KILMORE, VIC. — Community has been central to the design and construction of a brand-new Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) Kilmore Unit headquarters, led by Indigenous construction service Barpa with input from the community’s next generation.
Funded by the State Government, developed in partnership with the Victorian Infrastructure Delivery Authority (VIDA) and on the back of Barpa’s successful builds of new VICSES units at Aintree and Point Cook in Melbourne’s west, the Kilmore project is set to be finalised in the coming months, providing a state-of-the-art hub for upwards of 50 adult volunteers and a growing junior membership.
With construction ongoing on land adjoining the unit’s current home of 45 years, the new headquarters promises to significantly increase awareness of VICSES’ presence in the community, with the facility highly visible along Kilmore’s Northern Highway.
“It’s been incredibly exciting to watch the build of our state-of-the-art headquarters progress and we’re looking forward to calling it home in the coming months,” Steve Caddies, VICSES Kilmore Unit Controller, said.
While the unit’s junior members hone their capacity as first responders weekly, a pair of Wallan Secondary College students have also bolstered their skillset as part of the build project, completing work experience with Barpa in support of their own Vocational Education & Training (VET) Construction Pathways studies.
The unit’s highly visible location sparked the opportunity for both Taylea and Billie, with the school’s Koori Engagement Support Officer having initially noticed signage for Barpa while travelling through Kilmore.
“By identifying and creating meaningful opportunities, we can provide young Indigenous people with exposure to the commercial construction industry and help build confidence, knowledge and interest in future career pathways,” Jordan Falla, Barpa Indigenous Coordinator, said.
Arrangements were then made for both students, each with an Indigenous heritage, to complete a 20-week work placement program to build industry experience in a highly supportive and local environment.
Throughout the build, both girls have gained exposure to all facets of commercial construction, developed their knowledge of the roles played by subcontractors and trades and gained a valuable behind-the-scenes insight into the facilities and resources used by VICSES volunteers to support their community.
Each will have the opportunity to continue attending the site through to its completion, further developing their knowledge-base and developing important relationships as they embark on further study, with a lasting memory of their involvement visible each time they travel through the Kilmore township.
The new facility will boast four drive-through motor bays, a modern kitchen, training room and office spaces as well as dedicated turnout facilities and an expanded training footprint.
VICSES Kilmore Unit is consistently among the Hume region’s busiest, with local volunteers having received almost 500 requests for assistance this financial year alone, including almost 300 calls relating to trees down, more than 60 reports of building damage and 60 road crash rescue responses, as well as almost 20 flood-related callouts.
To find out more about volunteering with VICSES, visit www.ses.vic.gov.au/join-us.
