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Under the Victoria State Emergency Service Act 2005, a key function of VICSES is to assist municipal councils in relation to the performance and exercise of their duties under the Emergency Management Act 1986.

VICSES does this through various programmes that support councils in meeting their legislative obligations.
On this page:

Community Emergency Risk Assessment (CERA)

Undertaking an Emergency Risk Management process aims to reduce the overall risks within a community. This can be done by identifying the risks that a community faces, assessing the vulnerability of the community to those risks and providing options to reduce or eliminate the risks.

The Community Emergency Risk Assessment (CERA) provides Municipal Emergency Management Planning Committees (MEMPCs) and others with a framework for considering and improving the safety and resilience of their community from hazards and emergencies.

For more information on CERA visit the CERA page.

Local Knowledge

Knowledge obtained from local communities and organisations is a valuable part of the picture available to emergency services before, during and after emergencies. This local knowledge provides an invaluable ‘on the ground’ understanding of an unfolding situation from the people who understand the area best. VICSES has developed a Local Knowledge Policy to provide principles and strategic direction for how VICSES will ensure local knowledge is incorporated before, during and after emergency response. 

Learn more about local knowledge below.

Introduction to Emergency Management Training

VICSES provides support services to other agencies under Victoria's emergency management arrangements.

Introduction to Emergency Management (PUAEMR018A - Working in an emergency management context) is a competency based training course conducted by VICSES.

This hands-on course is delivered over two days with a mixture of theory and practical scenario activities. Participants who complete this course will be issued with nationally recognised unit of competency from the Public Safety Training Package.

View upcoming course dates.

Incorporating local knowledge is a vital part of managing and planning for emergencies and VICSES is committed to ensuring this happens.

Knowledge obtained from local communities and organisations is a valuable part of the picture available to emergency services before, during and after emergencies. This local knowledge provides an invaluable ‘on the ground’ understanding of an unfolding situation from the people who understand the area best.

VICSES has implemented a number of local knowledge initiatives including the development of a Local Knowledge Policy, which sets out how VICSES will incorporate local knowledge before, during and after emergencies.

Other initiatives include:

  • Identifying and working with existing networks that are a source of local knowledge.

  • Identifying community observers to provide information and observations during emergencies.

  • Identifying community observers within relevant emergency plans including Municipal Flood Emergency Plans.

  • Establishing command and control arrangements with other emergency service providers.

For further information, view the Local Knowledge Fact Sheet which outlines:

  • All the local knowledge initiatives VICSES is implementing.

  • How you can support and be involved in these initiatives.

  • Next steps for local knowledge initiatives.

Further information

For more information, please contact your local VICSES unit or regional office, or the VICSES State Operations team on stateoperations@ses.vic.gov.au or (03) 9256 9000.

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