50 Years of VICSES Gala
Around 450 past and present VICSES members and guests gathered in Melbourne on Saturday night to celebrate 50 Years of VICSES.
Attendees included VICSES life members, Emergency Service Medal recipients, and representatives from many of our current volunteer units across the state.
Incredibly, 13 of the 16 volunteers who have been cornerstones of their communities 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.
A series of panel discussions involving current and former volunteers, executive members and the Acting Emergency Management Commissioner Tim Wiebusch explored VICSES’ transition from Civil Defence, its consolidation and growth as a respected emergency service and recent advancements in the service’s capacity as an emergency response agency.
Other guests, including Minister for Emergency Services The Hon. Vicki Ward, VICSES Chief Executive Officer Robert Purcell and Controller of the brand-new VICSES Officer Unit, Jess Rice, cast an eye to the future of VICSES’ involvement in Victorian communities.
Popular meteorologist, television presenter and VICSES supporter Jane Bunn capped the evening by regaling the crowd with her observations as a broadcaster of the impact of severe weather in Victoria and the key role VICSES volunteers play in keeping communities safe.
Further efforts to acknowledge and celebrate the volunteers who have played such a vital role in shaping VICSES’ Golden Jubilee are forecast to continue throughout the remainder of 2025.
Quotes attributable to Robert Purcell, VICSES Chief Executive Officer
“The Gala was a fantastic opportunity to engage with and learn from VICSES volunteers from across the state who have played a vital role in keeping their communities safe for over 50 years.
“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."
