SES Wyndham Unit

V/LINE FAMILIARISATION

Today our members took part in a V/Line familiarisation session, gaining valuable hands-on exposure to the VLocity fleet and rail operating environment.

Members were taken through a 9-car VLocity train set and shown critical systems including emergency access points, de-training equipment, isolation procedures, life saving equipment, and passenger evacuation processes.

The session provided members with a greater understanding of how to safely operate around rail infrastructure and support passengers during rail related emergencies.

We were joined by our partner agencies including CFA (Country Fire Authority), Fire Rescue Victoria, Victoria Police, Ambulance Victoria, and neighbouring Victoria State Emergency Service units, highlighting the importance of multi-agency cooperation and interoperability during complex incidents.

Training opportunities like this build capability, confidence, and stronger working relationships between agencies. While we hope these skills are never required during a real-world emergency, sessions like this ensure responders are better prepared to keep the community safe when incidents occur.

A huge thank you to V/Line for hosting the session and sharing their knowledge with emergency services personnel.

🟠 Wear Orange Wednesday 🟠

Today we acknowledge all the hard work and dedication our amazing volunteers show day in and day out in VICSES.

From responding to floods and storm events, engaging with the community and assisting our fellow emergency service agencies, our volunteers are ready when you need them.

Being a SES volunteer is belonging to a community. And today we celebrate that community and the teamwork and lifelong friendships it forges

Thank you to all our volunteers and supporters near and far. We couldn't do this without you 🧡

MONDAY NIGHT TRAINING🏚️

Last night, our members focused on structural stabilisation, building their skills in how to support damaged structures and help prevent further collapse.

Using timber props and practical techniques, members worked through how to brace unstable areas and make them safer until further repairs or specialist works are carried out. This type of training is critical in storm and impact related incidents where damaged structures pose an ongoing risk.

While this is not something our members attend every day, it is vital to understand how to work safely around structures under threat, identify key risks, and build the skills needed to manage incidents involving structural collapse.

Training like this helps ensure our members remain ready to respond safely and effectively when the community needs us most.

WYNDHAM VOLUNTEER EXPO

Yesterday, our members attended the Wyndham Volunteer Expo, speaking with community members about all things volunteering and what it means to be part of VICSES.

The expo gave people the chance to ask questions about volunteering, learn more about the role we play in the community, and hear firsthand what our members gain from being part of the State Emergency Service.

It was a fantastic day of community engagement, with more than 80 people stopping by to speak with us and 58 expressing interest in joining VicSES. It was especially encouraging to see strong interest from younger members of the community who are keen to step up, get involved, and give back.

A big thank you to Wyndham City for hosting the event and helping showcase the many volunteering opportunities available across the municipality, and a big thank you to our members who spent their day encouraging others to volunteer!

TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT TRAINING

Today, our members successfully completed their traffic management training, passing all assessments and furthering their capability to support operations at emergencies.

Traffic management is a challenging skill set that requires constant awareness of road users, fellow members, and the surrounding environment. It places our volunteers in high risk environments so emergency crews are able to work safely and incidents are able to be managed effectively.

Well done to everyone involved. It is great to see more of our members continuing to build their skills and strengthening our ability to better serve the community.

MONDAY NIGHT TRAINING 🚧🚗

Tonight, some of our members and members from SES Point Cook Unit took part in a newly revised traffic management course.

As first responders, our volunteers are regularly placed in situations where traffic management is required to keep members of the public, emergency services personnel, and road users safe.

Throughout the session, members worked through the legislative authority behind traffic management, what is expected of them on scene, and the practical considerations involved when carrying out the role.

This Saturday, members will complete their practical assessments, putting their classroom learning into action through scenario-based tasks that test decision making, risk assessment, and safe traffic management practices for both responders and the wider community

Wishing them the best of luck!

🟠WEAR ORANGE WEDNESDAY🟠

The countdown to Wear Orange Wednesday
(WOW Day) on 20 May is on!

WOW Day is the national day of thanks for our
amazing SES volunteers.

Now’s the time to get WOW Day ready by
picking out a splash of orange for your outfit,
planning an orange-themed event or sharing a
message of thanks to our wonderful SES
volunteers using the hashtag

Find out more: www.ses.vic.gov.au/news-andmedia/campaigns/wear-orange-wednesday

MEMORIAL DETAILS

Laurie was a devoted father and grandfather, and a respected leader whose impact on Wyndham Unit, Wyndham West Unit, Point Cook Unit, and the wider community will not be forgotten. His strength, humour, and unwavering support touched so many, and he will be deeply missed.

Family and friends are warmly invited to come together to celebrate Laurie’s life and honour his memory.

📆Wednesday, 6 May
⏰10:30am
📍Grand Star Reception & Convention Centre
499 Grieve Parade, Altona North

Your presence would mean a great deal to Laurie’s family, friends, and the many members whose lives he influenced through his years of service and leadership.

All are welcome.

For those unable to attend, the service will be live streamed. A link will be shared closer to the date.

VALE LAURIE RUSSELL ESM

It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Laurie Russell.

Laurie was a founding member of Wyndham SES and a true part of the unit’s history, heart, and identity. From the earliest days of the unit, he played a major role in building something that would go on to serve the Wyndham community for decades to come.

Laurie dedicated an extraordinary part of his life to VICSES, serving as Wyndham Unit Controller for more than 30 years. His leadership, commitment, and steady presence helped shape the unit into what it is today, along with the establishment of the Wyndham West unit, He later went on to support the establishment of the Point Cook Unit as a founding member, continuing his service and helping lay the foundation for another local SES presence.

Laurie’s contribution to VICSES, and to the community, cannot be measured only by years of service or titles held. His legacy lives on in the units he helped build, the people he mentored, and the countless lives impacted by the service he gave so selflessly.

For many, Laurie was more than a leader. He was a mentor, a constant, and someone whose dedication set the standard for those who followed.

Our thoughts are with Laurie’s family, friends, and all members, past and present, who had the privilege of serving alongside him.

Rest easy, Laurie. Your service, guidance, and legacy will not be forgotten.

📸 Wyndham Star Weekly - My Wyndham: Laurie Russell

MONDAY NIGHT TRAINING🪟🚪
Members split into two groups last night.

Group 1 focused on window and door damage repairs, including the use of timber props for stabilisation and securing plastic sheeting to create a temporary weatherproof barrier. This type of damage is something we often see following strong hail storms, as well as from accidental damage.

Group 2 spent the evening reorganising our turnout bay to make room for up to eight additional members. For the first time in quite a while, we have reached capacity, with coat racks filled and space becoming limited. It is a great problem to have, and reflects the growing number of volunteers keen to step up and serve the community.

ASSIST FIRE SERVICE 🚒

Last night, our members were called to assist the CFA (Country Fire Authority) and Fire Rescue Victoria at a mulch fire in the Moolap area.

At incidents like this, we provide a specialist support capability. Using our lighting and generator trailer, we are able to deliver scene lighting and power to critical equipment and infrastructure.

The fire is currently under control with no threat to the community.