GISBORNE, VIC. — Macedon Ranges communities are being urged to exercise additional caution throughout the spring and summer months, as Victoria’s higher-risk weather season increases the likelihood of damaging storms and flash flood conditions across the state.
Following a spike in flood-related rescues across the area throughout 2025/26, Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) Gisborne Unit volunteers are calling on community members to drive to the conditions, find alternate routes and heed warnings this storm season to limit their chances of requiring a high-risk emergency response.
Local volunteers were called to more than 70 flood-related incidents in 2025/26, including many inland water rescues to retrieve and rescue motorists trapped in rapidly deepening flash or riverine floodwater in adverse weather conditions.
It marked the unit’s third-busiest year of flood-related response since 2009/10 and saw volunteers regularly lean on their specialist boat and land-based swift water rescue skills while working alongside partner agencies such as Victoria Police and Ambulance Victoria to successfully save lives in the community.
Across the state, VICSES volunteers were called to 167 flood rescues in 2025/26, dedicating more than 1,000 volunteer response hours to largely avoidable emergencies. Already in 2026/27, volunteers have responded to almost 100 flood rescues statewide.
As the higher-risk weather season commences, community members can significantly reduce their risk of requiring VICSES assistance by never entering floodwater, finding alternative routes when faced with flooded or inundated roads and staying aware of driving hazards such as mud, debris and damaged roads.
As the weather heats up, severe storms can often bring strong winds and heavy rainfall, which may also result in fallen trees, damaged powerlines and other hazards.
Avoid driving in heavily treed areas during a storm and pull over on high ground if conditions are dangerous to avoid flood impacts, which are more likely in low-lying areas.
To find out more about how to stay safe during a weather emergency, visit www.ses.vic.gov.au/plan-and-stay-safe. Make sure you also download the VicEmergency app and establish a personal watch zone to stay up-to-date with any emergency warnings issued.
If you require SES emergency assistance, call 132 500.
