State-of-the-art headquarters unveiled for VICSES Wonthaggi Unit
A NEW state-of-the-art headquarters for Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) Wonthaggi Unit volunteers is set to provide local members with increased capacity to manage emergencies along Victoria’s Bass Coast. The new development, which...
A NEW state-of-the-art headquarters for Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) Wonthaggi Unit volunteers is set to provide local members with increased capacity to manage emergencies along Victoria’s Bass Coast.
The new development, which was formally opened by Bass MP The Hon. Jordan Crugnale on behalf of the Minister for Emergency Services on Saturday, boasts a host of modern amenities including four drive-through motor bays and a 42 locker turn-out room.
Situated at a new location on White Road, the brand-new VICSES Wonthaggi Unit also houses training and welfare rooms, office space, a communications room, kitchen, and features secure CCTV and backup generator systems, a rainwater tank and is wired for future solar energy use.
The procurement of new land for the VICSES Wonthaggi Unit was initially announced as a commitment of the 2018/19 State Budget.
Celebrating its 48th anniversary this year, VICSES Wonthaggi Unit has a strong local volunteer base, with members receiving more than 70 requests for assistance (RFAs) in the last 12 months.
With the Bass Coast historically subject to significant flood and storm events, VICSES Wonthaggi Unit volunteers have been kept busy in recent times, receiving more than 400 RFAs since 2019.
Local VICSES volunteers are also principal Road Crash Rescue (RCR) providers along the Bass Coast area, working closely with Victoria Police, Ambulance Victoria and fire services in the local area to support their communities in times of emergency.
The new facility is expected to bolster VICSES Wonthaggi Unit’s relationship with these partner agencies and nearby VICSES Units, serving as a modern training base and meeting facility for the area.
On Saturday, senior members of VICSES’ executive, including Chief Officer Operations, Tim Wiebusch, Chief Executive Officer, Greg Leach, and Deputy Chief Officer Capability, David Baker, will join VICSES Wonthaggi Unit Controller Jarrod Hargreaves for a tour of the new facility following its formal opening.
