Helicopters, high-skill training and history made at VICSES’ Women in Rescue 2026

21/03/2026, 8:57 PM
Victoria Police Mounted Branch members joined VICSES volunteers at the Women in Rescue Grampians and Northwest Metro event, promoting inter-agency cooperation and highlighting how Victoria's emergency services 'Work As One' to keep communities safe.

More than 300 female and gender diverse Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) volunteers came together across seven locations in Victoria today for Women in Rescue 2026.

From Barwon Southwest to Gippsland, Grampians and Northwest Metro, Hume, Loddon Mallee, Eastern Metro and Southern Metro, participants took part in hands on training designed to build skills, confidence and collaboration as part of VICSES’ flagship initiative empowering women in emergency response.

Now in its ninth year, Women in Rescue was founded in 2018 by female volunteers for female volunteers and continues to grow in scale, impact and ambition.

For the first time in Women in Rescue history, Victoria Police joined the event held in Ballan with Aviation Command and members of the Mounted Branch taking part in the training. A helicopter crewed by a female pilot, and two female Tactical Flight Officers supported the exercise, while Mounted Branch officers and their horses were also involved on the ground.

Volunteers trained alongside the aviation crew and mounted officers, observing real time flight operations, practising tactical coordination and experiencing how air support integrates with ground rescue teams during complex emergency responses.

The presence of the female pilot and Tactical Flight Officers was a landmark moment, showcasing women in highly specialised frontline aviation roles. Participants learned about flight planning, rescue coordination and the critical role air support plays during major incidents, highlighting the wide range of career and operational pathways available to women across the emergency services sector.

The involvement of the Mounted Branch also provided a unique perspective on how mounted units support search operations and incident management, further expanding the training beyond traditional land-based rescue.

This collaboration for 2026 highlighted a united commitment across Victoria’s emergency services to increasing female representation and creating visible leadership pathways for women across the sector.

Women in Rescue allows female and gender-diverse volunteers to develop new skills, build confidence and strengthen their relationships with volunteers from across the state.

Women in Rescue is a hands on, practical training day designed to build confidence, capability and connection. Volunteers refine their technical rescue skills, operate tools and equipment in realistic scenarios, and strengthen teamwork in a supportive and inclusive environment.

Women currently make up nearly 34 per cent of VICSES’ volunteer base, and the organisation remains committed to increasing participation to better reflect the communities it serves.

The event follows another busy year for VICSES volunteers, who continue to respond to tens of thousands of requests for assistance across the state, including storm, flood and road crash rescue incidents.

Women in Rescue showcases the strength, skill and camaraderie that comes with being part of VICSES. If you are interested in joining, visit ses.vic.gov.au/joinus.

Quotes attributable to Amanda Opie, VICSES Grampians & North West Metro Women in Rescue volunteer organiser:

“Women in Rescue continues to go from strength to strength and it’s fantastic to see so many female and gender diverse volunteers getting involved and learning valuable new skills.

“This ensures our volunteer base are prepared and ready to be the best first responders they can possibly be when tasked with a real-life emergency.”

Quotes attributable to VICSES Chief Executive Officer, Rob Purcell:

“Women in Rescue continues to evolve every year, and in 2026 we are proud to see it expand beyond VICSES, strengthening collaboration with our emergency service partners.”

“The participation of Victoria Police Aviation Command and Life Saving Victoria this year sends a powerful message to women across the sector, there is a place for you in every aspect of emergency response.”

“This initiative is about building capability, confidence and connection. The skills developed today directly strengthen our operational readiness and our ability to support Victorian communities when they need us most.”

“Our female and gender diverse volunteers bring professionalism, resilience and expertise to every incident. Women in Rescue ensures we continue to nurture and grow that capability for the future.”