The Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) today recognised the incredible efforts of thousands of dedicated volunteers and members, as the SES celebrated 50 years of service to Victoria.
Incredibly, 16 current volunteers have served their communities throughout the entire 50 years.
VICSES has built a legacy of dedication, providing critical emergency assistance to thousands of Victorians each year.
The Civil Defence Organisation, which formed in 1950, evolved into the State Emergency Service (VICSES) on March 5, 1975 and remains as we know it today, playing a lead and critical role in managing floods, storms and rescues, as well as supporting other emergency services.
Over the past five decades, VICSES volunteers have stood on the frontline of Victoria’s most challenging emergencies and severe weather events, including:
- major flooding in 2010-11 and 2022;
- severe storms in 2021;
- 1983 Ash Wednesday fires;
- 2009 Black Saturday fires;
- 2019-20 Victorian Black Summer Bushfires
- 2021 Victorian Earthquake and more;
The unwavering commitment of so many of Victoria’s SES volunteers has saved lives and safeguarded communities across Victoria.
VICSES is built on the dedication of its volunteers, such as Peter Weeks OAM, who joined the Civil Defence Organisation in 1971. Inspired by his father and his passion for radio communications, Peter now serves as the Unit Controller at the VICSES Alexandra Unit.
“This is a big year for VICSES as we celebrate our 50th anniversary. Whilst much has changed since 1975, our core values remain the same – to provide emergency assistance to Victorian communities 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year,” Weeks said.
Peter has been involved in critical response efforts, including the 2009 bushfires, high profile search and rescue operations, and assisting people stranded in the Goulburn River during major riverine flooding events.
“I’m so proud to be a VICSES volunteer, from the get-go,” Weeks said.
Similarly, Denis Brain, who joined in 1971 following the tragic collapse of the West Gate Bridge.
Denis has dedicated decades of service to the VICSES Footscray Unit and under his leadership, the unit has supported the local community through severe events, including a major storm in 2000, where they responded to 350 requests for assistance in just two days.
VICSES volunteers are the backbone of the organisation, serving communities 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year, and with 154 units across the state, VICSES operates with over 5,000 volunteers.
Interim VICSES SEO Kate White also attended today’s Golden Jubilee.
“From floods to storms, road crash rescues to building community resilience, education and better public safety outcomes, our volunteers have been unwavering in their commitment to protecting Victorian lives.
“As we celebrate our proud history, we also look to the future – in which together we continue to grow, adapt, and serve with the same passion that has defined VICSES for half a century,” White said.
In the past year alone, VICSES volunteers responded to over 40,000 requests for assistance, demonstrating its crucial role in Victoria’s emergency response network. The Minister for Emergency Services, Vicki Ward was on hand to celebrate.
“VICSES volunteers are the backbone of communities — giving up their time to help in times of disaster without a second thought.
“On behalf of all Victorians I sincerely thank the generations of VICSES volunteers for their dedication – as well as the families and workplaces who support volunteers in their role,” Ward said.
As VICSES celebrates this milestone, the organisation remains committed to protecting and serving the people of Victoria, ensuring communities remain safe in times of crisis for generations to come.
Overall, volunteer numbers are slightly up in each of the past two years, however, many units are currently actively recruiting.
For those interested in joining VICSES or learning more about becoming a volunteer, visit ses.vic.gov.au/join-us.
“Thank you to all of our incredible volunteers and staff who have been part of this 50-year journey,” White said.
