless dedication has left us with an
issued with vital hydraulic rescue equipment, was awarded the prestigious Member of the
enduring VICSES that provides ongoing support
rather than having to face exhaustive local Order of Australia for “service to emergency
to all our members and the Victorian community.
fundraising efforts to get by and purchase their management and to the community, particularly
own jaws of life. His leadership around Road through the VICSES.” Rest in peace, you will not be forgotten.
Crash Rescue put VICSES on the map as a leader I have very fond memories of Rhys. Having Tim Wiebusch
in its practice as the largest provider in Australia. been a volunteer for a decade or so, in 2003 VICSES Chief Officer Operations
he convinced me to leave a corporate career
09
GENERAL
NEWS
Chelsea Unit
take social
media by storm
By Jamie Devenish, Media and Communications Manager, VHO
Phil Wall is the designated Media Officer at
Chelsea Unit where he’s been a volunteer for
the past 17 years.
W
ith the demise of free One of our VICSES Values is we are part
local newspapers in the of our community, so we try to live by
area, the Chelsea Unit that,” Phil said.
have made the decision to utilise their
The growth then becomes self-serving
Stepping back
social media presence on Facebook as a
community page, rather than only sharing according to Phil, in the sense that the
more interaction and engagement you
in time…
VICSES information on floods, storms or
road crash rescues. The numbers speak have with an audience, the more it grows.
“In 2018 we had 250,000 hits, in 2019
B
for themselves, with their Facebook page
reaching an audience of over 1 million we hit 500,000, and then a million in
acchus Marsh Unit members carry ‘casualty’
people in 2020. 2020," said Phil.
Gavin Gamston out of Lerderderg Gorge
Phil’s advice for other social media on a DIY bush stretcher as part of a training
Popular posts have included the
administrators is: techniques weekend back in 1983.
unique case of Spoonville with VICSES
designed spoons to keep an eye over • Be timely and regular with posts – The weekend saw 100 VICSES members from
things, a VICSES response to release share content while it’s still relevant. Bacchus Marsh, Gisborne, Craigieburn and Werribee
ducklings from a storm water drain (see Units, as well as members from the Ballarat Regional
• Avoid jargon or any emergency
more on page 14), and most recently Headquarters, come together to undertake a series of
response language – we’re part of
an emergency services showcase for a theory and practical sessions, including principles of
our community, so we need to talk
young boy going through a tough time. search operations, equipment, the construction of a
like them.
What’s consistent across these posts bush stretcher and much more. n
are good photos or videos to attract the • Visual aspects are so important -
browsing viewer, and regular content a great photo or video really makes
to build familiarity and and be active in a post.
people's newsfeeds.
“Not every single post is fully dedicated
For support with your unit’s social
media presence, you can check out the Share with us
to something VICSES is doing. But if it’s information on the Hub under Media
Do you have a photo that you’d like to share
interesting to our audience, this content and Communications > Digital
as part of our ‘Stepping back in time’ feature?
boosts our reach when we are recruiting Toolkits > Social media support,
Email your submission along with a caption to
volunteers, fundraising, or sharing or contact media@ses.vic.gov.au. n
publications@ses.vic.gov.au
important warnings with our community.
10End of an era
m for flood
Safety Progra
Community
1
as VICSES audits
last MEMP VICSESunity
Comm Program
Safetyod
By Jamie Devenish, Manager Media and VICTO
RIA STATE
STREET
EMERGENC
Y SERVICE
for flo
Communications, VHO
168 STURT K VICTORIA 3006
SOUTHBAN 9000
+61 3 9256
TELEPHONE +61 3 9256 9122
FACS IMILE
ses.v ic.gov.au
A:
AL MEDI
US ON SOCI
FOLLOW
After many years of supporting the emergency management VICSES
sector by auditing Municipal Emergency Management Plans Community Safety
(MEMPs), VICSES completed its final audit when the Hobsons Program for flood
Bay Council Plan was put under the microscope on Friday 27 By Kate White, Director Community
November 2020. Resilience and Communication, VHO
R V
ICSES is proud to launch our new
ecent changes sector with great benefit of Emergency Management publication, the VICSES Community
to Emergency for almost 25 years. The (MROEM), Andrew Gill. Safety Program for flood.
