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03-04-2013 
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         The Story of Your SES    
 
  
 
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The Victoria State Emergency Service, what does it do? What part does it play in our local communities. A network over 5,500 Victorian volunteers, backed by a team of emergency management professionals and the very latest in equipment and technology.   This is the story of your SES.

The Victoria State Emergency Service emerged from the Victorian Civil Defence Organisation in 1975.   With its headquarters in Melbourne, the Victoria State Emergency Service comprises, Victorian headquarters, nine offices, six of which are regional headquarters and 145 volunteer units.

SES staff provide operational, planning, administrative, communications and training support as well as providing other essential support services to the municipalities that they represent.

But what of the SES members, those individuals who volunteer to help their fellow Victorians in possibly their greatest time of need.   These are ordinary caring Victorians.   People who give their time to the service.   People who are unselfishly committed to the community and to the safety of the Victorian public. It's important to remember, that this is not their job or paid vocation.   These men and women are willing to devote their time in order to make a contribution to the community.   They come from all walks of life, all backgrounds, and a variety of professions.   They share a sense of excitement, of challenge, and more importantly the reward of knowing that their contribution makes a real difference.

SES volunteers make themselves available for around the clock call out to emergencies, as and when they are required.   They are the operational arm of the service, and as such they receive comprehensive training in a wide range of emergency response related activities.   Their skills are acquired through regular unit training programs.   With most units meeting on a weekly basis for training sessions.   Basic training for these volunteers could include the operation of communications equipment, first aid, basic knot and lashing skills, navigation skills, chainsaw work, and a working understanding of hydraulic rescue equipment.   They are then exposed to the more specialised areas of operation and are trained to perform the techniques required to carry out the more specific functions of the SES.

 
Flood Rescue:
When severe flooding occurs, it is the SES volunteers who help relocate stranded people.   Assist people in the evacuation of stock to safe areas, and sandbag to protect property.

Road Accident Rescue:
In some outer Melbourne suburbs, and most country areas of Victoria, SES volunteers are responsible for the rescue of trapped road accident victims.   In fact the SES is the largest accredited provider of road accident rescue services in Victoria.

Storm Damage:
In Victoria, storms cause more damage than any other event.   SES volunteers are charged with the responsibility of helping to relocate those affected.   And safe guarding property by providing emergency repairs to buildings.

Search & Rescue:
SES volunteers are regularly called upon to support the Victoria Police in the search for people lost in the bush , in water or in the snow.

Earthquake:
Although major earthquakes in Victoria are rare, they can happen.   The SES has the responsibility to plan the emergency response for such a disaster.  

Support:
The SES provides support to the Victoria Police and other emergency services.   The SES also coordinates the activities of other relief agencies when required, such as the Red Cross and the Salvation Army.

Driver Reviver Program:
Another very visual aspect of the SES is the highly successful Driver Reviver.   This program began in the mid 1980's, with a couple of SES units getting together to develop a way to combat the ever increasing road toll in a proactive way. Fatigue was identified as a major cause of many road accidents. Driver Reviver provides free tea or coffee and a snack to motorists who are prepared to take a break.   Staffed by SES volunteers,  in roadside locations with ample off road parking, it is an area where drivers can stretch their legs and take a break.   There are now more than 60 Driver Reviver sites around Victoria and they are active during most holidays weekends.

Organisational Structure:
The SES delivers this range of volunteer services across Victoria through 145 municipally based and supported SES units.   Each unit is managed by a Controller, who is supported by a Deputy Controller.   Within these units a volunteer is nominated to head up each specific area of expertise.   These are the skills offices and they include a communications officer, an administration officer, an operations officer and a stores & welfare officer. Then there are the Crew Leaders who are responsible for running each, specifically skilled rescue teams.  

 
Volunteers may choose to concentrate on any one area of expertise, however, in order to be able to adequately respond to any emergency situation, all units are able to handle a variety of emergencies.

The SES provides our state with emergency assistance that would be beyond our means if not for our volunteers.   And remember, each and every Victorian benefits, every time the SES responds to an emergency.

If you are interested in becoming an SES volunteer, please email us using the  "contact us" tab on our website.