VICSES Northwest Metro volunteers recognised for their service

Fourteen dedicated members of the Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) from the North-West Metro region were honoured over the weekend for their outstanding service to their communities during emergencies. 

Joined by Parliamentary Secretary for Emergency Services, Sheena Watt MP, the VICSES North-West Metro Regional Awards ceremony was held in Parkville, where volunteers and staff were recognised for their exceptional contributions and long-standing commitment to public safety. 

These annual awards held across Victoria celebrate the unwavering dedication and commitment of VICSES personnel, and highlight the crucial role our incredible volunteers play in protecting communities during times of crisis and need. 

VICSES Footscray Unit volunteer Denis Brain was recognised for more than 50 years of service.

This year, Denis Brain, a long-serving member of the VICSES Footscray Unit, received the prestigious 50 Year Clasp in recognition of his five decades of service to Victorian communities. Denis joined VICSES in its founding year in 1975, following the devastating West Gate Bridge collapse.

In addition to Denis’ milestone, six other VICSES volunteers were celebrated for a combined total of 250 years of service. Kevin O’Callaghan was acknowledged for 45 years, Sandra Faoro for 40, Anne O’Callaghan and Wayne Jordan for 35, and Jason Troy and Cameron Johnston for 30 years of dedication. 

Furthermore, six VICSES members from the North-West Metro region were recognized with Excellence in Innovation and VICSES Values Awards.

Each of these individuals have gone above and beyond in improving service delivery, advancing operational processes, and upholding the organisation’s core values to better serve their communities. Well done to all, your commitment to your communities and this organisation is commendable.

For those interested in volunteering with VICSES or learning more about how to get involved, visit ses.vic.gov.au/join-us.