Management new arrangements will
Legislation favours a new enable VICSES staff to “As our team can recall, This publication details how VICSES works with
approach to assuring provide better support to we started audits in the communities and partners to achieve more
the quality of municipal its volunteers, as well as late 90s, and then it really aware, informed and prepared communities;
based emergency focus planning efforts on stepped up in 2002 with supporting them to understand their flood risk
management plans. The VICSES control hazards Audit Assessment Tool and the relevance of taking action before, during
new arrangements support such as Municipal Flood being developed. The and after emergency events.
a self-assurance checklist Emergency Plans (MFEPs). panel audits alongside
our Victoria Police and The publication expands on our community
from the municipality, with resilience agenda in a flood context for what
assurance provided by “It’s the end of an era, the Department of Health
but we are looking and Human Services has been achieved to date and arrangements
the Regional Emergency currently in place, and will be provided to
Management Planning forward to the approach counterparts has been
of MEMP’s being the in place since 2010, the Minster as part of the VICSES Spring and
Committee (REMPC) rather Summer Preparedness Assurance.
than VICSES led audits on a shared responsibility of all which has really driven
rolling three-year basis. stakeholders, and to be significant accountability Further considerations are now underway
able to focus on VICSES’ improvements and better to understand how to best to circulate this
VICSES' long-standing hazards and priorities planning from Municipal information to volunteers and staff as a key tool to
role as the lead auditor within the community. Emergency Management gaining an increased awareness of the end-to-end
function in supporting VICSES should be very Committees. We leave approach for our flood engagement program.
municipalities and agencies proud of its history in this a fantastic legacy as we
in emergency management space, having continually embrace the move to an I’d like to thank everyone involved in the
planning under the improved the process as assurance model which will development of of this highly valuable resource.
Emergency Management things have changed over continue to drive effective
Act 1986, has provided the the years,” said VICSES municipal planning,” You can view the program on the VICSES
Manager Regional Officer said Andrew. n website under Who we are > Publications. n
New VICSES
S
pearheaded by the Media Victoria’s east. Hear how they
and Communications contributed as VICSES members
Orange Podcast team, the podcast gives during the recent summer fire
an opportunity to listen to the tales season, and how their small towns
VICSES Orange By Kathleen Jessop, Media Officer, of our members as they share their respectively coped during the
Podcast VHO insights and experiences with bushfire crisis.
VICSES. ‘Episode one: Orange
The VICSES Orange Podcast is a pilot project skies, orange uniforms’, features You can listen to the latest episodes
on www.podbean.com and via
highlighting the incredible work of VICESES members John Reed and Sara
Spotify by searching ‘VICSES’. n
Matthews, who hail from VICSES
volunteers across Victoria. Bendoc and Cann River Units in
11CAMPAIGNS
& EVENTS
15 to Float 2020
By Gabi Barkmeyer, Corporate Communications Officer, VHO
On 24 September, VICSES joined the Bureau
of Meteorology (BOM) at the Melbourne Sports
and Aquatic Centre (MSAC) to talk about the
rainfall outlook for spring, and to drive home
our 15 to Float campaign.
T
aking advantage of the closed swimming
facilities due to COVID-19, the water in the
MSAC Olympic-sized swimming pool was
filled to 15cm – the height of an average pen, or just
the amount water that it can take to float a car. VICSES
Chief Officer Operations Tim Wiebusch was joined
by volunteers from Port Phillip Unit and BOM Climate
Scientist Andrew Watkins to speak to the media on
the above average rainfall and dangers of driving 2021 Victoria Police
through floodwater.
