Brand new VICSES unit openings across the state - VICSES Emergency Service Medal recipients announced
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AUTUMN 2022
EDITION 18
Brand new VICSES unit
openings across the state
International Women's Day celebrations
VICSES Emergency Service
Midsumma
ESM
Medal recipients announced Pride March
2022
CONTENTS
Highlights from the autumn edition
What’s happening
across our regions:
10 CENTRAL Forty volunteers
assist in major outage
12 EAST
at nursing home.
Snakes, mud, and the
tide no barrier for VICSES
14 MID WEST
Orbost Unit rescue.
Amy Shark at AAMI Park pg. 09 Destructive storms and floods
16
hit Creswick and Ballarat.
NORTH EAST
18
VICSES family.
Meet the NORTH WEST
Assets team
20 SOUTH WEST
pg. 24 Volunteer profile: Stan Hendy.
Western VICSES volunteers
win Wannon Awards.
VICSES MindFit
podcast: Professor
Front Cover:
James Merlino MP AUTUMN 2022
Dan Lubman AM opens the new
VICSES Emerald Unit
EDITION 18
pg. 26
Brand new VIC
SES unit
Interested in contributing?
openings across
the state
International
Women's Day
celebrations
VICSES Emer
gency Service
Medal recipients
Submit your article here:
ESM
announced Midsumma
Pride March
2022
publications@ses.vic.gov.au
Authorised and published This magazine is printed on ecoStar 100% recycled,
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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.
March 2022. management system.
MESSAGE FROM THE MINISTER
FOR EMERGENCY SERVICES
Welcome to the first edition of
Community Matters for 2022.
Welcome
O
ne of the great disruptions during the summer
privileges of taking
on the emergency
holiday period.
Hello, and welcome to the first edition
services portfolio has been the This January alone, you of Community Matters for 2022.
opportunity to see first-hand responded to thousands of
the best of Victorians and the requests for assistance around We’ve had a busy start to the We have many amazing women
strength of our communities Victoria, including more than year on the back of a declared that are a part of VICSES, and we
during difficult times. a thousand trees down, as La Niña summer, seeing severe wouldn’t be the organisation that we
well as significant building and thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, and are today without their contributions.
It’s given me an even greater flood damage across some flooding affect communities across I am proud of our commitment to
appreciation of our frontline areas of the state. Australia, particularly those in working towards a more gender
workers, our emergency Queensland and our neighbours in diverse workforce, and championing
services workers and especially As always, you acted swiftly,
New South Wales. A huge thank you the importance of gender equality
our volunteers. keeping Victorians safe and
to our members who have answered across VICSES, the sector, and our
providing peace of mind
the call for help, and deployed communities. You can read more
Throughout the pandemic, this and assistance to individuals
interstate to support on the ground about how we celebrated the
has shone through. The past and communities at their
and across a range of Incident women of VICSES on page 9.
two years have certainly tested most vulnerable.
Management Team roles. There’s still
our resilience, our patience, In other exciting news, new unit
We’ve also seen many of you a huge job ahead, but as always, our
our ability to adapt, and our builds continue to progress
step up to support Ambulance members will be there to assist our
willingness to band together. throughout state. VICSES Essendon
Victoria with extra drivers during SES colleagues and communities
across the border. It's about creating Unit have moved into their newly
Whether it’s COVID-19, periods of high demand. This has
safer communities – together. renovated facility this month (March),
earthquakes, or the wild weather, helped to reduce the strain on
VICSES Northcote Unit will move
it feels as though a different, the health system, provide vital
In January, four of our members to Heidelberg in April, and VICSES
unforeseen challenge is thrown medical care and in many cases
were recognised for their incredible Chelsea and Broadmeadows
at us every week. Yet in every helped to saved lives.
contributions across the sector, Units will be completed later this
instance, it’s been remarkable to
That’s just a snapshot of what’s being awarded the prestigious year. VICSES Cobram, Port Fairy,
see that our VICSES volunteers
been going on. Emergency Services Medal. This Wonthaggi, and Corio Units are
have risen to that challenge.
award highlights their individual slated for the first half of 2023. I look
Indeed in many cases, our Across metropolitan Melbourne achievements in ensuring the safety forward to updating you all on these
volunteers have played an and the state, thousands of of our communities, as well as skills builds as they near completion.
essential role in helping Victoria volunteers continue to work in emergency management and
tirelessly and selflessly, and disaster resilience. Congratulations Last but not least, a special shout
weather the challenges wrought
often thanklessly. It’s why to you all. You can read more on out to our VICES Port Campbell
by a global pandemic.
we’re determined to give page 4-5. Unit, who were featured as part of
If we thought 2021 was Victoria’s emergency service the ABC’s Back Roads television
difficult, so far 2022 has not volunteers the resources and On 6 February, I was fortunate to program, which aired on Monday
let up either, with the start of equipment they need. join our members in participating as 7 February. The episode highlighted
the year proving a particularly part of this year’s Midsumma Pride the amazing contributions of the
busy period with storms and As your Minister and as a March. As a core organisational unit’s volunteers, both past and
unpredictable weather causing Victorian, I’m incredibly proud Value, at VICSES we work without present, and their skills particularly in
of all our volunteers. I’m grateful fear, favour, or prejudice. Events like steep and high angle rescue. If you
for everything you do, and this are so important to highlight and missed the episode, you can watch
I’ll continue to support you in show support for our LGBTIQA+ online via the ABC iView website.
every way I can. members, and the diversity of
the communities that we serve. It Thank you for your contributions in
Thank you, stay safe, and best creating another fantastic edition of
was fantastic to have such a great
of luck for the year ahead. Community Matters.
reception from the march spectators
The Hon. Jaclyn Symes on the day, in acknowledgement of Kind regards,
MP, Minister for our presence. You can read more
Emergency Services about our involvement on page 8. Stephen Griffin
CEO, Victoria State
Continuing on supporting diversity, Emergency Service
on 8 March we celebrated
International Women’s Day.
03
FEATURES Here’s a closer look at each
of our VICSES recipients:
VICSES Keith has been a senior leader at
VICSES for over three decades.
