Essendon SES unit to receive major upgrade

Essendon SES unit to receive major upgrade

Published: 07/05/2018

The Minister for Industry & Employment and local member for Niddrie, Ben Carroll joined Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) Chief Operating Officer, Tim Wiebusch, staff and volunteers today to officially announce funding for a major upgrade of the VICSES Essendon Unit.

VICSES will receive $1.2 million to extend the Essendon unit headquarters, doubling the size of the current building and making it fit for purpose.

Essendon SES was established in 1981. Currently home to 41 volunteers, the unit responded to 315 requests for assistance in 2016/17 and is on track to surpass that total this year. Its primary focus relates to storm damage and flooding.

The new fit for purpose headquarters will aid recruitment of new volunteers, providing adequate space for housing of vehicles and better equipping the unit to meet the demands of the area it currently serves.

VICSES CEO, Stephen Griffin, said the funding announcement was a fantastic result for the community.

Quotes attributable to VICSES CEO Stephen Griffin

“I am delighted that the Essendon is getting this much needed upgrade. Essendon is an active unit in a great location with good relationships with council and neighbouring emergency agencies.”

“It’s also a great time to be trained up as a volunteer and be part of a great community organisation such as this.”

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