Keys Please! New rescue truck for VICSES Wodonga Unit

Late last month, the Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) Wodonga Unit received the keys to a brand new four wheel drive rescue truck.

The new Isuzu medium rescue truck will replace the unit’s current 15-year-old light duty truck, the Mitsubishi Canter.

This new vehicle will provide additional ergonomic storage space and an improved LED lighting system that will offer a safer workplace when responding to emergency incidents for the VICSES Wodonga Unit volunteers.

The truck is valued at $240,000 and has been partially funded through the Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP), financed by the Victorian Government.

The remaining funds have come through the unit, and from the generous donations of local business and individuals in the Albury Wodonga community.

In the last 12 months the VICSES Wodonga Unit has attended 240 requests for help, ranging from flood assistance, to trees down and building damage.

The unit is also one of the 103 road crash rescue accredited VICSES units across the state.

If you would like to volunteer with the Wodonga Unit or VICSES, please visit www.ses.vic.gov.au/volunteer.

Quotes attributable to Cameron O’Brien, VICSES Wodonga Unit Deputy Controller  

“This new truck will greatly assist in our emergency response time and activities, allowing us to provide the community with better support, safely.”  

“We are so grateful for the generous support in contributions from our local community and various community groups such as the Bendigo Bank Albury Wodonga Connected Communities program, Wodonga Sand and Soil and Tasty’s Sandwich Bar. Their help is invaluable.”