VICSES Kyabram Unit volunteers reach major road crash rescue milestone

13/08/2026, 1:34 PM
Kyabram Unit volunteers at the Road Crash Rescue accreditation ceremony alongside VICSES Chief Officer Operations Alistair Drayton and Emergency Management Commissioner Tim Wiebusch.


Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) Kyabram Unit has officially joined the state’s network of accredited Road Crash Rescue (RCR) units, strengthening local emergency response capability and marking a major milestone for local volunteers.

The unit was officially accredited last night at a ceremony held at the unit, becoming VICSES’ 105th principal RCR unit and enabling its nationally accredited and qualified volunteers to provide a primary response to road crash emergencies in Kyabram and surrounding areas.

The new volunteer capability will bring specialist road crash rescue skills closer to the local community, reducing reliance on neighbouring RCR units and providing an additional layer of support during serious road incidents.

Prior to the unit’s formal accreditation, road crash rescues in the Kyabram area were supported by specialist VICSES volunteers from Tatura, Rochester and Rushworth, as well as Echuca and Moama Search and Rescue volunteers.

It will also strengthen the broader regional response, with VICSES Kyabram Unit volunteers now able to support neighbouring RCR units when required, helping reduce the distance other specialist crews need to travel to road crash incidents in the area.

Twelve VICSES Kyabram Unit volunteers have undertaken the training required to establish the unit’s RCR capability, with more volunteers expected to build their skills in the coming months.

The accreditation follows a significant commitment from local volunteers, who have invested their time in developing the specialist skills required to safely undertake complex road crash rescues.

VICSES has the largest network of RCR responders in Australia, with volunteers across the state providing specialist rescue capability alongside other emergency services.

The milestone comes as demand for RCR capability continues to grow, with VICSES volunteers unfortunately responding to over 2,500 RCR related incidents across the state during the 2025/26 financial year.

RCR units are required to renew their accreditation every three years under the State Road Crash Rescue Arrangements, with responders completing rigorous assessment to ensure they continue to have the skills and capability required to undertake specialist rescues.

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

Quotes attributable to VICSES Chief Officer, Operations, Alistair Drayton:

“This accreditation is a significant achievement for the VICSES Kyabram unit and gives our volunteers another way to support the community we are proud to serve.”