The VICSES Essendon Unit is one of the operational units of the Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES). VICSES is the primary agency responsible for managing flood, storm, earthquake, landslide and tsunami emergency responses across Victoria. These services are provided by a volunteer workforce, who make themselves available 24 hours a day, every day of the year to protect and support their communities.

VICSES Essendon Unit is part of the North West Metro response area, providing support to Moonee Valley and the City of Melbourne as well as specialist capability across Victoria. The Essendon Unit responds to between 400 and 1000 Requests For Assistance (RFAs) each year, as well as working with the community to build resilience and preparedness through engagement activties.

Fundraising is vital to VICSES operations, providing the funds for equipment (including vehicles), training and support that are not covered by the funding allocation we receive from state government.

As our crews train and prepare for the next major flood or storm, and with the prospect of severe weather events becoming even more severe as a direct consequence of the changes we are seeing in our climate, we are asking for your help to make sure we have the people (volunteers who feel supported and valued), equipment and training that we need to continue our vital operations to support the community.
 
All funds raised will go towards are rescue vehicle fleet, operational equipment and consumables, training and supporting our disaster risk reduction and resilience building activities within the community.

If we can't provide the right environment to attract, and then retain our volunteer workforce, we will not be able to effectively provide the services to our community that we, and they, expect.
 
Thank you