VICSES volunteers honoured for incredible devotion to Barwon region
Volunteers from Victoria State Emergency Service’s (VICSES) Barwon area have been recognised for their outstanding commitment and ongoing support of local communities as part of the organisation’s yearly awards initiative.
Convening at the Little Percy Lecture Theatre at Deakin University’s Geelong waterfront campus on Saturday, guests of honour were celebrated for more than 100 years of combined VICSES service to Geelong and surrounding towns.
VICSES Colac Unit volunteer Daniel Zappeli was the longest-tenured volunteer celebrated on the day as he marked two decades of consistent emergency response, while Colac colleague and Unit Controller Steve Tevelein was acknowledged for 15 years of devoted service to his community.
Volunteers Jack Daniels and Jacob Mahoney were also part of a strong VICSES Colac Unit contingent on the day, acknowledged with a medal signifying 10 years of service alongside VICSES Winchelsea Unit counterparts Angela Hooper and outgoing Unit Controller Kris Jeffrey, whose decade of service includes six years at the helm of his local unit.
A trio of VICSES Bellarine Unit volunteers were honoured for five years of committed service, with Unit Controller Nicole Shortis, Crystal Sturgess-Myers and Peter Schilder presented a lapel badge in recognition of their work on the peninsula and beyond.
VICSES Colac Unit volunteer Jayden Tevelein and Barwon South West Regional Unit Controller Melissa Petrisevac were also awarded pins denoting five years of committed service.
The event saw several National Medals awarded to celebrate members who have given 15 years of exceptional service to VICSES and other partner emergency services, with Kris Jeffrey and VICSES Corio Unit volunteer Nigel Cunningham each honoured.
Peter Schilder also received a 1st Clasp for his existing National Medal, denoting at least 25 years of diligent service as a volunteer.
A total of 47 awards are set to be presented to local VICSES volunteers and staff for service to their communities, with additional members to be honoured at unit ceremonies later this year.
Saturday’s event follows a busy year for the Barwon Unit Support area, with local volunteers called to more than 3,700 incidents in 2024/25.
To find out more about volunteering with VICSES, visit www.ses.vic.gov.au/join-us.
Quotes attributable to Bradley Irvin, VICSES Operations Manager – Barwon Unit Support Team:
“Our volunteers show incredible dedication by preparing for and responding to emergencies in their communities so it’s important we acknowledge and celebrate that commitment when we can.
“Events such as these are a great opportunity to recognise the incredible work being done in our communities and honour those behind the orange uniform who work tirelessly to support their communities in their times of need.”
