Cluster training initiative builds bonds among northeast volunteer-base

Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) volunteers in the state’s northeast are more prepared to respond to local emergencies, thanks to a regional training initiative aimed at building camaraderie and shared knowledge among local units.

Beginning in 2022 as an agreement between VICSES Wangaratta, Yarrawonga and Chiltern units to train collaboratively on a semi-regular basis to allow shared access to each unit’s specialist training personnel, the approach has since strengthened the capabilities of unit management and training teams.

By combining the training of several units, the initiative provides training coordinators the opportunity to facilitate larger-scale mock emergency scenarios such as road crash rescue simulations, missing person searches and boat rescues, while compelling volunteers to work in inter-unit teams to build relationships among their neighbouring units.

The cluster model also allows members to gain exposure to additional skill disciplines and rescue proficiencies which units would ordinarily be unable to train on a weekly basis, and has served as the catalyst for volunteers to undertake further specialist training to expand their emergency capabilities.

Having seen the success of the initiative and the rapid skill development of the volunteers involved, VICSES Benalla and Rutherglen unit volunteers have since joined the fray, with cluster training sessions now hosted by each unit on a rotating basis on the third Tuesday of every month.

By sharing hosting duties, the initiative allows volunteers to build familiarity with how each of the five participating units operate, learn where equipment is stored and understand how operations for each unit is administered, ensuring members can seamlessly assist their neighbouring units in the event of an emergency.

Partner agencies such as CFA, FRV and Victoria Police have also leant their expertise to the northeast’s cluster training model, with personnel and resources in attendance at several mock rescue exercises to highlight the state’s ‘We Work as One’ approach.

So far in 2025, VICSES Hume region volunteers have been called to more than 1,300 requests for assistance (RFAs) from their community, with more than 370 RFAs managed by units involved in the northeast cluster training model.

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

Quotes attributable to Jess Zuber, VICSES Wangaratta Unit Controller

“The cluster idea began as chance for us to build a positive, collaborative environment with our neighbouring units to ensure our volunteers are as well prepared as possible to support their communities in times of emergency.

“We know our neighbouring crews now, we know their trucks and we know how they operate, so we’ll be prepared to seamlessly jump in beside them to lend a hand when required.

“It’s been fantastic to see the sharing of knowledge and the appetite for skill development grow throughout the cluster in recent years, and our members and communities have certainly benefited as a result.”