The Whittlesea VICSES Unit is comprised of a dedicated team of local volunteers who give their time to help others during storms, floods, search and rescue operations, and a range of other emergencies. Our members provide assistance across the City of Whittlesea and, when required, support communities throughout Victoria.

To carry out these activities, our volunteers rely on specialised vehicles and equipment. Three of the four vehicles operated by our unit are unit-funded, meaning we rely on community support and fundraising to assist with their replacement.

One of these vehicles, Operations Support 1, has reached the replacement period set by VICSES. Replacing this vehicle will help ensure our volunteers can continue supporting emergency operations across our community.

Operations Support 1 is not unique in requiring community support for replacement. Across Victoria, around 63% of the VICSES vehicle fleet relies on volunteer fundraising to meet replacement costs. With more than half of the fleet expected to reach its replacement age by 2028, volunteer fundraising continues to play an important role in helping local units like Whittlesea replace vehicles and maintain operational capability.

The Whittlesea VICSES Unit is seeking funding through the Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP). If successful, the grant will cover two-thirds of the cost, leaving our unit to raise the remaining $30,000.

In 2025, our volunteers responded to 705 requests for assistance across the City of Whittlesea and beyond.

Your donation will directly contribute to the replacement of Operations Support 1, helping ensure Whittlesea VICSES can continue providing emergency assistance to our community.