VICSES members build community resilience at Melbourne Royal Show

An engaging and informative activation led by Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) members has impressed, with the service recognised as part of the 2024 Melbourne Royal Show Exhibitor Awards.

Between 26 September and 6 October, volunteers and staff were on hand at the 9News Lifestyle and Local Heroes Pavilion, showcasing a range of VICSES resources and placing a spotlight on the role VICSES volunteers play in keeping their communities safe.

The VICSES activation was complete with a brand-new rescue boat, which provided the public an insight into how volunteers perform life-saving rescues on a daily basis, while children were kept engrossed by VICSES’ tiny truck, which focussed on making safety fun through engaging flashing lights and sirens.

Throughout the 11-day event, VICSES members also shared valuable information about the training and preparation volunteers undertake to ensure they’re ready for any emergency, 365 days a year.

IPads available at the VICSES activation allowed community members to provide feedback on their knowledge of VICSES as an organisation, with the data collected set to inform the ways VICSES engages with and educates the community into the future.

The VICSES activation was named the silver award recipient among indoor exhibitors, finishing second to fellow emergency service providers Fire Rescue Victoria.

VICSES’ presence at the Melbourne Royal Show was boosted by major partner AAMI, whose partnership has played a key role in helping VICSES raise awareness and build resilience within communities statewide.

The Melbourne Royal Show is one of a number of major community engagement events VICSES attends each year, in an effort to improve hazard awareness for communities throughout Victoria.

This year’s event was a major success, with more than 1000 visitors directly engaging with VICSES members throughout to provide their insight into VICSES and its emergency response.

Quotes attributable to Robert Welling, VICSES Acting Executive Director Community and Corporate Services

“Having a presence at the Melbourne Royal Show is a fantastic way for VICSES to connect directly with community members and showcase our commitment to keeping Victorians safe.

“This year’s activation was aided by the addition of a VICSES rescue boat, which was a great way to highlight the diverse skillset and emergency response capacity volunteers pride themselves on.

“We look forward to continuing to engage directly with community members across Victoria over the remainder of 2024 to build community resilience and awareness of VICSES volunteers’ role as an emergency service.”