Vehicle fleet feedback to strengthen VICSES emergency response

30/03/2026, 2:09 PM
VICSES Alexandra Unit's specially-designed Isuzu Medium Rescue Truck featuring an uprated transmission was available for volunteers and staff to test as part of the recent VICSES Drive Days event at Creswick.

The Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) vehicle fleet has been put through its paces, with rigorous testing and assessment undertaken by staff, volunteers and technical experts as part of a three-day vehicle showcase near Creswick.

Supported by the Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council (AFAC) Fleet Technical Group, the VICSES Vehicle Drive Days initiative allowed members to test-drive and provide targeted feedback last week on a variety of fleet options, to support VICSES in further optimising its vehicle resources across the state.

Representatives from six emergency agencies across Australia convened on Thursday morning to kickstart the event, providing important technical insight and assisting in the evaluation of a range of vehicles, including an Isuzu Medium Rescue Truck (MRT) with an uprated Allison transmission designed specifically for emergency services in an effort to improve performance and drivability.

The Isuzu MRTs are widely used across emergency service jurisdictions in Australia and are often relied upon by VICSES units to transport road crash rescue equipment, chainsaws and other resources while maintaining manoeuvrability, particularly in urban environments.

VICSES staff and more than 40 volunteers from across the state were also given the opportunity to test more than 10 twin cab utility support vehicles, including various Ford Rangers and Toyota Hilux models and newer imports such as the BYD Shark and, with trailers also available to trial each vehicle’s towing performance.

A 40km loop through the outskirts of Ballarat providing a wide range driving conditions for members to experiment with, ensuring fleet feedback could be highly informed and provide valuable insight into volunteer sentiment.

The VICSES Drive Days event is an integral part of VICSES’ fleet collaboration process, providing members and stakeholders the opportunity to contribute to fleet evaluation, engage directly with volunteers and technical experts and observe exactly how feedback can be incorporated into future fleet planning.

Quotes attributable to Lynette Connor, VICSES Manager Assets:

“VICSES Drive Days is a great way to ensure our volunteers and stakeholders are included in important learning, testing and evaluation opportunities which will ultimately inform the resources they have to respond to emergencies.

“It’s fantastic to be able to bring representatives from across Victoria and from neighbouring jurisdictions together to share experiences, build relationships and work as one to strengthen our fleet and our volunteers’ capability.

“Our vehicle fleet plays a vital role in getting our volunteers to where they need to be to support their communities and VICSES is constantly exploring ways in which to ensure members can do so efficiently and with the equipment they require.”