With La Niña officially declared by BOM in September,
and Emergency
the predicted heavy rainfall and increased chance Services Games
of flooding across Victoria meant that our 15 to Float
messaging is more important than ever. n
By Gerry Sheridan, Operations Officer –
Capability Improvement, VHO
The Victoria Police and Emergency Services Games
Download are back for 2021, scheduled for 17-21 March 2021
You can download the 15 to Float digital toolkit in Geelong. This event will be a particularly special
and more spring/summer storm and flood
occasion, celebrating the games 40th anniversary
preparedness collateral on the Hub, under
My State > Media and Communications > since its beginnings in 1981.
Digital toolkits.
12Your family,
our family
By Gabi Barkmeyer, Corporate
Communications Officer, VHO
On the weekend of 14-15 November, VICSES hosted our second annual
Your family, our family campaign to say thank you to the friends and
family that support our volunteers to do what they do, every day.
B
ehind every brave and hard-working At a state-level, we shared the stories of some of
volunteer is a support network of our amazing volunteers and the people in their
people that help them achieve lives that support them across our social media
amazing things in their community. In 2020, our platforms and our VICSES website. This included
members’ friends and family have stood by our stories from Broadmeadows Unit volunteer
volunteers through a busy bushfire season, major Shane Taylor, Bendoc Unit Controller John
storm systems, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Reed, Gisborne Unit volunteer Ross Evans, Cann
Because of them, our volunteers can respond River volunteer Sara Matthews, Heywood Unit
to emergencies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, volunteer Rebecca Siddall, Hepburn Shire Unit
365 days a year. Deputy Controller Emily Pullen, and Tallangatta
Unit Deputy Controller Zachary West.
This year looked a little different due to
COVID-19, but our units were still encouraged We also shared some fantastic videos of our
to get involved through a range of activities, VICSES volunteer members and their families,
such as hosting a barbecue, picnic, or other featuring members from the Katris, White and
outdoor gathering in line with current COVID-19 Connell families.
restrictions, putting together a ‘thank-you’
goodie bag or card for unit family members, You can view all of our featured stories and
sending an online message of thanks to a videos on our VICSES website under Media >
volunteer family member, friend or employer, Campaigns > Your Family, our family.
promoting the campaign on unit social media
pages, and engaging with local media.
Thank you to everyone that
supported this fantastic
Y
MAN KS
W
campaign for another year.
ith the COVID-19 pandemic THAN And to all the people that
forcing the cancellation support our volunteers
of the 2020 games, the every day – we couldn’t do it
federation look forward to seeing all agencies without you. Thank YOU! n
come together to provide an opportunity
for members to focus on their physical and
More
mental health after what has been a very
challenging year.
The City of Greater Geelong is excited to information
welcome the games in 2021 to utilise the More information will be available
regions many high-quality sport and recreation via the Victoria Police and
venues, which is sure to make the experience Emergency Services Games website,
even more memorable for all involved including when registrations open:
participants. VICSES encourage all of our www.emergencyservicesgames.
members to get involved and experience the org.au
comradery of this fantastic event. n
13A quacking
good
rescue
CENTRAL By Phil Wall, Chelsea Unit Deputy Controller, Central Region
To say that every day is an adventure with VICSES is an
understatement – we never know what we'll be called
to when the pager goes off.
