Premier

Backing Our Wangaratta SES Volunteers

21 April 2017

The Wangaratta State Emergency Service (SES) unit will soon have the modern and safe facilities they need to help protect the community, thanks to funding from the Andrews Labor Government.

Premier Daniel Andrews today joined Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes and Wangaratta SES members to announce $1.6 million from the Victorian Budget 2017-18 to rebuild the local unit headquarters.

The local SES volunteers are currently working out of substandard facilities and this funding will ensure that their unit gets the major overhaul it needs, so they can continue to serve the community each and every day.

Wangaratta SES was at the forefront of keeping the community safe during last year’s floods and given the likelihood of ever increasing flood events and demands on the unit, it’s crucial they have the very best facilities.

With this funding, Wangaratta SES members will be able to spend more time attending incidents, protecting their community, and recruiting and training new volunteers, rather than worrying about a second-rate building.

Planning work can start straight away, with the SES, the Rural City of Wangaratta, and local unit members working together on possible redevelopment and relocation options.

The Wangaratta SES unit services the local government area of the Rural City of Wangaratta and attends an average of 225 requests for assistance each year, including road rescue response.

Quotes attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews

“Our brave and dedicated SES members keep our communities safe, often at the very worst of times.”

“Growing up in Wangaratta, I know how important the SES is and what great work they do when we need it most, just like during the recent floods.”

“We’ll give them the new headquarters they need and deserve.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes

“A new SES headquarters is a great outcome for the Wangaratta community and for the hardworking volunteers who do a fantastic job protecting lives and property.”

“I spent time with the Wangaratta SES during last year’s floods and alongside the Premier and Minister for Emergency Services saw firsthand the great work they do despite their inadequate headquarters.”

“I'm rapt to be back delivering them the new base they deserve, so they can better respond to emergencies and have the facilities to grow and prosper.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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