Council answers mayday call with extraordinary support for VICSES Essendon

Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) Essendon Unit will receive $45,000 in support from Moonee Valley City Council as recipients of the Extraordinary Community Support Grant.

VICSES volunteers are always there we need them, but even our critical emergency responders sometimes need a hand. Such was the case after VICSES Essendon Unit was the target of a break-in and robbery in February.

A volunteer-based organisation, VICSES provides 24/7 emergency assistance to minimise the impact of flood and storm emergencies, as well as helping other emergency services such as Victoria Police, Ambulance Victoria and fire services when needed. They also work to strengthen the community’s capacity to plan for, respond to and recover from emergencies.

VICSES Essendon unit is on track to respond to more than 400 emergency incidents this year, contributing more than 2000 volunteer hours to its community.

Moonee Valley City Council endorsed VICSES Essendon Unit’s application for the Extraordinary Community Support Grant at a Council Meeting on Tuesday 28 April and will now step in to support our local heroes.

The funds will help VICSES Essendon Unit to upgrade on-site security and continue to deliver critical emergency response and community service activities to support the Moonee Valley community.

Mayor of Moonee Valley Cr Dr Rose Iser said a break-in and theft for anyone was difficult but it seemed particularly disappointing when it happens to a community service provider.

“This is a volunteer-based organisation that delivers critical emergency response and community service activities,” Cr Iser said.

“They respond to more than 400 requests for assistance each year across Moonee Valley and provide critical support to Fire Rescue Victoria, Ambulance Victoria and Victoria Police.

“We were genuinely shocked by the news of a break-in that resulted in damage to the building and theft of critical equipment.

“Council understands how much our community relies on the VICSES Essendon Unit, so we have provided this extraordinary $45,000 grant.

“It will go towards further security measures at the facility to ensure this crime is not repeated.”

VICSES Essendon Unit Controller Kevin Carlisle-Stapleton said the unit is extremely grateful for the support of Moonee Valley City Council.

“It’s disappointing that our unit was targeted by criminals. Upgrading security at our unit will help protect our equipment so we’re ready to respond when the community needs us,” he said.

“This grant will also provide essential equipment that we need for the upcoming high-risk weather season. It’s about keeping our community safe.”

A report was tabled to the council after the VICSES Essendon successfully applied for an Extraordinary Community Support Grant. To find out more about Council’s Community Grants program visit – https://mvcc.vic.gov.au/how-do-i/apply/grants/.