Emergency ESM
During his 32 years of service,
Keith has been a significant
leader and contributor to the
Service
development of our organisation,
performing key roles in
managing some of Australia’s
KEITH
Medal recipients O’BRIEN
largest emergencies.
announced
Perhaps his most important Keith’s passion for the
contribution was to lead the development of our staff and
change in how we respond to volunteers has been vital to our
floods at VICSES. Keith played a work as an agency during many
By David Murphy, Media Officer, VHO critical role in accrediting the first large-scale operational events,
flood behaviour specialists from a not only across the state, but
Congratulations to our four range of industries. Keith has also
provided senior representation
also during emergencies in other
parts of Australia.
VICSES Emergency Service on various projects, including the
Keith is a person of high integrity
Victorian Flood Zoom (VFZ). Keith’s
Medal (ESM) recipients, whose work on VFZ means we now have and an exceptional leader.
He is an asset to us, but also
a centralised flood intelligence
distinguished service was platform. This is a sea-change in to our partner agencies in
the emergency management
recognised as part of this year's the way we are now able to plan
for, assess, and respond to major sector. Keith's commitment to
constantly improve what VICSES
honours on 26 January. flooding events in Victoria, which
has likely saved lives. can offer the community, is to be
A
highly commended.
warded by the Governor-General, the ESM was
instituted in 1999 to recognise distinguished service
as a member of an Australian emergency service.
It also recognises people who are involved in emergency
management, training, or education.
To manage flood, storm, tsunami,
The VICSES award recipients for 2022 include VICSES North
East Regional Manager Keith O’Brien, VICSES Sunbury
earthquake and landslide events
Unit Controller Anthony White, VICSES Morwell Unit throughout Victoria, and to
provide the largest road crash
Controller Raelene Billingsley, and VICSES Chelsea Unit
Controller Ron Fitch.
Together, our four medal recipients have garnered over 100 rescue network in Australia, takes
years of experience in the emergency management and disaster exceptional leaders like Keith,
resilience sector. Our VICSES medal recipients have had long,
illustrious careers; to name just a few of their achievements: Raelene, Ron and Anthony.
• Worked in leadership roles during large-scale operations. We are grateful to them for their
• Developed and upskilled new and existing members. self-sacrifice and dedication, and
• Built constructive and lasting relationships with
the community. their reward of the ESM is very
• Undertook deployments throughout Australia. well-deserved.”
• Won new funding opportunities for their regions,
to modernise our approach to planning and
responding to major flooding events.
– VICSES Deputy Chief Officer,
Ray Jasper.
04
Raelene has been instrumental Raelene is highly regarded by her about a new facility in the heart
in our response to large-scale peers and VICSES management of Traralgon. This new facility and
emergencies in the Gippsland for her knowledge and her skills, prime location has enhanced
region, including flood events particularly in rescue techniques. response times to critical incidents,
from 1993 to 2016. as well as greatly improving the
Apart from being an exceptional profile of emergency service
Raelene is a natural leader and team leader, Raelene is a volunteers, resulting in a growth
has set a high standard across compassionate mentor to her in volunteer membership.
the volunteer leadership roles in peers and new recruits under her
RAELENE which she has performed. Over command. We commend her Raelene’s skills, knowledge,
25 years, this has included Deputy willingness to train both new and management style, passion,
BILLINGSLEY Controller, Officer of Probationary existing members at a regional and dedication to serve her
Members, Trainer and Assessor, and state level. community both as a responder
Raelene Billingsley has been an Road Crash Rescue Competition and a mentor to others,
exceptional volunteer leader in Team Leader, and she is presently Raelene’s passion and advocacy marks her out as a beacon to
Gippsland, and as the leader of heading up the VICSES Morwell for her unit was key to VICSES’ others within VICSES.
the VICSES Morwell Unit. Unit as the Controller. work with local government and
other stakeholders, to bringing
Ron first started as a VICSES For over a decade, Ron has led named as one of the Victorian
volunteer member in 1992, efforts to win funding for a new Premier’s Volunteer Champions
becoming Controller of the VICSES Local Headquarters at Chelsea. in 2018, the same year he was
Chelsea Unit two years later. The 2017 State Budget saw named Outstanding Citizen of the
Chelsea receive $2.8m to make Year by the City of Kingston.
Ron has been involved with almost this dream a reality, supplemented
every deployment within the by further funding in 2020. Everyone at VICSES Chelsea Unit is
state and throughout the country Ron was instrumental in this proud that Ron’s years of dedicated
over the last 20 years, including achievement, and in securing service to our community has been
the 2009 Victorian Bushfires, the future for his unit. recognised with this honour. He is
RON FITCH the Yallourn Power Station fire, the heart and soul of the VICSES
and most recently as a Divisional In 2017, Ron was made a Life Chelsea Unit. His commitment to
This year VICSES Chelsea Commander at Mildura, where he Member of VICSES, the highest his fellow unit volunteers, present
Unit Controller Ron Fitch was in post for many weeks. honour that can be bestowed and future, is the golden seam
will celebrate 30 years of on any volunteer. He has also that runs through his tapestry
commitment to VICSES. received the National Medal from of accomplishments.
the Federal Government, and was
Over 12 years, Anthony’s work at and support to his colleagues, as to the thriving community-
VICSES has meant that VICSES he has simultaneously provided based organisation it is today.
Sunbury Unit volunteers are ready operational support to Sunbury The unit has relationships with
to respond to emergencies any and the wider community. other emergency services and
time of the day or night. His tireless local community groups, and
efforts supporting his community Anthony’s commitment to his has increased its operational
and providing extensive out-of-area unit and to VICSES, has earned vehicle fleet. This has ensured
coverage has meant so much to the him the respect of his peers. VICSES Sunbury Unit is a robust
many Victorians, to whom he has His sacrifice and dedication of emergency service, capable
ANTHONY provided timely assistance. time has been above and beyond of providing round-the-clock
anyone’s expectations.
WHITE
emergency response.
In the many emergency events
where Anthony has played an Anthony has been the key leader It is because of Anthony’s
Anthony White is not only important leadership role, he and driver in transforming VICSES persistence and dedication,
a dedicated volunteer, but has exemplified leadership, Sunbury Unit from having a that VICSES Sunbury Unit is the
a leader for his own VICSES direction, emotional guidance, small volunteer membership, outstanding unit it is today. n
Sunbury Unit, as well as other
units across central Victoria.
