Ready to roll: SES members from across the state once again headed to assist flood victims in NSW. Pictured are Steve Tevelein (Colac), Justin Costello (Corio), Simon Robbins (Corio), Renee Ingram (Colac), Ian Shelton (Marong), Jeff Smith (Colac), Graham Milner (Benalla) and Ramon Dooley (Bendigo). Photo: Ryan Malcolm
Photo by
Contributed
Emergency service personnel from Victoria are continuing their support to communities and emergency services in the northern rivers region of NSW.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
A taskforce set off to Coffs Harbour on Friday, April 1, made up of 40 personnel from VICSES and CFA, along with 12 vehicles.
Victoria’s Emergency Management Commissioner Andrew Crisp said he was humbled that Victorian emergency services could continue to assist our northern neighbours.
“We had a team of 20 deploy to NSW on Sunday, and today’s further deployment will provide meaningful assistance to the communities already so heavily impacted,” Mr Crisp said.
CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said it was terrible to see communities again stricken by severe floods.
“Victorian volunteers put their hand up to help earlier this month, and it is moving to see them respond once again,” Mr Heffernan said.
“We are proud of the willingness and ability of our volunteers to help out when we can.”
Benalla SES volunteer Graham Milner was among those making the journey.
“On Thursday we all mustered at Wangaratta SES,” Mr Milner said.
“We had six large general rescue vehicles and six four wheel drives checked and stocked with things like chainsaws and water pumps.
“We formed a convoy and were on the road by 2pm”
Returning on Sunday, April 3, Mr Milner said it was a long trip.
“Our partner SES teams in NSW needed our assistance and it is special that we are able to help those in need,” he said.
On their way: The convoy of SES vehicles stopped for a break in Holbrook as they headed to assist the flood relief in effort in NSW.
Photo by
Contributed
VICSES State Agency Commander Geb Abbott said SES volunteers were committed to assisting NSW wherever possible.
“Our volunteers have once again answered the call, leaving work and family commitments behind to assist in NSW,” Mr Abbott said.
“We thank those volunteers and their employers who have released them for deployment at short notice.”
Additional deployments to support NSW are being considered by Emergency Management Victoria, balancing the needs of Victoria’s operational capability.
The ongoing flood situation in NSW is a reminder that Victorians should connect with official sources of emergency information:
VicEmergency app;
www.emergency.vic.gov.au;
Tune in to local emergency broadcasters such as ABC local radio, commercial and select community radio stations, or SkyNews TV;
Phone the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226; and
Follow VicEmergency on Facebook and Twitter.
Benalla SES is always looking for new volunteers. If you are interested in finding out more you can phone SES Controller Alex Young on 0488 004 978.
11°C