Striking new mural highlights incredible service of VICSES volunteers

The Southbank head office of Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) has received an artistic upgrade, with a large, new, AAMI funded mural paying homage to the valuable service of VICSES volunteers across the state.

Entitled ‘Sunset Rescue’, the artwork, which stretches across four walls of the building’s Moore Street façade and an adjoining fence, highlights the vital role VICSES volunteers play in their community as first responders, turning out in all conditions to support Victorians in their times of need.

Designed by artist Goldern Boi, the left side of the mural features a dark, stormy environment complete with volunteers in orange and a VICSES rescue vehicle before gradually lightening to depict a VICSES volunteer with their arm around a young Victorian as the sun sets to the far right of the artwork.

The project was funded by Co-Principal partner AAMI to help mark 50 years of VICSES , celebrating the enduring, vital and dedicated service of current and former volunteers to Victorians.

The mural’s striking appearance adds to the prominent Southbank arts precinct, with the artwork highly visible to thousands of pedestrians and motorists each day building on the awareness of the important role SES plays In Victoria.

Completed in October, the mural follows a year of celebration for VICSES, as units across Victoria marked 50 years since the formal adoption of the VICSES moniker from the previous Civil Defence Organisation in 1975.

It also follows a busy operational year for VICSES volunteers throughout Victoria, with members called to  35,940 incidents in 2024/25 to provide vital support to their communities.

To learn more about volunteering with VICSES, visit www.ses.vic.gov.au/join-us.

Quotes attributable to Kate White, VICSES Executive Director Community & Corporate Services

“It’s really exciting to be able to celebrate 50 Years of VICSES with such a fantastic piece of art at our Victorian Southbank Head Office.

“This mural reflects the vital role our incredible volunteers play in supporting communities across the state in their time of need. It also encapsulates many of the VICSES values we champion each and every day.

“We thank AAMI for its long-standing support of VICSES and for its valuable funding for a mural we hope will be a source of pride for our volunteers throughout Victoria.”