Lifesaving equipment donated to VICSES units across Victoria
This week Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) units across Victoria received critical funds to purchase essential lifesaving equipment, as part of the AAMI Equipment Handover program.
Share
As Principal Community Partner of the VICSES since 2002, Suncorp Group's insurance brand AAMI has contributed to the purchase of critical emergency response equipment, so far donating over $9 million. Each year, AAMI’s contribution is directed to supporting SES volunteers at a grassroots level, providing vital equipment which benefits both SES response units and the communities they serve.
This year’s funds have been used to purchase over 3,200 pieces of equipment across the state, helping provide the tools to support the critical role of SES volunteers.
#Equipment donations to VICSES units across the state
Mid-west region
- 28 headlamps for VICSES units at Hepburn and St Arnaud, worth $135 each
- An automated external defibrillator for the Maffra Unit, to diagnose cardiac issues
- 7 wet suits for the SES volunteer units at Ararat and Bacchus Marsh, costing nearly $2,000
- Three chainsaw kits at $1,000 each for our units at Goroke, St Arnaud, Warracknabeal to help our VICSES volunteers with road crash rescues
North-east region
- Five remote lighting systems for Kinglake, Mansfield, Myrtleford, Seymour, and Wangaratta units worth $7,500
- Three marquees and various community engagement supplies for use across multiple units
- Three chainsaw kits to help VICSES volunteers when called out to road crash rescues for Cobram, Seymour, and Wodonga units worth $3,000
Gippsland region
- Three mules, or one-wheel stretchers, used to move immobilised patients over rough terrain for Sale, Stratford, and Tambo Valley units
- An automated external defibrillator to assist with cardiac issues for the Maffra Unit
- Nine chainsaw kits to help VICSES volunteers when called out to road crash rescues for VICSES Bendoc, Cann River, Foster, Inverloch, Mallacoota, Morwell, Rosedale, Phillip Island, and San Remo Units
South-west region
- 15 work-light kits worth nearly $10,000 for our units at Balmoral; Bannockburn; Camperdown; Cobden; Corio; Dunkeld; Hamilton; Heywood and Port Fairy
- Two marquees worth $2,750 for Geelong and Warrnambool units
- Four LED light kits worth nearly $5,000 for Lismore; Portland and South Barwon units
North-west region
- Six lighting rigs for Birchip, Mildura, and Woomelang units worth $7,000
- Two stretcher carriers for Marong and Swan Hill units worth $5,000
- Three chainsaw kits to help VICSES volunteers when called out to road crash rescues for Rushworth, Woodend, and Wycheproof worth $3,000
AAMI is incredibly proud to support the VICSES, ensuring their volunteers are equipped with the latest training and tools to support local communities. In the last 12 months, VICSES volunteers responded to over 12,200 emergency calls for assistance, ranging from on-the-ground support during emergencies to road rescue support, land searches, and assisting other emergency service organisations.
"Our VICSES volunteers are committed to protecting and helping communities get back on their feet," said Keith O'Brian, VICSES Regional Manager for Victoria's North-East region. "We’re proud of the work they do and are grateful for the support from AAMI to allow our volunteers to continue to do so."
“I cannot thank AAMI enough for their support through the equipment program. Our volunteers are highly skilled to help save lives and this equipment will assist them greatly."
Keith O'Brien, VICSES Regional Manager for Victoria's North-East region
Our VICSES volunteers are committed to protecting and helping communities get back on their feet. We’re proud of the work they do and are grateful for the support from AAMI to allow our volunteers to continue to do so.
AAMI also plays a key role in supporting various VICSES community awareness campaigns, such as 15-To-Float, which is designed to raise awareness of the dangers when driving through floodwater, and Neighbour Day, encouraging all Australians to connect with individuals in their local community.
Speaking at the recent event in Melbourne, Matt Pugliese, AAMI Head of Motor Claims in VIC and TAS spoke of the importance of AAMI's partnership with VICSES.
“We are proud of our 19-year partnership with the VICSES and hope our contribution of new equipment will help make our communities safer," Mr. Puliese said. “Over the years, AAMI has supported SES units with over 20,000 pieces of operational equipment including chainsaws, hand power tools, portable lights, and helmets to help volunteers across the state carry out rescue operations. Most importantly we’ve been able to provide them with up-to-date, specialised equipment which is essential when working in dangerous conditions.”
