Land unveiled for brand-new VICSES Kilmore Unit facility

A new state-of-the-art headquarters is set to be constructed for Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) Kilmore Unit, thanks to a major funding initiative coordinated by the State Government.

The new facility, which will be developed on both parts of the existing site and land immediately adjacent to the unit’s existing Green Street location, will provide additional space for volunteers and improve the ability of members to support their communities in times of emergency.

VICSES Chief Operations Officer Tim Wiebusch joined Emergency Services Minister The Hon. Jaclyn Symes, Kilmore Unit volunteers, and representatives from the Community Building Safety Authority this week, where the land for the new facility was officially unveiled.

VICSES Kilmore Unit members have been among the state’s most called-upon in recent times, with local volunteers responding to more than 425 requests for assistance (RFAs) in each of the last two financial years.

The unit is the busiest in the Hume Emergency Management region, and volunteers are often paged to road crash emergencies along the Hume and Northern highways.

Home to more than 50 members including operational, junior and unit support volunteers, the unit was also kept busy with major flood and storm events in 2020 and 2022.

With population growth in the area expected to continue in the coming years, the new facility is expected to cater to the further growth of the local volunteer-base, and allow VICSES to continue to fulfil its commitment to supporting its community and emergency service partners.

Having been operating from their current Green Street premises since the unit’s inception in 1981, it’s anticipated the new facility will be opened in mid 2026.

Quotes attributable to VICSES Chief Operations Officer Tim Wiebusch

“VICSES Kilmore Unit volunteers play a vital role in their community, and once built, we look forward to being able to welcome more community members to join as volunteers and support their community during times of emergency.

“The local volunteers have been among the state’s busiest in recent times, and it’s important they have a fit-for-purpose home to allow them to build capability along with coordinating and managing emergency response.

“The new facility in time will provide a constant visual reminder to the community that they can feel safe and assured knowing that VICSES is well equipped and amongst them here for the many emergency situations that may confront the wider community over time.”