Alpine volunteers expand on emergency response capacity

03/07/2025, 9:53 AM
VICSES Falls Creek Unit volunteers are working to expand their ability to respond to emergencies on the mountain and surrounding areas year-round.

Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) volunteers who call one of Australia’s most popular alpine resorts home are boosting their capacity to respond to emergencies year-round, in support of local stakeholders and emergency service partners.

Having historically boasted an expertise in alpine search and rescue and responsible for aiding the recovery of lost and injured persons in some of the state’s most isolated and arduous terrain, seasonal and permanent VICSES Falls Creek Unit volunteers are currently bolstering their skillset to also provide improved flood and storm response either side of the mountain.

Recently, 11 local volunteers completed their Crew Member 2 (CM2) accreditation with the support of volunteers and staff from throughout the northeast, marking a key milestone for the unit and paving the way for further skill development, with qualified volunteers now eligible for programs teaching specialist 4WD training, chainsaw handling and safe working at heights (SWAHS), among other proficiencies.

Taking place over two days and including theory and practical assessment at the VICSES Falls Creek Unit, the CM2 accreditation process tested volunteers’ ability to properly respond to a range of scenarios, including handling and transporting casualties, implementing sandbagging techniques, pumping and diverting water and stabilising trees.

Permanent membership of the VICSES Falls Creek Unit has grown in recent years.

Despite unique alpine challenges including a dump of snow and blizzard conditions in recent days, volunteers showcased immense skill and dedication in completing the accreditation, with an eye to increasing their response capacity both during the winter peak and off-peak summer months.

Servicing a permanent local population of 200 which can grow into the thousands during peak tourism seasons, the unit works closely with Ambulance Victoria, Victoria Police and the Falls Creek Resort, and hosts several dual members also involved with the local CFA brigade.

So far in 2025, VICSES Falls Creek Unit volunteers have been called to respond to 10 requests for assistance in their community, largely supporting local stakeholders in responding to toppled trees, and have responded to an average of 33 incidents each year since 2021.

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

Quotes attributable to Damien Myers, VICSES Falls Creek Unit Acting Controller:

“It’s a really exciting time to be involved with VICSES Falls Creek Unit, as our volunteers actively expand their service capacity to be able to provide additional support to the local community.

“It’s a special community to be part of, and we’re looking forward to offering valuable emergency response to flood, storm and other hazards 365 days a year going forward.”

Quotes attributable to Charlie Sexton, VICSES Operations Manager:

“VICSES volunteers play a vital role across the state in aiding their communities through a range of emergencies, with a particular focus on flood and storm hazards.

“We are extremely happy with the commitment and willingness the VICSES Falls Creek Unit membership has already shown to building on its skillset, and look forward to supporting them further as they increase their emergency presence in the local community.”