VICSES Loddon Mallee volunteers celebrated for ongoing service
Volunteers from across the Loddon and Mallee regions of the Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) gathered at the weekend to celebrate the extraordinary efforts of local members throughout the organisation’s 50-year history.
Tenured members of between five and 50 years and their families joined VICSES staff and senior executives at the Charlton’s Rex Theatre, as service awards were presented throughout the afternoon acknowledging the vital role they play as first responders in regional communities.
Among the cohort recognised were Wendy Witty (Swan Hill) and Stanley Hendy ESM (Loddon Mallee Regional Unit), who as foundation VICSES members recently celebrated their ‘golden jubilee’ 50th anniversary of service to Victorian communities.
Both were members of VICSES’ predecessor, Civil Defence, before the organisation was renamed in 1975 to become uniform with other states across Australia.
Having spent his younger years in Charlton before moving to Nhill and commencing his journey with Civil Defence and VICSES, the event served as a homecoming for Stanley, who fondly remembered attending the Rex Theatre to see performances as a youngster.
Woomelang Unit’s Donald Collins was acknowledged for his 45 years of service, having spent all but two months of his tenure with the small Mallee unit as Deputy Controller.
Three members were also celebrated for more than 30 years of dedicated volunteering in their local communities, with Kyabram Unit’s Paul Octigan ESM and Kerang’s Mark Gardiner (35 years), and Castlemaine’s Lee Eastham (30 years) each honoured with service clasps.
Elizabeth Kerr (Kyabram), Brenda Addicoat (Woodend) and Brett Redway (Gisborne) were presented the National Medal for diligent service to their communities over a period of 15 years, while Castlemaine Unit’s Adam Pratt and Alan Symes each received their second clasp to the National Medal, denoting 35 years of volunteer service.
And while recognising the long service of volunteers was the theme of the day, additional awards were also presented acknowledging VICSES staff member Matt Pittock for epitomising VICSES values, and Heathcote Unit’s Peter Duncan for Excellence in Innovation in aiding the implementation of a new VICSES volunteer onboarding process.
Gail and Paul Octigan were also acknowledged for temporarily aiding the operations of VICSES Echuca Unit on top of their commitments with VICSES Kyabram Unit.
Quotes attributable to Sharon Unthank, VICSES Senior Assistant Chief Officer
“VICSES is very fortunate to have such a wealth of experience among its volunteer-base, and it’s important we show our appreciation for all the work they do within their communities.
“These awards are a great way to recognise the diverse range of roles available within VICSES and celebrate the people who give so much to this organisation without asking for anything in return.”