1 July – 30 September
J ust after 1:30pm on Sunday 18
October, VICSES Chelsea Unit
received a request for assistance from
a gentleman who had heard baby ducks in
The unique rescue was soon picked up by news
outlets, with Channel 7, 9 and 10 news programs,
the ABC, Daily Mail, MSN News and Crime
Watch Victoria running the story. Through these
distress in a large drain, located on the bike media channels the duckling rescue managed to
path between the Edithvale Golf Club and the reach approximately 11 million people, which is
Edithvale wetlands. Our crews quickly turned- an incredible result for everyone involved and a
out to respond to the unusual incident. great feel-good story for the community during
somewhat challenging times. n
1,980
Once we arrived, it became clear that seven
baby ducks had somehow become stuck in the
drain. Mum and dad were keeping a very close
eye on them, as well as our crews! We decided
on a plan of action to try to allow the ducklings
to literally walk out by removing a set of bars at
Volunteers the back of the drain and constructing a ramp
from some corflute, then patiently waiting to see
5,785
what would happen. Right on cue, the ducklings
seemed to understand what we were trying to
do and that we were there to help, and very
happily marched in a line, up the ramp, and out
of the drain. Once they were out, they quickly
Requests for assistance made their way to mum and dad, and were
reunited in a close-by pond.
74%
Tree down
Building
10% damage
3% % % 7 % Support
3 3
other
Rescue agencies
Other Flood
14Central Region
training team
making waves
By Jackson Bell, Operations Manager – Operational Improvement, VHO
“Similar to flooding, operating in
A joint initiative between the Central Region training team a small area at slow speed with
and surf park URBNSURF in Tullamarine led to a trial weekend a casualty moving down stream
is challenging. This environment
being run over the weekend of 17 - 18 October, focusing on gave our members the ability
to operate in that environment,
boating handling skills. refreshing those soft skills and
ensuring they thought about boat
G
handling and movement, as well
iven the associated similar to riverine or flash flooding to go somewhere. This creates a
as contingency,” said Operations
spring/summer environments where rescue boats fast current, which gave members
Manager Jackson Bell.
seasonal outlook and are limited in space or have to an opportunity to experience
the increased likelihood of above navigate around obstacles. casualty pick-ups and boat Overall the weekend was highly
average rainfall, Operations Officer handling in a safe and controlled successful, with rescue boat
Justin Navas and Operations The weekend was run entirely moving water environment. members expressing increased
Manager and rescue boat subject within COVIDSafe guidelines,
confidence in preparedness for the
matter lead Jackson Bell ‘floated’ with smaller group participation Members were instructed to take
coming season, as well as a strong
the training idea to URBNSURF, numbers and crews remaining their time and remain in control
desire to participate again. While
who were only too happy to within their unit crews. One of so they could realise the key
there are no guarantees on future
facilitate the request to hold the the positives of the smaller group learning objectives of floodwater
sessions being held at URBNSURF,
boating training at the surf park. numbers was that it enabled a rescue. VICSES crews learned
this innovation is an example of
greater level of crew engagement, how to approach a casualty in
partnering with local industries
The partnership was made possible and the ability to receive tailored water by simulating strong water
to provide our members with a
due to the surf park being closed coaching with boat handling and currents that would be present in
targeted and tailored training
during COVID-19. This presented casualty rescues. floodwaters. In addition to this,
environment, designed to test and
an opportunity for VICSES to members were presented with real
To generate a moving water build on existing skillsets. Further
approach URBNSURF to use its scenarios where they were able
environment, a series of 8-10 large conversations with URBNSURF are
wave pool, with the resumption of to practice different methods of
waves were programmed, with continuing to ensure an ongoing
core training in line with the Chief retrieving people out of the water
boating members idling in the relationship with the park to
Health Officer’s exemptions for under simulated floodwaters. The
shallows waiting for the wave cycle explore future opportunities. n
training. The venue was ideal due softer skills were the focus, rather
to its small operating area, which is to finish. Once the wave cycle than speed.
finishes, the volume of water needs
15WebExing
around
Gippsland
By Jen Harnden,
EAST
Operations Officer, East Region
WebEx has been an important platform for all East
Region members during COVID-19.
