SES Essendon Unit volunteers benefit from large local donation

SES Essendon Unit volunteers benefit from large local donation

07/12/2022, 4:52 PM

In the spirit of giving, Essendon Fields today donated $10,000 to the Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) Essendon Unit, in recognition of their incredible efforts in the local area.

When the Maribyrnong River in Melbourne’s northwest broke its banks, it was the unit’s volunteers, among others, who came together jumping into action to assist local community members via boats as homes became flood affected.

Through Essendon Fields’ donation, the VICSES Essendon Unit, serviced currently by 41 volunteers, will be able to continue to support the community primarily in relation to storm and flooding events. The unit’s volunteers have worked tirelessly through the aftermath of this year’s severe weather events, and this donation will help fund vital equipment, training, and programs.

John Bates, Unit Controller for the unit highlighted that the donation will be used by the unit to support its volunteers as they continue to provide emergency response to their local community.

Established in 1981, the VICSES Essendon Unit is one of the busiest in the state, responding to over 560 Requests for Assistance (RFA) in the last financial year (2021/22).

The airport and business park operator has made this donation on behalf of the 330 businesses and 6,000 daily workers that form its onsite community, and CEO Brendan Pihan was proud to present the donation cheque to Mr Bates alongside leaders in the local community, The Hon. Bill Shorten, Federal Member for Maribyrnong and Minister for the NDIS and Government Services, and The Hon. Danny Pearson, State Member for Essendon, Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Government Services, WorkSafe, the TAC and Consumer Affairs.

They were lucky to also be joined by Santa, who’d just touched down at Essendon Fields enroute from the North Pole, having upgraded his sleigh for one of Australian Corporate Jet Centres red Embraer jets.

Quotes attributable to VICSES Essendon Unit Controller, John Bates:

"This donation will contribute to the purchase of some of the protective gear our volunteers use in operations, as well as the purchase and repair of equipment that our volunteers use to help our community when they're impacted by storms, floods and earthquake.”

“It will also be used to support our community engagement activities, including educational activities with schools and community groups, and to ensure that we have appropriate facilities for our volunteers."

Quotes attributable Hon. Danny Pearson, MP:

"Essendon Fields is part of our community, and the SES has done some fantastic work particularly over the past 12 months.  It's terrific to see that Essendon Fields is recognising that work, and making such a significant contribution to a great group of volunteers and individuals who have helped us when we needed it most."