Echuca SES members Judy Cantwell (operations), Cameron Honey (deputy operations controller) and Ian Stone (non operational member) with their new truck.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
Echuca’s VICSES unit is heading into a recruitment campaign at top speed – in its just-arrived cutting edge Isuzu automatic 4x4 Manual Rescue Truck.
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Unit members could not wait to load it up after saying an overdue farewell to their trusty but very worn Isuzu manual version.
Community resilience co-ordinator Layton Miller said the local unit was continuing to strengthen its ability to support the community; along with the new emergency response vehicle and new leadership, it has an active recruitment program helping to shape the future of the unit.
He said the new vehicle would be deployed across a variety of emergency situations, including storms, flood response, fallen trees, community events and support operations alongside other emergency service agencies.
“In addition to the vehicle upgrade, the unit has recently welcomed me as the new unit controller and we have revamped our management team, bringing fresh leadership and direction,” Layton said.
“Combined with the ongoing recruitment program, these changes position the VICSES Echuca Unit well to continue serving and protecting the community for years to come.”
Originally established as a civil defence organisation in the early 1920s, the Echuca group transitioned to the State Emergency Service in 1975, starting 51 years of dedicated volunteer emergency service to the community.
Cameron Honey (deputy operations controller) and Judy Cantwell (operations member) packing the unit’s new truck.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
The unit operated for many years from facilities located in the former shire depot in Kerford St, before moving into its purpose-built headquarters on High St in 2017.
Today, the unit is supported by 18 volunteer members, who respond to a wide range of emergencies and community activities.
The unit is currently encouraging new volunteers to join, with prospective members able to apply through the VICSES recruitment process at ses.vic.gov.au/join-us.
Layton said the unit was seeking to fill operational roles and non-operation roles.
He said everyone could play a part in VICSES — it works with community members to protect the community.
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