05
GENERAL VICSES UNIT
NEWS
VICSES celebrates openings
of brand new unit facilities
across the state
By Dharni Giri, Senior Advisor – Media and Publicity, VHO On Friday 26 November, VICSES Wangaratta Country Fire Authority,
Wangaratta Unit was the first cab Fire Rescue Victoria, and Victoria
Late last year, VICSES was excited to off the rank, with their new unit
facility officially opened by The
Police. The precinct is designed
to accommodate multi-agency
finally host the official openings of three Hon. Jaclyn Symes MP, Minister
for Emergency Services.
operations, and act as a Divisional
Control Point during large-scale
new state-of-the-art unit facilities at The very special event marked the
emergency events.
Emerald, Knox, and Wangaratta. first opening of a new unit since
2014. The decision to rebuild
With four motor bays, Unit
Controller’s office, communications
T
VICSES Wangaratta Unit on a new room, training room, turnout
he new unit builds were Emergency Services Infrastructure
site was announced by the Premier area, and wellbeing space, the
welcomed as part of a Authority (ESIA).
back in April 2017. future-proofed facility reflects new
$125 million investment
Each facility is designed to better ways of working in the emergency
into facilities infrastructure for Built on land provided by the
support the service provided by management sector, with a focus
Victoria’s emergency services Rural City of Wangaratta, the new
our volunteers, and to enhance the on collaboration.
volunteers, made by the State facility forms part of an emergency
Government, and delivered by the safety of our local communities
service precinct, located alongside
well into the future.
06
Stepping
back in time
I
The VICSES Emerald Unit was next, with Last but certainly not least, on Monday 6
n 1983, a training day was
the new facility being opened by The Hon. December, VICSES Knox Unit celebrated
held for VICSES members in
James Merlino MP, Deputy Premier and State the official opening of their unit build, joined
the Ballarat Region, focusing
Member for Monbulk. by Jackson Taylor MP, State Member for
on rescue, operational control, and
Bayswater, who represented The Hon. Jaclyn
Completed in November 2021, the brand-new ropes confidence. The day including
Symes MP on the day.
build located on the main street in the heart of abseiling from 8 - 25 metre heights
Emerald is an advantage to the VICSES Emerald Operational since August 2021, key features beside Trentham Falls, and zipping
Unit catchment area, which includes large parts of the new facility include six motor bays, four down a flying fox as part of the rope’s
of the Dandenong Ranges, most affected by the vehicle storage bays, and training facilities for confidence course from a 7-metre-high
devastating storms in June 2021. new and continuing volunteers. The design also tree. Definitely a training exercise that
incorporates solar panels, water tanks, native wasn’t for the faint of heart!
This new facility is integral to the unit’s ongoing vegetation, and rain gardens to ensure the
service to the community. Over a ten-year sustainability of the site for generations to come.
period, the VICSES Emerald Unit has been the
busiest VICSES unit in the state, responding to With 49 active members, volunteers from the
approximately 15,000 calls for help in total. VICSES Knox Unit are among the busiest in
Victoria and have played a crucial role in keeping
VICSES Emerald Unit Controller Ben Owen the community safe, responding to 1,227
commented, "the event was really great. requests for assistance in the last financial year.
We had a big turnout with other agencies in
attendance, as well as members from other The new fit-for-purpose facility is co-located with
units. Catching up with past members and the Department of Environment, Land, Water
celebrating this purpose-built facility, was and Planning local headquarters and will enable
perhaps the best part of the day for me.” an expansion of local services, while supporting
the retention and recruitment of new volunteers.
“The new facility will also be able to act as It also doubles as a Divisional Control Point, to
an Incident Control Point in its own right, coordinate emergency response activities with
coordinating other local units without relying on other emergency services agencies.
other community facilities, as was necessary at
Share with us: Do you have a photo
the old unit,” continued Ben. Entering 2022, we’re excited to roll-out several
that you’d like to share as part of our
more planned unit openings, with dates to be
Similar to Wangaratta, the VICSES Emerald ‘Stepping back in time’ feature? Email
announced in the coming months.
Unit build also includes four motor bays, a your submission along with a caption to
Unit Controllers office, communications room, Thank you to everyone involved in supporting publications@ses.vic.gov.au n
turnout area, and wellbeing space. these new unit facilities, and most importantly,
a big congratulations to our volunteers on
their new digs. n
07
CAMPAIGNS & EVENTS
Supporting our
rainbow communities at Midsumma
Pride March
Midsumma Pride March
2022
By Gabi Barkmeyer, Corporate Communications Officer, VHO In addition to our own volunteers she said 'Mum, it's the one day of
and staff, this year we were also the year where I can truly be myself
On 6 February, VICSES was excited to be joined by family, friends, and
partners – all excited to join us in
in a safe place'", said David.
back at Midsumma Pride March for 2022. the festivities of celebrating our
rainbow communities.
Olivia was also joined by her
sister and friend, in allyship of the
V
LGBTIQ+ community. And David?
ICSES is a long- “I’ve been a member of the VICSES VICSES Deputy Chief Officer He's a proud ally too, of course.
time supporter and Moe Unit since late 2019. I’ve David Baker has been attending
participant of the Pride been to one Pride March with Midsumma Pride March since “If the public sees how supportive
March, as an event that reflects the Red Cross, but never before 2010. Last year, his daughter VICSES is, they will want to be part
the diversity within both the with VICSES. When there are Olivia joined him and helped of that. That inclusivity radiates
communities we serve, and our opportunities like Pride March, it’s lead our VICSES contingent in out from our organisation. When
own organisation. great to make new connections, the parade. When asked if she the public see how we look after
whether that’s in the pride space would like to join us again in 2022, our own, they will say – that’s
As a core Value at VICSES, we or our emergency services in the organisation of choice for
it was a no brainer.
work without fear, favour, or general,” said Jason. me,” says David.
prejudice. Events like Pride March "She loved attending her first Pride
are a fantastic opportunity to Inspired by our sectors March. When discussing with our Thank you to everyone that
demonstrate our commitment participation in Pride March, family about attending this year, attended this fantastic event.
to this Value and our people, Jason is even planning a pride We're already excited for 2023! n
alongside our Vision of Safer event regionally.
Communities – Together.
