Gippsland volunteers highlighted for years of VICSES commitment

10/06/2025, 4:45 PM
VICSES Chief Executive Officer Rob Purcell with former Gippsland Volunteer Support Officer and Warragul Unit volunteer Mark Archer, who received a 1st clasp to his National Medal acknowledging more than 25 years of exemplary VICSES service.

Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) volunteers from throughout the state’s eastern reaches have been honoured for their years of tireless commitment to local communities.

As part of an award scheme acknowledging the long-service of volunteers across Victoria, volunteers from throughout east and west Gippsland were celebrated at ceremonies held in Bairnsdale and Traralgon respectively, in the company of their family, friends and VICSES volunteer and staff colleagues.

Held on May 17, the Bairnsdale event brought volunteers from as far away as Maffra, Swifts Creek and Buchan to celebrate the exemplary efforts of east Gippsland members, with volunteering tenures of between five and 45 years celebrated throughout the day.

Buchan Unit’s Ken Bodinnar was the longest-tenured volunteer acknowledged, having served the community for almost half a century, while Douglas Davidson (Stratford) received recognition for his more than 40 years of service to VICSES.

Malcolm McCalman and Craig Ely, representing Maffra and Sale units respectively, were each honoured for their dedication over more than 30 years to the local emergency response, and four others were celebrated for more than 20 years of VICSES involvement.

Awarded for outstanding service of more than 15 years, with a clasp denoting each ensuing decade, the National Medal was also awarded to Francis Carter (Bairnsdale) and Michael McStephen (Bruthen), and to Aaron Smith (Stratford – 1st clasp) and Roger Neal (Bairnsdale – 2nd clasp) for their outstanding service to their communities.

At an event held in Traralgon the following day, almost 40 west Gippsland-based volunteers were acknowledged for their continued support of their local communities.

Among the cohort recognised were Dimiti Bates and Anthony Moretti, who were each awarded the National Emergency Medal for their exceptional service during the 2019/20 bushfires, which swept across large parts of Victoria’s east and northeast.

Gippsland Regional Unit volunteer Sharon Feeley was also awarded the National Emergency Medal posthumously for her service during the 2019/20 bushfires, with the event also providing the perfect opportunity for her unit to unveil the perpetual Sharon Feeley Memorial Shield, which will be presented annually to a volunteer deemed to have gone above and beyond to serve the Gippsland community.

Sharon’s extended family were in attendance for the award’s inauguration, which celebrates the passion, selflessness and commitment Sharon always showed her community.

Walter Woods (Erica), Rosemary Dean (Moe), Wayne Pengelly and David Neilson (Morwell) were each awarded the National Medal, while Warragul’s Mark Archer received a 1st clasp to his own National Medal recognising 25 years of dedicated service.

It was a special day for VICSES Moe Unit, with widely respected volunteer Edward (Ted) Allchin posthumously recognised for 50 years of service to his community, while fellow Moe volunteers Rosemary Dean and Graeme Johnstone Stevens celebrated two decades of volunteer service.

VICSES Warragul Unit volunteer Rex Skinner was recognised for 30 years of service to his local community.

Others recognised for their extensive service included Warragul Unit’s Rex Skinner (30 years), Erica’s Walter Woods (25 years) and Morwell’s Heather Hadkiss (25 years) and Raymond Fox (20 years).

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

Quotes attributable to Cain Trist, VICSES Deputy Chief Officer

“VICSES volunteers play a really important role in their communities, and it’s important we take the time to celebrate their years of service and encourage newer members to follow in their footsteps whenever we can. It’s also a great opportunity for VICSES to thank others who play an important role in supporting our members to be able to serve their communities - such as their partners, families, friends, and employers.

“Across Gippsland, our members showcase incredible commitment to improving emergency preparedness and are always there to provide vital support in times of need.

“These awards are a fantastic way to commence National Volunteer Week and thank our volunteers for their outstanding work in their communities.”