D
uring 2019, the East Region training unit, so they weren’t struggling to find topics to
team rolled out WebEx training to deliver online. Some units even used apps like
all units across the region upon its Kahoot or phone devices to run quiz and trivia
1 July – 30 September official release within VICSES. Luckily, our units nights to keep connected. Everyone has done
had some basic use of WebEx prior to COVID-19 an amazing job, and continue to impress us with
restrictions setting in. It's been a challenging out-of-the-box training ideas.
time for all members to adapt to the new normal
of maintaining skills, communicating, and As restrictions ease, so will our WebEx training
sessions. However, as we see the future of
Mid West meetings and briefings using this
attending
training heading towards a more blended
platform, facing some technical challenges and
Volunteers: 392
connectivity limitations along the way. approach, we will continue to utilise WebEx
1 July – 30 September and other online platforms to maintain skills, to
675
The East Region training team needed to change ensure all members are up-to-date with the latest
Request for assistance: 231
the way in which we assisted our units in a virtual training and technologies. n
Tree down:
world. 129 56%
We facilitated the standard online training
ber Building damage: 24the
courses available through 10%Training Portal,
nce: 772 which gave members an opportunity to engage
Support other agencies: 39
% Volunteers during the sessions. This made online training
17%more enjoyable and interactive, whilst building
772
1 7% Flood: 10 across
capability 4% the region and complying
ncies: 73 with the required skills for members. We also
Rescue: 20 9%
developed many presentations to deliver skills
Other: 9 4% opportunities to our members,
maintenance
which allowed units to still be engaged in
Requests for assistance VICSES activities.
Our team has delivered and facilitated over
40 sessions during the COVID-19 pandemic
so far, which has seen over 650 members
participating throughout these sessions since
Building
July. Topics covered include aviation, road crash
East Region units
7% damage
71%
rescue case studies, First Aid, Crew Leader role
Support
engaging with
other information, flood boat operations, OIMS, and
Tree down 9% agencies Unit Management Team and Unit Duty Officer
7% Rescue
training. We also ran three Incident Control Point
sessions on storm, flood and landslide, with
social media
3%
3% interactive scenarios at the end. training
With training sessions available to members By Jane Fontana, Community
Other Flood via Webex or the Hub, this provided training Resilience Coordinator, East Region
officers with access to resources to utilise at their
16Gippsland Units
taking on Crew
Member Supervised
training
By Jen Harnden, Operations Officer, East Region
As COVID-19 restrictions ease across Victoria, over
75% of our units can now undertake the new Crew
Member Supervised (CMS) training for new and
existing members.
E
ast Region has over 70 new and members and maximises training capacity
probationary members either within units and regions, capitalising on
starting the online training, the efficiencies of the Training Portal. The
or undergoing the face-to-face training content incorporates each of the VICSES
component as part of the new CMS program. control areas and is structured around the
Some of these members have been on steps in the systems approach.
waiting lists or waiting for in-person training
to commence since March due to COVID-19. Unit Management Teams and Unit Training
Units can now recruit and train, which enables Officers have adapted to the new program,
them to build capability across the region. and are finding it relatively easy to train new
recruits and have them out responding on the
The General Rescue and Fundamental Skills trucks. The CMS program takes a new recruit
training programs have been redeveloped, approximately 9 hours to complete.
and will now be delivered under the new
name: Crew Member Training Program. For more information on the Crew Member
This renaming aligns with the redefined Training Program, speak with your Unit
Crew Member roles within the VICSES Training Officer or regional training team.
role and training pathways. Crew Member Resources can also be found on the Hub and
role development integrates flexibility for via the Training Portal. n
W
ith the huge demand and reliance on The session was well received with some really good discussions generated as a result,
social media nowadays for information as well as a range of follow up suggestions including:
and connections, East Region have
• The need for more social media training • Scheduling regional sessions on
recently delivered some social media basics training to units
in different contexts, including face- community engagement awareness
who want to get the most out of their unit Facebook pages.
to-face, one day workshops, WebEx, for units.
