New emergency services hubs to strengthen VICSES capability in Heathcote and Rochester

07/08/2026, 3:55 PM
VICSES volunteers from the Heathcote and Rochester units attended the opening of the new emergency services hub, alongside Deputy Chief Officer Western Region Greg Swindells and Acting Chief Executive Officer Debbie Mann.
VICSES volunteers from the Heathcote and Rochester units attended the opening of the new emergency services hub, alongside Western Region Deputy Chief Officer Greg Swindells and Acting Chief Executive Officer Debbie Mann.


Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) volunteers in Heathcote and Rochester will soon have purpose built, flood resilient facilities to better support their response to emergencies, with construction officially underway on two new Emergency Services Hubs.

The new facilities located at 26 Herriot Street, Heathcote and 70 Moore Street, Rochester, will bring VICSES and Country Fire Authority (CFA) volunteers together under one roof, strengthening collaboration while providing modern operational bases designed to support emergency response across the region.

The investment follows the devastating floods of 2022, which significantly impacted both communities and highlighted the importance of resilient emergency service infrastructure. In Heathcote, the local VICSES headquarters was inundated, with volunteers relocating to the CFA station so they could continue supporting the community throughout the emergency. In Rochester, the VICSES unit headquarters was among the facilities affected by widespread flooding.

Once complete, the purpose-built hubs will provide VICSES volunteers with modern operational areas, dedicated training and administration spaces, improved volunteer amenities and updated motor bays to support emergency response vehicles and equipment. The facilities will also incorporate sustainable features including solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems and energy efficient building services.
 

VICSES volunteers from the Heathcote and Rochester units at the opening of the new emergency services hub with Deputy Chief Officer Western Region Greg Swindells and Acting CEO Debbie Mann.
VICSES volunteers from the Heathcote and Rochester units at the opening of the new emergency services hub with Western Region Deputy Chief Officer Greg Swindells and Acting CEO Debbie Mann.

Every year, VICSES volunteers respond to storms, floods, road crash rescues, fallen trees and other emergencies, helping communities prepare for, respond to and recover from emergencies. The new hubs will ensure volunteers have facilities that better support training, operational readiness and day to day response.

The station designs were developed by Community Safety Building Projects, VICSES and CFA in consultation with local volunteers, councils and community representatives to ensure the facilities meet the needs of emergency responders now and into the future.

Constructed by Barpa Pty Ltd, the project is funded through the Victorian Government's Capital Upgrades Program and delivered by Community Safety Building Projects.

Construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2027.

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

Quotes attributable to VICSES Deputy Chief Officer, Western - Greg Swindells:

"Our volunteers are committed to supporting their communities whenever emergencies strike, and these new facilities will provide the modern, fit for purpose spaces they need to train, prepare and respond with confidence."

"Bringing VICSES and CFA volunteers together at both locations will strengthen collaboration between our agencies, helping us deliver an even more coordinated response when communities need us most."