VICSES Mildura Unit celebrates 45 years of service to Sunraysia

Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) Mildura Unit volunteers came together to celebrate and reflect at the weekend, as the Sunraysia volunteers marked 45 years of providing support to communities in the state’s northwest.

What began as a makeshift community service where founding members would often store rescue equipment at their home addresses has since grown into one of VICSES’ strongest regional units, with more than 30 active members available to attend emergencies across the furthest reaches of the Mallee.

Nearly 50 years after its inception, the unit maintains a strong familial link to its historical forebears, with current Unit Controller Elliott Matotek and Deputy Controller Training Oliver Matotek the grandsons of founding member and former Unit Controller Ted Crane, while Deputy Controller Admin and Finance Peter Fuda – the son-in-law of founding member Ian Lauder - has served the unit for more than 35 years.

The Matotek’s father Graeme also remains heavily involved with the VICSES Mildura Unit, which formally unveiled a major garage extension project to the community as part of a celebratory open day on 14 September.

The day was bookended by a formal dinner to acknowledge the rich history of the VICSES Mildura Unit, with VICSES Chief Officer Operations Tim Wiebusch in attendance alongside senior regional staff and other local stakeholders.

The motor-room, which is designed to house the unit’s two rescue trucks, two utility vehicles, two boats and three trailers, has both front and rear access, to improve accessibility and response efficiency for volunteers.

The new expansion for the Unit is directly affixed to the unit’s original structure, which was formally opened in 1983.

Throughout the open day, volunteers were also on hand to engage with community members about the role VICSES has and continues to play in the Mildura community, with local members often responding to more than 200 requests for assistance (RFAs) in a calendar year.

A number of major emergencies in recent years have also seen neighbouring towns require significant support, particularly in 2011 when VICSES Mildura Unit volunteers were paged to attend more than 500 RFAs in a 24-hour period, and more than 1100 in a single year.

Large storms in 2016 and 2017 also impacted nearby towns including Merbein, and saw volunteers manage upwards of 300 RFAs on each occasion.

To find out more about joining VICSES, visit www.ses.vic.gov.au/join-us.

Quotes attributable to Elliott Matotek, VICSES Mildura Unit Controller

“Our VICSES Mildura Unit is filled with willing volunteers committed to supporting their community in times of emergency.

“To celebrate this historic moment with those who have and continue to play an important role in our unit, as well as the wider community, was a special opportunity.”

Quotes attributable to Tim Wiebusch, VICSES Chief Officer Operations

“It was a privilege to be part of the opening of VICSES Mildura Unit’s major expansion which can only serve to enhance emergency response across the Sunraysia along with sharing in the celebrations of the Unit’s rich 45 years of history in serving the wider region.

“It was terrific to see three generations of members present and I would like to acknowledge the members over 45 years for their unwavering commitment to communities throughout the state’s northwest.”