Volunteers receive civic congratulations for storm response

28/05/2024, 2:31 PM
VICSES volunteers were honoured at a recent civic reception hosted by Greater Dandenong City Council. Mayor Lana Formoso (centre) is an operational volunteer at VICSES Greater Dandenong Unit.

Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) volunteers who worked to clear more than 350 requests for assistance (RFAs) in the week following a major storm cell earlier this year have been honoured by their local government.

At a civic reception hosted by Greater Dandenong City Council on 22 May, 2024, VICSES Greater Dandenong volunteers were celebrated for their work to safeguard the community, after trees and powerlines were flattened by strong winds on the evening of February 13.

Four crews of Greater Dandenong volunteers supported their community into the night, after winds likened to those of a cyclone struck Melbourne’s outer east around 4.30pm.

Dandenong and Dandenong North, as well as Springvale and Mulgrave were among the most heavily-impacted suburbs, while to the northwest VICSES Monash Unit volunteers responded to a remarkable 1000 RFAs in the week following the storm. 

Greater Dandenong volunteers returned to the roads at 6.30am the following day as RFAs continued to flood in, and an incident control point was established at the local headquarters to help manage the volume of calls for help.

Completing 12-hour shifts to clear the damage, almost 40 VICSES Greater Dandenong Unit volunteers turned out in support of their community in the ensuing days, with further support provided by neighbouring VICSES units and the CFA.

VICSES Greater Dandenong Unit Controller Michael Prior, alongside volunteer and Greater Dandenong City Council Mayor Lana Formoso, as they assisted their community in the wake of the February 13 storms.

Serving with VICSES’ Greater Dandenong Unit over the last five years, Greater Dandenong Mayor Lana Formoso was one of the skilled volunteers who turned out in response to the destructive storm, witnessing the carnage first-hand.

In an invitation issued to VICSES and CFA volunteers, Cr Formoso praised the “vital contribution of our emergency service workers, volunteers and organisations”.

“Without asking for or expecting thanks, you do a wonderful job protecting and supporting our city and its residents,” the citation read.

Quotes attributable to Michael Prior, VICSES Greater Dandenong Unit Controller:

“This particular storm left its mark on our community, and VICSES volunteers went above and beyond to lend their support over what was an exceedingly busy week.

“VICSES volunteers put their expert training to work in the aftermath of the storm event, aiding local communities in recovering from the destruction.

“Our volunteers don’t expect to be acknowledged for the work they do in the community, but it’s always nice to know we have the support of our city and its citizens.”