“I’ve made a connection with the
Each year our members turn Emergency Management Pride
out in their orange and rainbow Network, to help put on a pride
gear – some for the first time, or event for our local emergency
others attending year after year. services in Moe. I’ve also made
For VICSES Moe Unit volunteer connections with Latrobe City
and LGBTIQ+ member Jason Council, and to partner with local
Clough, this year was his first time events in Gippsland as well,”
marching with VICSES. continues Jason. Watch this space!
08
International
Women's Day
By Chloe Jeffers, Senior Advisor, Corporate Communications and Brand, VHO
Imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes,
and discrimination. A world that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive.
A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can
forge women's equality. #IWD2022
T
he International Women's Day equality in the emergency management sector.
(IWD) 2022 campaign theme is In 2020, VICSES commenced a Gender Equality
#BreakTheBias. In March 2022, Project including appointing Gender Equality
VICSES has focused on celebrating the Champions. The project commenced with the
strengths of the women in our service for IWD, auditing work to assess where we are at when
and throughout the whole month of March. At it comes to gender equality, and where we
VICSES, we have many amazing women who need to reach to comply with the sector wide
contribute significantly to our organisation and Victorian Gender Equality Act. Amy Shark at
their communities. The achievements of our
women have been portrayed through our social Today, and every day, we should take time to
stop and reflect on the enormous achievements
AAMI Park
media, on our website, and at events attended,
as we have told the stories of just some of the of women in the emergency services sector
By Jamie Devenish, Manager
women who are achieving great things. and the need to further promote and provide
Community Resilience
opportunities for all women to enrich our
and Communications, VHO
O
By bringing equality front of mind, we enable services to the community and VICSES.
conversations to be had where women are n Friday 11 February, five lucky
considered equal, capable and ready to lead, It was empowering and heartening to attend the
VICSES members were invited
or at least get involved without fear of prejudice. Emergency Services Foundation IWD event on
to an intimate Amy Shark concert
March 7, to see that there is a whole sector of
at AAMI Park, thanks to our Principal
As VICSES members, our code of conduct women and men who recognise there is more
Community Partner AAMI.
outlines how we embrace diversity and provide work to be done to #BreakTheBias. In reading
encouragement and support to one another. this, I challenge you to take one step towards The event was held to celebrate AAMI’s
We treat people as unique individuals and equality and consider your biases, conscious renewal of its partnership with AAMI Park.
will respect their cultures, beliefs, opinions, or unconscious, and call out behaviour that Our members were invited by AAMI, and
knowledge and experience. But we also need doesn’t align with our values. Don’t walk past were able to bring along a friend or family
to consciously push for equality. It is everyone’s bad behaviour. Support the women in your member to be a part of the exclusive live
responsibility to ensure our workplace at VICSES unit or directorate. Together, we can create event of just 1,000 people.
is free of these biases and that we call out these a better world.
behaviours if they occur. VICSES Monash Unit Crew Leader Meg
Collectively we can all Peach, along with her sister Britt, were
As our CEO Stephen Griffin, a Male Champion #BreakTheBias. #IWD2022 n invited to meet Amy Shark backstage, where
of Change, commented on IWD, VICSES is Amy was able to thank Meg for the hard
committed to taking a leadership role in gender work of our VICSES volunteers over the
recent incredibly busy operational period.
Meg has been a VICSES volunteer for the
past four years. As a team leader, Meg has
contributed massively to our organisation’s
emergency response over the past 12
months. This includes being deployed
to Traralgon during the June 2021 storm
and flood event, and running an Incident
Control Point during the significant
October 2021 storms.
A huge thank you to AAMI for having us at
this special event. Lucky we’re with AAMI! n
VICSES members celebrating women at the ESF IWD2022 event:
(L-R) Goldie Pergl (Broadmeadows Unit), Eli Poldi (Craigieburn Unit), Chloe Jeffers
(VICSES Media and Communications team), Emergency Management Commissioner 09
Andrew Crisp and Kate Turner (Broadmeadows Unit)
VICSES Knox Unit
volunteers perform
acute-angle rescue
CENTRAL
By David Murphy, Media Officer, VHO
In late January, VICSES Knox Unit volunteers were called
to a rescue located at The Basin, where a person had
become trapped in their vehicle after it had rolled over
a steep embankment at an acute angle, prompting a
multi-agency effort.
F
1 October – 31 December
our volunteers from to set up stabilisation to recover the vehicle rather
the VICSES Knox ropes, which they attached than wait for a tow-truck.
Unit, all accredited to a nearby tree.
for road crash rescue, Forest Road was closed as
joined partner agencies on VICSES volunteers and the VICSES rescue truck
scene as the vehicle leaned firefighters then attached a was positioned with a winch
dangerously, with the Tirfor winch to the front, and a attached to the rear, so the
driver still inside. StabFast Stabilisation System vehicle could be brought
1,631
comprised of three devices down on to the road.
The driver was acting as a was attached to the tilted side
counterweight with the vehicle of the vehicle, to stop it rolling. Though it was a warm day
precariously balanced at a and our VICSES Knox Unit
45-degree angle, meaning Several crews then assisted the volunteers were a little hot,
they could not leave without driver out of the vehicle as they no one suffered injury thanks
Volunteers risking further injury. held the door ajar, and helped to their demonstration of
the driver down. skills, alongside our partner
13,343
The VICSES crew worked with agencies. A fantastic effort
Country Fire Authority, Fire As it was still hanging over the by everyone involved in this
Rescue Victoria, Ambulance embankment, a decision was challenging rescue. n
Victoria, and Victoria Police made by the emergency crews
Requests for assistance
67%
Tree down
20% Building
damage
4% Support
3% other
4% agencies
2%
Rescue
Flood
Other
10VICSES volunteers
assist in major power
outage at nursing home
By David Murphy, Media Officer, VHO
In December, almost 40 VICSES volunteers were
called to an incident at a local nursing home in
Blackburn, after the property’s power had gone out
during the night due to a large tree that had fallen VICSES Incident Controller, Matthew Rankin.
on nearby powerlines.
