VICSES Castlemaine Unit volunteers undertake a Rod Crash Rescue (RCR) simulation

Join your local Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) volunteers at one of two family-friendly Emergency Expo events taking place on Saturday 14 October.

Beginning at 10:00am at Corryong Recreation Reserve, the North East Emergency Expo (NEEE) will involve 30 different emergency service organisations sector wide including VICSES, CFA, Victoria Police, Forest Fire Management Victoria, St John’s Ambulance, and local council, for community members to come and visit.

NEEE will also feature advice for other kinds of emergencies, such as financial hardship during your recovery from a severe weather event, including free medical and legal services available to at-risk or impacted communities.

Kicking off an hour later - at 11:00am - the 2023 Emergency Expo at Castlemaine's Western Reserve will feature a range of emergency service vehicles, mine rescue equipment, child friendly activities, and coffee, as well as a range of informative talks and demonstrations, including the well-known VICSES Castlemaine Unit’s Road Crash Rescue volunteer crew cutting up a car.

After last year's floods and a forthcoming period of hotter and drier conditions over the coming months, there's never been a better time to learn about the challenges in your region and how best you can prepare yourself, your family and your property.

This is an opportunity for community members to come along and talk to the experts about what’s coming this high impact season, and how to prepare for an emergency as well as the most efficient ways to receive vital information on how to stay safe.

If you're keen to get involved with VICSES, local unit members will be available to speak to about a volunteer opportunity for you.

Both events run until 3:00pm and entry is free, however a gold coin donation to the SES or CFA is welcome.

Statement attributable to VICSES Castlemaine Unit, Deputy Controller, Daniel Bone:

“With the El Niño weather pattern confirmed, we know that many people are thinking about how best to protect their families, property, community, pets and wildlife.”

“The Expo is a great way to learn from first responders about how we can all reduce the risks associated with fire and extreme weather events. We hope that the Expo will be a catalyst for people to plan for emergencies and take action.”