VICSES Maffra Unit reinforces all-terrain emergency response capability

27/04/2026, 3:15 PM
VICSES Maffra Unit volunteers recently welcomed a brand-new all-terrain 'Argo' vehicle to be used across some of the state's most challenging terrain.

A modernised all-terrain capability is ensuring Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) Maffra Unit volunteers are well-placed to support remote search and rescue operations and able to navigate some of the state’s most challenging environments.

A brand-new four-seat ‘Argo’ all-terrain vehicle was recently delivered to the Gippsland unit, replacing its 20-year-old predecessor and marking a major upgrade which has already paid dividends in the community.

Following reports of a hiker requiring recovery near Howitt Plains in the heart of the Alpine National Park recently, VICSES Maffra Unit volunteers were deployed to provide Argo capability on scene, embarking on a three-hour journey to a staging area on the Howitt Road.

With weather worsening in the area, volunteers were despatched by Victoria Police to access and retrieve the patient, using chainsaws to clear a path for the Argo to traverse before successfully recovering the patient from a remote hut and returning them into the care of fellow first responders.

The new resource replaces the unit's previous Argo (pictured) which had been in operation since 2005.

Having boasted an all-terrain capability for more than 35 years, VICSES Maffra Unit volunteers have the capacity to be called to incidents such as these across Gippsland, enabling more efficient coverage of difficult terrain during search and rescue operations and reducing the physical workload on volunteers.

While providing seating for up to four people, the Argo also has ample room to stow additional emergency equipment, including a stretcher which can be removed from the vehicle’s roof and secured across the Argo’s seats to carry a patient.

VICSES Maffra Unit is one of a handful of Gippsland Units which host an all-terrain or utility terrain vehicle, alongside VICSES Wonthaggi, Warragul and Loch Sport units.

So far in 2025/26, VICSES Maffra Unit volunteers have been called to almost 50 requests for assistance (RFAs), including 23 to assist other agencies, often with land search and rescue operations in isolated terrain.

To learn more about the range of operational opportunities available to VICSES volunteers, visit www.ses.vic.gov.au/join-us/volunteer-opportunities.

Quotes attributable to Darryn Jones, VICSES Maffra Unit Controller:

“VICSES Maffra Unit has operated an over-snow or all-terrain vehicle for more than 30 years, offering specialist response which has played an important role in numerous remote rescues during this period.

“The Argo’s ability to transport a stretcher patient over snow is unique for VICSES in the region and vital to ensure community members throughout Gippsland can receive the care they require in their time of need.”