The 1.5 hour WebEx session was delivered by East Region unit or cluster based sessions, or a
Community Resilience Coordinators Merryn Henderson combination through blended delivery. The East Region team will continue to work
and Jane Fontana, assisted by Gabi Barkmeyer from the • Social media ‘quick help’ resources, with the state Media and Communications
state Media and Communications team, and Jen Harnden including short videos on key features team on the outcomes above, as well as
from the East Region training team. on Facebook. further developing the support and training
• Media Liaison training being available to units in this space.
Content covered during the training included a look at conducted by the state Media and
social media use in Australia today, important considerations Please feel free to contact either Jane
Communications team over WebEx.
to think about before posting photos and videos, VICSES or Merryn for more information at
• Additional digital templates for
social media related doctrine and resources, and a look at a commengeast@ses.vic.gov.au. n
volunteers to quickly and easily
few tips and tricks to maximise the reach of page content. populate local content.
17MID
Bacchus Marsh
WEST Unit bike riding
group biking
around the world
By Jane Patton, Community Resilience
1 July – 30 September Coordinator, Mid West Region
T
his time 12 months ago, the VICSES The Bacchus Marsh Unit bike riding group have
Bacchus Marsh Unit bike riding previously travelled to New Zealand, and only
group visited Cambodia for the twelve months ago went to Cambodia. While
adventure of a life time. exploring Cambodia the group came across
many new landscapes and experiences, such
92 A regular Sunday morning down at the Bacchus as rice fields, river crossings, dirt and rocky
392
Marsh Unit local headquarters involves the riding
ptember group’s eight members joking around with each
roads, local cuisine delights, and extreme
heat conditions. Each member of the group
ssistance: 231 other and discussing plans for the day’s bike ride can recall the welcoming reception of the
29 56% ahead, concluding with a well-earned cuppa local people when they rode through the rural
that waits for them across the road at the local
age: 24 10% café. This tradition has been ongoing since the
and quite remote areas of the country. The
appreciation and affectious smiles from the
Volunteers
r agencies: 39 mid 1990’s, but the group could have never children when they received small gifts from the
dreamed that their casual Sunday morning bike
231
group and learning about Paddy the Platypus
ride could eventuate into memorable overseas will remain a rewarding experience for all of the
bike riding holidays together. members involved. The question now is: where
%
to next? n
T
Requests for assistance
‘Get Ready’: Ballarat hese questions were
put to the test in
flood training exercise October in Ballarat,
with a 50 ARI flood training
10%
Building
damage
during COVID-19 exercise held within COVID-19
guidelines by Ballarat Unit
56%
Tree down Support
other
By Liv Lorkin, Ballarat Unit Deputy Controller -
Community Engagement, Mid West Region
Deputy Controller – Training
Cameron Maher, and the Unit
Management Team.
17% agencies
119 46%
mage: 48
What does a 50-year flood look The night began with a 5 ARI
flood event and predictions
er agencies:
4% 4% 9% Rescue
like with a COVID-19 lens, and the of heavier rainfall for across
the region. Command and
0% Other Flood impacts on crews and Incident control of the incident was
8% quickly established by Craig
Control Centres?
18Sand Striker
how long it would take to fill a
sandbag using the traditional
method.
training A practical session was
undertaken and timed
Amanda Larcombe, Community Engagement – before the Sand Striker was
Warracknabeal Unit, Mid West Region introduced. In every instance
kneeling of members ceased,
VICSES Warracknabeal Unit was the first to distancing of 1.5 metres was
maintained, and bag fill-time
trial the ‘Sand Striker’ - a prototype sandbag
aid designed to reduce manual handling
reduced.
