Victorian support continues for flood-stricken NSW with a further 37 personnel, from Victoria State Emergency Service and Fire Rescue Victoria, flying out today to provide further assistance to local emergency services and communities.
The team of 26 VICSES volunteers and 11 swift water rescue specialists from FRV will assist their NSW counterparts to support the ongoing flood emergency.
This brings the total number of Victorian personnel who have been deployed as part of this weather event to 94.
More than 8000 requests for assistance have been received since the start of this weather event, with 23 local government areas declared ‘disaster areas’.
Victoria’s Emergency Management Commissioner Andrew Crisp thanked those who had put up their hand to assist our northern neighbours.
“My thoughts are very much with the people of NSW, as they work their way through another devastating weather event.
“Victoria has and will continue to provide any support that is requested in support of local emergency services and their communities.”
VICSES Chief Officer Operations, Tim Wiebusch, said he was proud of each of these members for giving up their time to assist our counterparts in NSW as the flooding crisis intensifies.
“I also thank their employers and their families at home for enabling them to deploy interstate and provide much needed assistance.
“Although the rain may have subsided, we are continuing to see the ongoing impacts the flooding has had in NSW, and so expect our volunteers’ role to be significant.
“Many of the impacted areas have already seen severe flooding earlier in March and April”.
VICSES Camperdown Unit Member, Kylie Warren, was humbled to be given the opportunity to help.
“This will be my first interstate deployment. I’m looking forward to carrying on the great work of the previously deployed VICSES volunteers and working with the local NSW SES volunteers to assist in the Gosford/Maitland areas," she said.
“It’s always rewarding to put our skills and training to use helping others in their time of need.”
Fire Rescue Victoria Commissioner Ken Block said: “Our neighbouring communities in NSW are suffering from an extreme and devastating weather event, so we will of course lend a helping hand during this difficult time.
"Our highly skilled swift water rescue teams will be on the ground, equipped with extensive experience and training to perform complex rescues in fast-moving water.
"They are prepared for any scenario they may encounter and will be there to support our fellow emergency service personnel who are doing an outstanding job in these challenging conditions.
"FRV is always on standby to provide assistance during large-scale emergencies. Wherever and whenever we are called on to help, we will be there.”
