by Michaela Meade
The Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES), including the Whittlesea and Hume units, has seen the two busiest periods in its history within the past six months
It follows significant storms in June and October of this year that affected much of the state.
Statewide, VICSES received 9898 requests for assistance in the seven days from 4pm Thursday, October 29 to 4pm Thursday, November 4.
Whittlesea SES unit volunteer Donna Fenech said her unit had responded to 173 requests.
“Most of the calls for assistance were for trees fallen down on property, on the road (causing traffic hazards), on cars, building damage e.g. roof tiles being displaced/missing causing leaking through the roof, assisting other emergency service agencies and fallen fences,” she said.
Crews from the New South Wales State Emergency Service had come down to assist with the workload from the October storm.
VICSES chief operations officer Tim Wiebusch said it had been an “incredibly busy” time for volunteers.
“I’m really proud of the work our VICSES volunteers have undertaken and continue to do to assist so many community members with great support from our partner agencies,” Mr Wiebusch said.
“To have some additional capacity from NSW SES to complement our crews, was an incredible asset for our response to this event.
“It gave our volunteers some respite, but also the ability to clear the backlog of requests for assistance as quickly as we did.”
All remaining requests for assistance were officially cleared on Thursday, November 4.
VICSES said this most recent weather event was a “good reminder” for the community in Whittlesea, Hume and beyond to be aware of weather changes.
Residents are advised to download the VicEmergency mobile app to receive the latest warning and advice messaging, as well as the VicTraffic mobile app or website and check before travelling for updates on road closures, hazards and to consider alternative journeys.