Innovation
and maintain COVID-19 physical distancing
Because of the reduced manual
handling and minimal training,
sensation!
any civilian who can manage a By Lauren Hawkins, Volunteer
requirements. shovel can safely fill sandbags Support Officer, Mid West Region
T
using the Sand Striker. The
heaviest lifting is transporting he VICSES Horsham Unit
the filled bags, which are of have recently had installed
a consistent size and weight, an LED electronic sign
and approximately two-thirds at their unit headquarters. This sign
full due to the length of tubing is designed to be used to keep the
used. A variety of sands were community informed before, during
also tested, including wet, dry, and after emergencies, and also for
fine and coarse. recruitment. The LED sign was funded
by the Emergency Services Volunteer
The Sand Striker is easy enough Sustainability (ESVS) Grants Program
to make at home or at a unit, from 2018-19.
and light enough for one or two
persons to lift and transport. The new addition can be operated as
It's also ideal for a trailer with a either a standalone one page message
board, or be used as a scrolling
T
load of sand and a crew of two
rish Wilde, towns. But in these typically or more persons, who can then slideshow. The sign provides major
Warracknabeal dry rural locations, many had turn out 25 sandbags in around benefits for Horsham Unit, being in a
Unit volunteer and not had any experience of 20 minutes. prime location on the main highway in
casual trainer, delivered spring sandbagging. town. The sign arrived just in time for
If you would like more the unit to be able to promote spring/
awareness flood training to Mid
After the delivery of theory information on the Sand summer awareness for the potential
West Wimmera units, including
training including situational Striker for your unit and local flood and storm season. This is a great
a sandbagging practical
awareness, community community, contact the benefit to the local community, which
refresher. Some volunteers
engagement, manual handling Mid West training team at experiences significant flooding from
recalled events and response
safety and local intelligence, midwesttraining@ses.vic. storms and the Wimmera River. n
for the 2011 flood event, which
the question was posed on gov.au.
severely impacted Wimmera
West, designated Incident Controller, who then Back at the ICP, the operations teams worked
briefed incoming crews as they arrived with quickly to triage the outstanding tickets and
what to expect and their initial tasks. those that were coming in from the community.
As the night progressed, a heavy rain band
Taking a technology first approach, the unit had came through the south of Ballarat, causing
already strategically placed posters with QR the creeks in those suburbs to swell. At that
codes in areas that were predicted to see the point, the Intelligence team sent crews out
most flooding. Separate crews were dispatched for observations, which they determined had
out to job locations, where they scanned the QR reached a 1 in 10-year flood event. Further
codes with information to be relayed back to the sectioning of Ballarat was then needed to
Incident Command Point (ICP). This allowed the maintain control. The jobs increased, and
crews to take into consideration what they might Intelligence continued to monitor and compare This scenario provided the chance for the
need to know when responding to these areas, against the regions Municipal Flood Emergency unit to gain invaluable insight on the impact
the terrain, flood risks, potential community Plan to get a clear understanding of the impact of COVID-19 on the management of flood
impact, and how to respond while being that was being felt across Ballarat. On completion incidents and the region itself. Thank you to
COVIDSafe. of the allocated jobs, each crew returned to the everyone involved. n
unit and the night ended in success.
19MARTIN
FORBER
NORTH ESM:
EAST 40 Years of service
and a well-deserved
1 July – 30 September retirement
By Liz Frazer, Community Resilience Coordinator, “I wouldn’t tell him this,
North East Region but dad is the reason I am a
t volunteer,” said Jason.
s: 702 Exactly 40 years and one day since joining “He raised me to believe it’s
0 September VICSES, Martin Forber ESM was farewelled not enough just to show up
or assistance: 327
702
from North East Region Head Office via a and get by. You have to put
n: 209 64% your hand up and contribute,
unique COVIDSafe presentation of honours help out the Unit Management
damage: 4 1%
ther agencies: 52 and well wishes on WebEx. Team, and make sure VICSES
is held in a good light within
A
the community. You’ve
Volunteers dedicated the Paul Denyer murders in
got to stand up and really
% and respected Frankston in the early 90s.
327
contribute something.”