V
olunteers from the Crews of volunteers worked to VICSES Incident Controller reconnected the power seven
VICSES Whitehorse manually inflate the mattresses Matthew Rankin led the Emergency hours ahead of schedule, at
Unit were dispatched every thirty minutes. The Management Team to manage the 5:00am the next morning.
at 7:45pm, along with Fire Rescue VICSES Whitehorse Unit needs of residents, placement of
Victoria (FRV) members. FRV volunteers also set up power the lighting rigs and generators, “It was a stellar effort by VICSES
managed the scene on Lake Road packs in the kitchen to prevent and positioning the volunteer in supporting the needs of
to ensure the power lines were food spoilage. crews as the events unfolded our aged care residents and
made safe, while our VICSES into the night. local communities, during this
• Three volunteers from VICSES
Whitehorse Unit volunteers worked prolonged power outage,” said
Lilydale Unit arrived at 10:00pm
to cut up and remove the fallen Having called out additional Matthew Rankin on the incident.
with a lighting trailer and power
tree. This allowed utility provider crews, United Energy successfully
supply. The volunteers remained
United Energy, to commence until past midnight, when it was
emergency repair work. decided the lighting rig would
The nearby aged care facility -
be required overnight. We had people at risk.
• Six volunteers from VICSES
which provides high-acuity patient
care that includes a dementia Manningham Unit arrived at We had an opportunity to
ward - requested lighting from 9:20pm to set up temporary make a difference, and we did make
our VICSES volunteers, given lighting in the interior of the
the fall risk to residents in the building on the first and second a difference,” continued Matthew.
darkened facility. level, including Goliath lights -
powered by a generator - and
At this point, VICSES Whitehorse battery-powered Pelican lights Well done to all of our units involved in supporting this event,
Unit set up an Incident Control throughout. The volunteers in ensuring the safety of vulnerable community members. n
Point and requested assistance remained on site until 2:30am.
from neighbouring units. Nearly
• Seven volunteers from VICSES
forty VICSES volunteers from five
Knox Unit arrived at 9:45pm in
units arrived over the course of the
two vehicles with two trailers
night, including:
and a lighting rig, staying on
• Thirteen further volunteers from site until 2:00am.
the VICSES Whitehorse Unit, • Five volunteers from VICSES
each arriving throughout the Maroondah Unit arrived at
night. Having set up lighting 10:15pm with ten portable
rigs all the way through the light banks and generators.
building, our volunteers used The volunteers stayed until
portable power packs to midnight, with two volunteers
maintain mattresses - which returning the next morning to
require power to remain pack up the vital equipment.
inflated - for approximately
ninety vulnerable residents.
11EAST Livingstone creek floods
Omeo Caravan Park
By Merryn Henderson, Community Resilience Coordinator, VHO
Residents and visitors at the Omeo Caravan Park
had their sleep interrupted during the night on
1 October – 31 December
Wednesday the 5th of January, as the Livingstone
Creek, which runs through the park and the town,
took everyone by surprise and overflowed.
V
ICSES Tambo Valley Unit received the by his unit members alongside VICSES Sale Unit
call for assistance around 10:30pm volunteer Pat Barnes, who both live directly
519
from the caravan park owners, to help across from the park.
relocate those at risk staying at the park.
In the aftermath of the flooding, quite a lot of
The unit worked quickly to wake residents visible damage was left throughout the town and
and holiday-goers to ask them to move to the the park. As a result, the Omeo Caravan Park
recreation reserve on higher ground, as the was forced to cancel bookings and close until
Volunteers floodwaters continued to engulf cabins and further notice, while the clean-up continues.
access roads to the park. We hope that park is able to reopen soon, and
1,680
thankful that no people were injured. n
The Livingstone Creek sits at the bottom of
the Omeo Valley, with a catchment area of the
surrounding mountain ranges, meaning heavy
rainfall can cause the creek to rise rapidly and
Requests for assistance flood. Although not forecast, more than 110 Snakes, mud,
millimetres of rain fell within a 15-hour period on
the 5th of January, causing a great deal of water and the tide no
14% Building damage
to enter the creek very quickly.
barrier for VICSES
Mud from the floodwaters entered the
5% Support park’s cabins and lapped at the doorsteps Orbost Unit rescue
62%
other of caravans as the water rose, while our
6% agencies
volunteers continued to work through the By Gail Cumming, Community
Tree down Rescue evening to ensure that people left the park Resilience Coordinator, East Region
9
I
%
safely and calmly.
n a very successful joint operation, also on
4% Flood
“The flood waters came up quickly and the 5th of January the VICSES Orbost Unit,
unexpectedly, however we managed to have Victoria Police, and the local Coast Guard
Other
everyone on higher ground by 2:00am,” managed to rescue five kayakers from dire straits
commented VICSES Tambo Valley Unit on Lake Corringle in the late afternoon.
Controller Shane Peach, who was supported
12• Rescue operator team leader,
attending many incidents
including the major flood and
storm events across Gippsland
over several decades.
• Supporting over 800 RFAs since
July 2009, when VICSES started
recording members’ individual
Celebrating the service and operational turnouts.
achievements of Raelene Billingsley “It is great to be recognised
with an ESM, and it was a bit of a
By Gail Cumming, Community Resilience Coordinator, East Region
surprise! But I just do this because I
love it. I feel like I’m good at it, and
For more than three decades, Raelene Billingsley has been an active, I know that it helps my community
dedicated, and valued member of the VICSES Morwell Unit. In recognition so much when things are tough
of Raelene’s recent Emergency Service Medal (ESM) award, we take a and they really need it,” says
Raelene reflecting on her recent
deeper dive into Raelene’s service as a VICSES volunteer. award and service.
A
nyone who knows • Incident Commander • Key driver of the ongoing “It’s amazing working with the
Raelene would throughout years of local, VICSES Morwell Unit other VICSES volunteers – we all
completely understand regional, and state road crash fundraising program, get so much out of it. It’s hard work
why her service has been so highly rescue challenges. Raelene’s encouraging all members to and challenging sometimes, but
accoladed – you could write a passion in this area enabled assist with raising much needed then you see how you may have
book! Just some of many of her East Region to host some of funds for equipment and saved someone’s life, or at least
many achievements and milestones these events, and in some cases upgrading and maintenance of made it better than it could be.
as part of VICSES include: lead this field. unit owned vehicles. And well…that’s a pretty good
• Developing strong relationships feeling,” continues Raelene.
• Current Controller of VICSES • Achieved the acquisition
between VICSES Morwell Unit of a shed in a prominent We are so thankful to have
Morwell Unit.
other local emergency service location in the response area Raelene as part of our East
• Officer of probationary agencies and council. for the housing of a VICSES Region family, and the work
members.
