VICSES brings rescue sector together at Rescue Symposium
Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) has brought together almost 60 volunteers and emergency services leaders from across Victoria for a Rescue Symposium focused on strengthening collaboration, capability and innovation across the rescue sector over the weekend.
Held at the Victorian Emergency Management Institute at Mount Macedon, the symposium brought VICSES members together with colleagues from across the emergency management sector to explore the future of rescue in Victoria, spanning road, air and rail rescue.
Representatives from VICSES, Victoria Police, Country Fire Authority (CFA), Ambulance Victoria and Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) took part in panel discussions exploring the strategic direction of rescue, command and coordination during complex incidents, and how agencies can work together effectively when responding to future emergencies.
The program also featured presentations from the Victoria Police Major Collision Investigation Unit on how emergency services can support its work, as well as case studies examining the Stonehaven Bus Crash Incident in August 2025, and the BlueScope Steel Incident in July 2024.
A key focus of the symposium was sharing lessons learned from significant incidents and exploring how different agencies can work together when responding to complex rescue operations.
The event also showcased innovation across the sector, with industry vendors demonstrating equipment and technology relevant to industrial rescue, while an Innovation Hub provided an opportunity for members to share ideas and explore new approaches to rescue.
VICSES and CFA volunteers from the VICSES South Barwon and Bannockburn units together with CFA Nar Nar Goon Brigade also joined forces for a live vehicle rescue demonstration, showcasing techniques and equipment used to safely extricate people trapped in vehicles.
Rather than traditional workshops, the symposium was designed to bring VICSES members and emergency services partners together to build relationships, share knowledge and strengthen the broader rescue sector.
VICSES provides the largest Road Crash Rescue network in Australia, with 105 accredited VICSES units providing road crash rescue capability across Victoria. VICSES volunteers respond to approximately 2,500 road crash rescue incidents on Victorian roads each year.
Quotes attributable to VICSES Operations Manager – Road Air Industrial Rail (RAIR), Gerry Sheridan
“Bringing our volunteers together with leaders and specialists from across the emergency services gives us an opportunity to look at what is working, where we can improve and how we can continue to strengthen rescue capability across Victoria.”
“The relationships and connections built through these events are critical when we are working together during complex incidents, where clear communication, coordination and a shared understanding of each agency’s role can make a real difference.”