9 15% Volunteer Support
Officer in North East Region Martin’s lengthy and varied
% service to VICSES and the
The North East Region family
since 2007, Martin’s VICSES wishes Martin and wife Leesa
journey began way back Victorian community is truly
all the very best in their next
in 1980 at Chelsea Unit, remarkable, and a testament to
chapter. May your retirement
Martin’s character, credibility,
Requests for assistance following with many years at
and passion for volunteering.
be filled with adventure,
Frankston Unit, before moving relaxation, and plenty of
to the North East. This passion has been passed
time playing with beautiful
on to his son Jason, who is
grandchildren. n
In 2014, Martin Forber was the current Yarrawonga Unit
Building
1
%
damage awarded the Emergency Controller.
Service Medal for
64%
Tree down 16
%
Support
other
agencies
distinguished service to
VICSES and the Victorian
community. This included
project managing the VICSES
Frankston Unit build, working
2% 15% Rescue in the evacuation centre on
2%
Ash Wednesday, deployment
to Wangaratta during the
Other Flood
1993 floods, and coordinating
crime scene protection during
20Mule’s first day out
By Dan Walton, VICSES Wangaratta Unit, North East Region
On the 9th of October, the VICSES Wangaratta Unit were called to assist
Ambulance Victoria with transporting a member of the local community,
who had fractured her ankle while walking with friends on one of the
many popular trails in the Warby Ovens National Park.
T
his was the maiden training sessions that the unit applying COVIDSafe
voyage for the had undertaken had paid off. directions to keep everybody
unit’s ‘mule’, involved safe.
which was acquired through Four Ambulance Victoria
an earlier AAMI Equipment paramedics and five On the way to the ambulance,
Handover Program. The mule Wangaratta Unit members the patient was obviously
aids in helping to avoid difficult worked to stabilise the enjoying the ride (and pain
casualty handling, improve patient’s condition prior to relief), repeatedly telling us
manoeuvrability, and during moving, and successfully how beautiful the clouds were
events where members are navigated the walking track above the tree canopy. We
asked to assist with accessing back to the ambulance. advised her that we were very
patients in the hilly country glad she was comfortable and
Everyone who responded enjoying what was otherwise
within our response area. conducted the operation
Using the mule for the first time a terrible situation, but we
professionally and respectfully, do not encourage repeat
at a request for assistance, it while also successfully
was great to see that all of the customers! n
North East Region tests Incident
Control Centre ‘split’ to get flood ready
By Sue Sheldrick, Community Resilience Coordinator, North East Region
North East Region has continued to prepare for possible flooding
during the declared La Niña by testing out the regions Incident Control
Centres (ICCs) whilst working under COVID-19 restrictions and physical
distancing guidelines.
B
uilding on exercises held with Hume and Planning, the Department of Health
Region emergency management and Human Services, Ambulance Victoria,
partners earlier this year, members Catchment Management Authorities, local
from North East Region, including a number councils and more.
of skilled volunteers on Incident Management
Team (IMT) development pathways, led an “La Niña is well and truly here and starting to
exercise to test the working environment at build with almost weekly rain events, bringing
an ICC during a flood event with COVID-19 minor and moderate flooding to some of COVID-19 restrictions on how many people can
restrictions in place. This included a ‘split’ ICC, our flood-prone areas,” explained Incident be involved, having enough space between
which saw personnel working at two locations Controller and North East Region Operations the ICC teams while working, having briefings,
in Benalla and Wangaratta on the same flood Manager, Brendan Corboy. eating meals and so on - all while wearing face
exercise, ensuring physical distancing and masks and hand sanitising,” said Brendan.
“This ‘split’ ICC exercise was a vital test for
limiting any potential exposure to COVID-19. what might soon be a real flood. We wanted Observations, lessons and recommendations
The teams included representatives from to make sure that we could not only effectively will be combined in a multiagency report to help
VICSES, Victoria Police, Country Fire Authority, manage the flood and help keep people safe ensure effective emergency management in
the Department of Environment, Land, Water during the emergency, but also work within the IMTs going forward. n
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