• Strong advocate for VICSES rescue truck. she continues to achieve to
• Road crash rescue volunteers in rescue forums • Taskforce Crew Leader as part of support our volunteers and
trainer, assessor, and
and working parties, both at a the VICSES response to Cyclone the wider community.
competition leader.
regional and state level. Yasi, to assist with the response Well done to the amazing
and initial clean-up efforts. Raelene Billingsley! n
VICSES Orbost Unit Controller Allan said the unit was paged after “The tide was charging out - we “It took us four hours to get back to
Allan Smeaton said it was a really the group managed to call for were in six inches of water, and the Marlo boat ramp – we only got
great outcome, especially after assistance via Triple Zero. The unit we knew we had a long trip back. there around 8:00pm. The cops
a tough operation for the unit then got a hold of the Coast Guard We had blankets thankfully, so the were great, just chatting to the kids
the week before. and set off to the rescue. It was kids got wrapped up in them. The and keeping them entertained.
a race against time, with the tide family were really cold, but the Everyone was tired and cold, but
“It was a joint effort – we worked so rapidly going out and dusk coming. kids were great and seemed to be also very happy to be back on solid
well together. The two adults and enjoying it as a big adventure under ground,” said Allan.
three small kids were in the worst “We got out there eventually and their blankets! I don’t think the
part of Lake Corringle – in amongst found them. It would have been adults were quite as excited – more Well done to the VICSES Orbost
the reeds with the tide going out impossible without their mobile relieved I’d say.” Unit team and our emergency
and tiger snakes everywhere! We all phones giving us the location. Then service partners on this challenging,
got stuck at various times and had to the Coast Guard got stuck – they Finally having the family of kayakers but successful rescue! n
pull each other off the sandbars.” had the people from the kayaks in safely on board and warming up,
their boat, and we had to pull them the trip back to shore was still a
off the sandbar,” continued Allan lengthy ordeal.
on the rescue.
13Flood risk products prove
invaluable for guiding VICSES
MID
emergency response
By Clare Mintern, Community Resilience Coordinator, Mid West Region
WEST The Mid West Region has recently focused on developing flood risk
products and undertaking flood training for staff, volunteers, and
external agency support staff.
T
his work has Similar flood folders have also response. If flooding did
provided better been provided to many of our escalate, we had the maps
1 October – 31 December access to key units within the region. readily available at our
flood risk information to fingertips, which detailed the
enable VICSES to help guide Over the last five months, the buildings and roads impacted
our on-the-ground response region has delivered flood to support key actions to
during a flood event, as training sessions to regional take, including targeted door
well as raising awareness staff, as well as our units. knocking for evacuations.
of flood risks to build flood Because flooding occurs
preparedness, and ultimately quickly in some areas, it’s In addition, our staff have
community resilience. important that our volunteers delivered several training
294
have knowledge of, and are sessions to external
Firstly, the region developed able to quickly access key agency staff that undertake
large maps for their Incident flood risk information, to guide Public Information Officer
Control Centres (ICCs) to VICSES operational responses. and Warnings Incident
improve access to flood risk These flood training sessions Management Team roles.
information. These large provided an overview of: Agency staff involved in this
Volunteers maps contain key waterways, training included Country Fire
stream gauges and flood • The flood risk triggers for all Authority, the Department of
918
impact triggers for each ICC high flood risk towns. Environment, Land, Water and
area, and are especially useful • Flood peak travel times. Planning, and Parks Victoria.
for staff who are not familiar • Flood behaviour (what This training has improved
to the area or the local flood dams are likely to spill, the knowledge and access
risk information. location of weirs, and how to flood risk information,
Requests for assistance they influence flood risk). enabling staff to better
A3 size flood folders have communicate local flood
also been developed for the • Infrastructure, buildings,
impacts to the community
Horsham and Ballarat ICCs. and roads that are likely to
during flood events.
These folders contain flood be impacted by flooding.
risk triggers, flood depth • Stream gauge monitoring The Mid West Region will
294
20% Building maps, and the location of available. continue to deliver targeted
66%
1
damage buildings and roads at risk of flood training sessions for
assistance: flooding. These flood folders The recent flood event in other high priority locations
Tree down early January across the Mid
6% Support provide ICCs quick access such as Halls Gap and
608 66%
3%
other to flood maps that can be West Region demonstrated Natimuk. The focus of
agencies
mage: 182
3% used when door knocking, how invaluable flood risk these sessions will be to
2%
er agencies: to show people that will be information and training is. ensure our members and
Rescue impacted by flooding where Although Clunes experienced external agencies have
% Flood the floodwater is likely to go minor flooding, the flood flood information needed to
%
Other before the flood peak arrives, maps and flood trigger quickly respond and support
%
and to help guide where summary was invaluable to their community during
sandbagging is needed. guiding VICSES’ emergency flood events. n
14VICSES Ballarat Unit
celebrates 140 years
of member service
By Jane Patton, Community Resilience Coordinator, VHO 140
YEARS
On Tuesday the 14th of December 2021, the VICSES Ballarat Unit
held their annual awards evening at the Golden City Hotel in Ballarat.
T
he event was held In addition to these service a great opportunity to come incredible people are VICSES,
to recognise the awards, VICSES Ballarat Unit together to celebrate and to the core,” said Gordon.
service of unit member Gary Hickson was acknowledge the service and
members, and celebrate their the recipient of a VICSES Life commitment of all the unit “These members have not only
wonderful achievements. Membership Award, for 40 years members, together. given incredible service to our
of dedicated service to the unit own community, but have travelled
Awards were presented by Mid and the greater organisation. Gary VICSES Ballarat Unit Controller to other units, regions, and even
West Regional Officer Gavin Kelly is a much-valued unit member, Gordon Hicks provided some interstate whenever called upon to
on the evening to the following and has contributed greatly to moving words on the dedication of lend a hand, to whichever service
members, who combined have VICSES across both operational the unit’s volunteers: requires it. They eagerly look to
dedicated 140 years’ service: and support roles, with great the future and willingly embrace
“There is nothing purer than improvements to better their skills
leadership, skills, and knowledge. the heart of a volunteer.
