VICSES volunteers strengthen readiness through successful multi-agency exercise in Wallington

19/05/2025, 3:46 AM
VICSES volunteers gain access to an overturned bus as part of a large-scale multi-agency training scenario held near Wallington at the weekend.

Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) volunteers from across the Bellarine Peninsula and surrounding areas successfully came together over the weekend on Sunday 18 May, to participate in a large-scale multi-agency operation - Exercise Mabon - in Wallington.

Coordinated by the VICSES Bellarine Unit, the exercise held on Sunday, 18 May, simulated a major traffic incident involving a collision between a 53-seat passenger bus and a delivery truck, resulting in multiple casualties and complex response challenges.

The scenario was based on a fictional food and wine festival setting and designed to rigorously test multi-agency emergency response capabilities in real time.

The event brought together representatives from VICSES, CFA, FRV, Victoria Police, Ambulance Victoria, St John Ambulance, and other support agencies and businesses, including local council.

Exercise Mabon saw VICSES volunteers work closely with representatives from CFA, FRV, Victoria Police, Ambulance Victoria and St John Ambulance.

Participants practiced a coordinated emergency response, including casualty triage and extrication, hazardous material management, and the establishment of command-and-control structures.

The realistic scenario enabled participants to practise responding to a multi-vehicle, multi-casualty emergency involving simulated hazards such as entrapments, smoke effects, and debris. The exercise was conducted under strict safety supervision, with a dedicated Safety Officer on site throughout the day.

Exercise Mabon successfully achieved its core objectives, including:

  • Test command and control structures across agencies.
  • Enhance interoperability and effective communication during complex responses.
  • Practise casualty triage and management in a realistic environment.
  • Improve decision-making under pressure during evolving emergency scenarios.
  • Test the use of a multi-agency radio communication channel.

The bus used in the scenario was a decommissioned 53-seat coach kindly donated to the VICSES Bellarine Unit in 2015, by Christian’s Bus Company. The unit has since utilised the vehicle for training and was pleased to make it available for this significant inter-agency exercise before its final decommissioning.

This year’s exercise also marks the beginning of National Volunteer Week, a time to recognise and celebrate the vital contributions of volunteers across the country. Wear Orange Wednesday (WOW Day), which falls within the week, honours VICSES volunteers for their commitment and service to the community. Exercise Mabon stands as a fitting demonstration of their dedication and capability.

VICSES extends its appreciation to all participating agencies, facilitators, volunteers, and the local community for their support in making the exercise a success.

Quotes attributable to Rachel Vella, VICSES Bellarine Unit, Deputy Controller – Training:

"Exercises like Mabon are vital to ensure that when real emergencies occur, we have the systems, communication, and relationships in place to respond effectively and save lives when real emergencies occur,. The cooperation and professionalism displayed by all involved was outstanding."

“Exercise Mabon provided a highly realistic exercise environment, allowing agencies to work together under pressure, test procedures, and identify areas for improvement.”

Attributable to Ambulance Victoria Barwon South West Regional Support Manager David Shearer

“Realistic simulations such as Exercise Mabon allow us to hone critical skills in clinical practice and scene control. This exercise was also a great opportunity to work collaboratively with other emergency services.”

“We hope we never have to attend events like these but if we do, it’s so important that our paramedics are equipped to manage these complex cases.”

Quotes attributable to Garry Cook AFSM, CFA Acting Chief Officer:

“It is vital we work as one, and any opportunity to work alongside our counterparts is positive. Not only does it further enhance our teamwork, communication, and leadership at a response, but it also allows the familiarisation of our respective tools and processes.”

“The exercise stems as a valuable learning experience for members in an environment that will only improve our ability to respond in the event of an emergency in the future and ultimately protect the community.”

Quotes attributable to Fire Rescue Victoria, Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Western District 3, Michael McGuinness:

“At any moment, our firefighters may be called to a heavy vehicle rescue incident. When that happens, it is critical that FRV works as one with other emergency services to respond effectively to a challenging and complex situation.”

“Exercise Mabon and others like it ensure all emergency services have the skills and experience to give their best performance when it matters most.”