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Celebrating 50 Years of VICSES

05/03/2025, 11:59 AM
VICSES Alexandra Unit Controller Peter Weeks and VICSES Footscray Unit volunteer Denis Brain have both been with VICSES throughout the organisation's entire 50-year existence, and were joined by 18-month VICSES Footscray Unit volunteer Amy Bracks (centre) at the official launch of VICSES' 50th anniversary celebrations.

The Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) is proud to recognise the incredible efforts of our thousands of dedicated volunteers and members, as we today celebrate 50 years of service to the state.

Incredibly, 16 current volunteers have served their communities throughout the entire 50 years.

VICSES has built a legacy of dedication, providing critical emergency assistance to thousands of Victorians each year.

The Civil Defence Organisation which formed in 1950 evolved into VICSES on the 5th of March 1975 and remains as we know it today, playing a lead and critical role in managing floods, storms and rescues, as well as supporting other emergency services.

Over the past five decades, VICSES volunteers have stood on the frontline of Victoria’s most challenging emergencies and severe weather events, including:

  • major flooding in 2010-11 and 2022,
  • severe storms in 2021,
  • the 1983 Ash Wednesday fires,
  • the devastating 2009 Black Saturday fires,
  • the 2019-20 Victorian Black Summer Bushfires,
  • the 2021 Victorian Earthquake and
  • so much more.

The unwavering commitment of so many of our VICSES volunteers has saved lives and safeguarded communities across Victoria.

Peter Weeks (left) and Denis Brain with Footscray's original Civil Defence vehicle.

VICSES is built on the dedication of its volunteers, such as Peter Weeks, who joined the Civil Defence Organisation in 1971. Inspired by his father and his passion for radio communications, Peter now serves as the Unit Controller at the VICSES Alexandra Unit.

Peter has been involved in critical response efforts, including the 2009 bushfires, high profile search and rescue operations, and assisting people stranded in the Goulburn River during major riverine flooding events.

Similarly, Denis Brain, who joined in 1971 following the tragic collapse of the West Gate Bridge. Denis has dedicated decades of service to the VICSES Footscray Unit and under his leadership, the unit has supported the local community through severe events, including a major storm in 2000, where they responded to 350 requests for assistance in just two days.

VICSES volunteers are the backbone of the organisation, serving communities 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year, and with 154 units across the state, VICSES operates with more than 5,000 of volunteers.

Amy Bracks, Peter Weeks and Denis Brain show Minister for Emergency Services Vicki Ward around the original Civil Defence vehicle.

In the past year alone, VICSES volunteers responded to over 40,000 requests for assistance, demonstrating its crucial role in Victoria’s emergency response network.

As VICSES celebrates this milestone, the organisation remains committed to protecting and serving the people of Victoria, ensuring communities remain safe in times of crisis for generations to come.

Overall, volunteer numbers are slightly up in each of the past two years however many units are currently actively recruiting. For those interested in joining VICSES or learning more about becoming a volunteer, visit ses.vic.gov.au/join-us.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Emergency Services Vicki Ward:

“VICSES volunteers are the backbone of communities — giving up their time to help in times of disaster without a second thought.”

“On behalf of all Victorians I sincerely thank the generations of VICSES volunteers for their dedication - as well as the families and workplaces who support volunteers in their role.”

Quotes attributable to VICSES Interim CEO, Kate White:

“From floods to storms, road crash rescues to building community resilience, education and better public safety outcomes, our volunteers have been unwavering in their commitment to protecting Victorian lives.”

As we celebrate our proud history, we also look to the future – in which together we continue to grow, adapt, and serve with the same passion that has defined VICSES for half a century.

Thank you to all of our incredible volunteers and staff who have been part of this 50-year journey."

Quotes attributable to Peter Weeks, VICSES Alexandra Unit Controller:

“This is a big year for VICSES as we celebrate our 50th anniversary. Whilst much has changed since 1975, our core values remain the same – to provide emergency assistance to Victorian communities 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

“I’m so proud to be a VICSES volunteer, from the get-go.”