5 years: 10 years: and service and ultimately – our
VICSES Ballarat Unit was They are the heart of every unit. I am truly honoured for this
• Elise Ashfield • Norm Baker rescue, the inspiration in every
established more than 50 years group of dedicated, caring, and
• Victor Gartside • Craig West ago, and currently has 87 active training course, and the soul competent professionals, to
• Mark McGrath • Jeff Webb members. Over the years the of all things VICSES. They not accept me as their Controller,”
unit has grown in strength, and only inspire me, but they also continued Gordon.
• Louise Minard 15 years:
provides significant support inspire each other. It doesn’t
• Neil • Josh Smolenaers to the Ballarat community and matter if they have been a part What moving words to sum
Paramanathan of our incredible history for up the contributions of our
25 years: surrounding areas. The awards
• Damien Slater ceremony evening provided five weeks or 50 years - these VICSES Ballarat Unit members.
• Leonie Sharpe Congratulations, all! n
DESTRUCTIVE STORMS The VICSES Ballarat Unit responded
to a whopping 240 of these call-
in parts. This extreme hailstorm
exacerbated flooding in Creswick,
AND FLOODS HIT CRESWICK outs, which was a mammoth effort. contributing to blocking the
drainage network and causing
AND BALLARAT Initial estimates indicate the size of
the Creswick flood to be a 1-in-50-
additional buildings to be
impacted by flooding,” reported
year Annual Exceedance Probability VICSES Ballarat Unit Deputy
By Clare Mintern, Community was established on the same day
(AEP) flooding event. The region Controller Craig West.
Resilience Coordinator, in Ballarat, with Divisional Control
experienced multiple concurrent
Mid West Region Points in Ballarat and Creswick to
H
RFAs from people trapped in In addition to the flooding and hail
manage the incoming response.
eavy rainfall and severe floodwater in Creswick, Ballarat, damage, over 5,000 residents were
thunderstorms lashed In the three-day period from the St Arnaud, and Ararat during without power overnight due to the
the Grampians region in 5th – 7th of January, the Grampians the three-day period, including severe storms that passed through,
January, causing significant flooding region alone received almost 300 people trapped by floodwater in although was soon restored.
and storm damage in Creswick, requests for assistance (RFAs), cars and houses.
We are so grateful to our VICSES
Ballarat and Ararat. including 150 callouts for flood and
“On the ground there was a Ballarat Unit, and surrounding
97 for building damage. Creswick
160mm of rainfall was recorded significant amount of hail that fell unit volunteers who assisted in
and Ballarat were the most affected
in just two hours surrounding in Creswick and in the surrounding responding to the vast amount of
areas, receiving majority of the
Creswick on Wednesday the 5th of areas during the storm, with the call-outs. Thank you all! n
region’s RFAs during this period.
January. An Incident Control Centre depth of the hail up to 0.4m deep
15Celebrating the new
Wangaratta Unit
By Sue Sheldrick, Acting Manager Regional Operations
Emergency Management, North East Region
After many attempts to formally open Wangaratta’s
NORTH new VICSES headquarters during COVID-19, in
November the opening was finally hosted!
EAST
M
inister for Emergency Services, The ‘unit of the future’ design journey started
The Hon. Jaclyn Symes MP, was in 2018, with construction commencing in June
finally able to unveil the official 2020 and was completed in just six months.
plaque on Friday 26 November and announce
that the magnificent facility was now formally “The new facility at Wangaratta is a credit to the
‘open for business’ - emergency business that is! team from state level, council, and local VICSES
members, both past and present, that have
1 October – 31 December The small COVID-19 compliant, formal opening been involved in its design and construction,”
ceremony took place amidst proud VICSES said North East Regional Manager Neil Payne.
volunteers, staff and VIP guests, who watched
on as the Minister, Rural City of Wangaratta “The building and grounds provide the VICSES
Mayor Dean Rees, VICSES Chief Officer Tim Wangaratta Unit team room to grow, and
Wiebusch, and long-time local volunteer can support indoor and outdoor training, a
Fran Whitehead delivered the opening Divisional Command and Coordination Centre
speeches. Other official guests included Federal during large emergencies, and excellent welfare
and office facilities to support our volunteers
557
Member for Indi Dr Helen Haines MP, Member
for Ovens Valley Tim McCurdy MP, VICSES in the amazing work they do, often during the
CEO Stephen Griffin, North East Regional worst of weather conditions,” continued Neil.
Manager Neil Payn, as well as representatives To top off an eventful day, little did those at the
from the Emergency Services Infrastructure opening ceremony know that at her nearby
Authority (ESIA). workplace, VICSES Wangaratta Unit Controller
Volunteers Tracy Harper was using her first aid and
The Wangaratta facility is the first start-to-
leadership skills to ensure an unwell customer
837
finish build led by ESIA, and is also the
first of the modern designed ‘units of the received urgent medical attention. Tracy
future’ for VICSES. ensured that the situation was managed with
compassion, respect, and discretion, and she
Funded by $1.6 million allocated to relocate supported her co-workers who were not trained
during the 2017-18 State Budget, the move responders and found themselves faced with a
Requests for assistance takes the Wangaratta Unit from their Millard challenging emergency. All in a day’s work as a
Street site where it had been operating since VICSES volunteer! n
2009, to Handley Street where the unit will form
8% Building part of an emergency services precinct.
damage
12% Support
59 %
Tree down 10%
other
agencies
Rescue
6 %
Flood
5%
Other
16GUEST SPEAKER
EVENING AT VICSES
BRIGHT UNIT
By Roy Kennedy, Bright Unit Controller,
North East Region
Recently the VICSES Bright Unit
decided to switch up their weekly
training sessions and invited along
several guest speakers to one of
their November training nights.
G
uests included Tom Nicholson,
a local arborist, who spent time
with the high angle team planning
how they could work together in paraglider
rescues over summer.
VICSES Family
Michael Bennett from Ambulance Victoria
brought along an ambulance and showed
members through, explaining how members
could assist Ambulance Victoria personnel
Laura Nish, Yarrawonga Unit Deputy Controller, North East Region during operations.
VICSES staff members Dan Walton from the
Let’s talk about VICSES families. North East Regional Office and Stewart Riddel,
Wellbeing Health and Safety Advisor from the
The ones who hold the fort The ones who wash our because we’ve forgotten Victorian Headquarters Office, also attended
until we get home. wet and dirty uniforms. not everyone speaks in to discuss wellbeing health and safety matters
Who don’t complain when VICSES acronyms. with the unit.
