Around 450 past and present Victorian State Emergency Service (VICSES) members and guests gathered in Melbourne last weekend night to celebrate the organisation’s 50th anniversary. Attendees included VICSES life members, Emergency Service Medal recipients, and representatives from many current volunteer units across the state.
Thirteen of the 16 volunteers who have been members throughout the organisation’s entire 50-year journey were in attendance, having volunteered with Civil Defence and other community emergency response initiatives before being amalgamated under the VICSES banner from March 1975.
Brett Neve (VICSES Frankston Unit), Cliff Tan (Colac), Colin Matheson (Lilydale), David Fitzroy and Peter Weeks (Alexandra), Denis Brain (Footscray), Gerard Mahoney (Mansfield), Graeme and Leigh Edwards (Stawell), Ian Sinclair (Beechworth), John Cook (Tambo Valley), Keith Barns, Robert Barns and Neville Lynch (Euroa), Stan Hendy (Loddon Mallee Regional Unit) and Wendy Witty (Swan Hill) were each recognised as VICSES Golden Jubilee Foundation Members as part of the festivities.
Historical memorabilia dating back to VICSES’ predecessor, the Civil Defence Organisation, was on display throughout the evening, as were a number of historical vehicles including a 1967 International C1600 belonging to VICSES Cann River Unit, and a 1960 International P Van belonging to the then Footscray branch of Civil Defence.
VICSES chief executive Robert Purcell said the gala event on Saturday, March 22, was a fantastic night, bringing volunteers from across the state, both past and present, together.
“Our volunteers don’t turn out to emergencies expecting to receive recognition as a result, however, it’s important as an organisation we celebrate and honour those members who have been pillars of our service and who have helped VICSES grow into a trusted and respected emergency response provider,” Mr Purcell said.
