"Unveiling Progress: New VICSES Unit Launches in Aintree to Enhance Community Emergency Response"

The Allan Labor Government has inaugurated four new Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) units, significantly enhancing the state's emergency response capabilities and ensuring better preparedness for future crises.

P24 News Media

December 13, 2024

1 minute

"Unveiling Progress: New VICSES Unit Launches in Aintree to Enhance Community Emergency Response"

India

On December 13, 2024, a new unit of the Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) was inaugurated in Aintree, marking a significant enhancement in the state's emergency response abilities. This development came as part of the Allan Labor Government's initiative to bolster emergency services across Victoria, ensuring that local communities receive the support they need during crises.

Luba Grigorovitch, the Member for Kororoit, was present at the inauguration ceremony alongside officials and dedicated volunteers from VICSES. This facility in Aintree is one of four new units recently launched, with additional locations in Cranbourne, Point Cook, and Officer, all strategically positioned to serve fast-growing communities. These new units symbolize a pivotal advancement for the volunteer service, which plays an essential role in responding to emergencies such as road accidents, fallen trees, structural damage, and flooding.

The Labor Government has committed over $38 million towards the establishment of these four units, ensuring that residents in expanding areas have immediate access to local emergency services. Furthermore, nearly $3 million in additional funding has been allocated to equip volunteers with the necessary vehicles and tools for their critical duties. Each new unit is set to be furnished with a medium rescue truck, a light rescue vehicle, a twin-cab support vehicle, and a storm trailer, enhancing the operational capacity of the VICSES.

The Aintree Unit, located on Fields Street, is designed with modern facilities that include six drive-through motor bays, a well-equipped kitchen, training rooms, and office spaces. Sustainability has also been prioritized in its design, incorporating features such as water tanks, solar panels, and a backup generator to optimize resource efficiency. The facility aims to serve as a comprehensive training center for volunteers, offering tailored amenities to ensure they can deliver vital services to the community effectively.

Since its inception, the Aintree unit has demonstrated its commitment to community safety, with 41 active members responding to over 65 calls for assistance due to storms, floods, and various rescue missions. The new facility is built to accommodate up to 90 volunteers, a vital capacity increase considering the Melton region's anticipated population growth of more than 58 percent by the year 2030.

Member for Kororoit Luba Grigorovitch expressed her gratitude and support for the VICSES volunteers, stating, “Our VICSES volunteers go above and beyond to protect the communities they live in, and it’s critical they have what they need to carry out their role.” She acknowledged the impending rapid growth of Aintree and highlighted the importance of officially opening this new unit to meet the needs of the community effectively. Grigorovitch's remarks reaffirmed the government's commitment to ensuring that volunteer services are equipped and ready to face the challenges presented by a growing population.

The establishment of these new VICSES units marks a promising step forward in enhancing emergency preparedness and responsiveness in Victoria. With a focus on community engagement and infrastructure development, the government aims to provide effective and timely support to residents during emergencies, reinforcing the vital role that volunteers play in safeguarding lives and property.