The wife who resettles the we walk our muddy boots
baby after the pager goes through the house, because The mums, dads, wives, The evening was interactive and informative,
off at 1:00am. we were too tired to husbands, girlfriends, with all members enjoying the sessions held. n
take them off. boyfriends, kids,
The mum who always says grandparents, aunts, uncles,
‘be careful’ before her son The ones who make us coffee brothers, sisters, and friends
goes out to a job. when we get home. - the ones who tell us they’re
The dad who tells proud of us every day.
The ones who listen to us
anyone who will listen debrief after a long night. We can’t do what we do
that his daughter is a without you. We are forever
VICSES volunteer. The ones who encourage grateful. Thanks to all of our
us to ask for help when
The kids who know that mum VICSES family members.
we’re struggling.
won’t be tucking them into
Remember to thank those
bed tonight because it’s The ones who smile and
who support you when we
training night. nod when we talk about
celebrate the Your family,
‘SMEACS’ and ‘DRAs’,
The partner who was getting our family weekend later
‘SWAHS’, ‘USAR’ and ‘RCR’;
a sleep in, but now has to in the year. n
get up and help the kids
because dad's answering
an emergency page.
The family members who feel
More information
like they’re anxiously holding Find out more here:
their breath until we get ses.vic.gov.au/news-and-media/campaigns/
home on a wild stormy night. your-family-our-family
17NORTH
WEST
1 October
Jan – 31 May
– 312018
December
All in a day’s work
By Tracey White, Community Resilience Coordinator, North West Region
There’s a fair chance you’re already aware that each
of our six regions across Victoria has a designated
Regional Headquarters Unit (RHQ Unit). What
672
544
you may not know, is the specialised skills and
backgrounds of these units and their members, which
are often tailored to their local and community needs.
Volunteers
M
embers of the North West Region engagement events across the region - some
1,476
748
Headquarters Unit are based in are trained support peers, and others provide
various towns across the patch, critical transport and logistical support during
with fortnightly meetings held at VICSES offices and after incidents.
in Bendigo and Swan Hill.
The 22-member-strong North West RHQ Unit
Members are responsible for the Field recently held their annual award presentations,
Request for
Requests forassistance
assistance Operations Vehicle (FOV), which can be which saw nine of its members receive long
deployed for operations, training, and service awards. Other prestigious awards
community engagement events anywhere in included a National Medal awarded to John
44 12% Building damage the state, as well as being skilled radio and Morris, a National Medal second clasp awarded
OIMS operators who are called to assist with to Wayne Grincais, and member Stan Hendy
57 % 10% Support effective coordination and communications awarded a National Medal third clasp, after a
other
agencies during emergency events, such as large- staggering 47 years of service as both a VICSES
sistance:
Tree down scale land searches. volunteer and staff member. You can read more
11% Rescue about Stan in our volunteer profile on page 19.
5 57%
Many RHQ Unit members also hold Incident
ge: 89
9 % Flood Management Team (IMT) roles in specialised North West Region members and volunteers
agencies: 1% areas such as Information and Warnings, are extremely proud of the RHQ Unit’s
Logistics, Operations, Mapping and Planning, achievements, and wish to thank each member
and some also trained as Base Camp and for sharing their valuable skills and ensuring the
% Other
Staging Area Managers. Members are also at safety of our local communities. n
the ready to assist with important community
18VOLUNTEER
PROFILE:
Stan Hendy nk
you
for your se
rv
ice
a
Th
!
By Tracey White, Community Resilience Coordinator,
North West Region
To many in the service this man needs
no introduction – Stan Hendy is a
STAN
VICSES icon, and one of the longest HENDY
standing members in the organisation.
S To me, it shows
tan formally joined VICSES this time with the North West VICSES member. Stan shared with
in 1975 after having Region Headquarters Unit (RHQ), us his recollection of the first road
been involved for a short where he held the position of crash rescue he ever attended, the power of
what a group
period of time prior at the age Deputy Controller. not long after he had joined
of 22, when he worked for the VICSES Nhill Unit, where the crew
of motivated
Postmaster General Department as During his time with VICSES, Stan responded to a call from the local
a telecommunications technician. has been involved in many large- police to attend a crash between
Stan was asked by his boss to lend scale emergencies, including the two trucks on the Western volunteers can
1992 Avian Influenza outbreak,
a hand at his local Shire of Lowan
Unit, which later became the the 1999 Sydney hailstorms, the
Highway. At the time, the unit crew
had been training for road crash
achieve if they
VICSES Nhill Unit. Bendigo tornado in 2003, and the
2009 Victorian Bushfires, as well as
rescue for just six months, and focus their
turned out with private vehicles
During Stan’s 13 years at numerous flood and storm events towing a tandem box trailer with collective mind
Nhill, he held the positions of across North East, North West,
Communications Officer, Rescue Gippsland and Central Regions.
a very basic rescue kit, including
a lighting generator and hand
and efforts
Officer, Deputy Controller and
Unit Controller. Stan has also received several operated hydraulic rescue kit. into a project,”
With very few tools, they were
Stan later resigned his position with
awards and commendations
for his contributions, including able to free the trapped driver for a says Stan on
the unit to pursue a career with being awarded the Emergency successful outcome.
recalling the
VICSES based in Bendigo, where Service Medal in 2014 for services
he was able to use his experience to emergency management,
Stan also fondly recalls a few years
later, when the unit decided to
group’s efforts.
as a volunteer to help units develop and most recently the National raise funds to build a new rescue We sure are thankful to have
their management and operational Medal third clasp for almost five truck. In just under two years, the Stan as part of our family at North
capabilities, and indeed to shape decades of service awarded at unit members had raised enough West Region, and the invaluable
the service as we know it today. the North West RHQ Unit awards funds to buy a new dual cab skills and knowledge that Stan
night in December. truck. With the assistance of local
After an impressive 24 years as a has been able to impart on his
staff member, Stan retired in 2013 Of course, Stan has many stories he businesses and the unit members fellow volunteers and colleagues.
and resumed his volunteering; could share during his service as a time and skills, they were able to What a legend! n
build an equipment pod on the
back of the truck.
19You can also read
