VICSES Mansfield Unit volunteer celebrates 50 years of service

Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) volunteers in the state’s north east have acknowledged the achievements of Gerard 'Ged' Mahoney, after the committed member recently passed 50 years of service to his community.

The long-time VICSES Mansfield Unit volunteer was recognised alongside fellow members at an event earlier this year, where he reflected on his time with both VICSES and as part of the preceding volunteer-based Civil Defence.

From first being issued with a tin hat, a pocketknife, and a pair of blue overalls to turn out as part of Civil Defence in the 1970s, to now supporting Mansfield and surrounds in VICSES’ trademark orange uniform, Ged has seen more change than most while giving back to his local community.

He was one of several volunteers who would use their own cars to respond to emergencies before the unit was donated its first vehicle, a Land Rover Series II, and saw three iterations of the unit’s headquarters before volunteers settled on their current Maroondah Highway home.

First built in the 1980s, the current unit features ample room for three vehicles and has a kitchen, training and communications rooms and appropriate bathroom facilities.

A stalwart of the local community, Ged has attended hundreds of requests for assistance over his 50-year involvement with VICSES, supporting his local community and others across the state.

He continues to volunteer his time with VICSES by regularly engaging with community members at local events in order to build emergency resilience and awareness throughout Mansfield and the wider north east.

Several other VICSES Mansfield Unit volunteers were also acknowledged for their tireless work supporting their community over extended periods, with Neil Allen, Riana Allen, William Lewis, Roslyn Fauvel and Christopher Fauvel celebrated for five years of service, while George Crawford was honoured for 10 years of committed volunteering.

Peter Lewis was recognised for 20 years and awarded a National Medal for his diligent service, Marie Marchetti received her 25-year award and Lynette Poulson was congratulated for 35 years of ongoing involvement with VICSES.

Each were congratulated by VICSES Goulburn Broken UST Operations Manager Chris Brockwell for their significant achievements, and thanked for their ongoing commitment to their community.