SES Gippsland Region

17/07/2026

Happy World Emoji Day - Gippsland edition! 🍃💧🌊🏚️🪨⚠ 🧡

It’s World Emoji Day! Which emojis describe VICSES?

Here’s what we think:
⛈️ We’re the control agency for storm, as well as flood, earthquake, landslide and tsunami.
🌳 One of our most frequent requests for assistance is for fallen trees.
🧡 Our volunteers are motivated by care and compassion for their communities – and light up grey, dreary landscapes with bright orange!
🦸‍️ VICSES volunteers are our local superheroes keeping us safe in emergencies.

Which emojis would you choose?

26/03/2026

Are you in Gippsland, or planning to visit?

Emergencies can happen at any time, so its best to make plans - even when you don't think you'll need them.

⛅️Monitor weather conditions by checking the Bureau of Meteorology app or website, or calling 1300 659 210.

📱Stay informed of emergency warnings by downloading and checking the VicEmergency app or website, or by calling 1800 226 226, or by listening to ABC Gippsland or other emergency broadcasters.

🚙Plan your travel by checking road and traffic conditions at VicTraffic.

Call 132 500 for emergency assistance with storm or flood.
Call 000 to report all life threatening emergencies.

East Gippsland Shire Council Wellington Shire Council Latrobe City Council Baw Baw Shire Council South Gippsland Shire Council

26/03/2026

If you are travelling through Gippsland over the next few days, be aware that road conditions and closures may affect your travel as some areas are expected to receive heavy rainfall over the next few days.

Check for road closures at the VicTraffic website.

🚗Stay safe by not travelling through flood water.
🚙Flood water can contain unseen hazards such as mud, debris, fallen trees or damaged roads.
🚗It can take just 15cm to float a car.
🚙Tune in to ABC Gippsland or other local emergency broadcasters for information.

Check weather conditions, forecasts and warnings with the Bureau of Meteorology app or website.
Stay aware of emergency warnings with the VicEmergency app, website or by calling 1800 226 226.

For storm or flood related assistance call 132 500.
For life threatening emergencies call 000

East Gippsland Shire Council Wellington Shire Council South Gippsland Shire Council Latrobe City Council Baw Baw Shire Council

25/03/2026

Storms can occur anywhere and at any time. They often bring strong winds, flash flooding, large hailstones and lightning.
They can cause major damage and put your life at risk.

🏠If you are inside during a storm:
Stay inside and away from windows until the conditions improve.

⛺️If you are outside during a storm:
Stay away from trees, damaged roads and powerlines.
Always assume damaged powerlines are live.

🚗If you are travelling during a storm:
Pull over in an area without trees, avoid drains or low lying areas and any damaged road surfaces. Plan to travel when the conditions improve.

📱Monitor weather conditions by checking the Bureau of Meteorology app or website, or calling 1300 659 210.

📱Stay informed of emergency warnings by downloading and checking the VicEmergency app or website, or by calling 1800 226 226, and by

📻Listening to ABC Gippsland or other emergency broadcasters.

East Gippsland Shire Council Wellington Shire Council Latrobe City Council Baw Baw Shire Council South Gippsland Shire Council

25/03/2026

Early preparation is the best defence against storms, which can bring strong wind and intense rainfall.

🏡️The Storm Safety Checklist has actions you can take at home to prepare for a storm or damaging winds.

📱Stay informed – monitor weather warnings and forecasts at the Bureau of Meteorology website, and emergency warnings through the VicEmergency app, website and hotline (1800 226 226).

For assistance with storm related damage, or fallen trees blocking access to your home you can call 132 500.
If you require assistance for a life threatening emergency call 000

East Gippsland Shire Council Wellington Shire Council Latrobe City Council Baw Baw Shire Council South Gippsland Shire Council

05/03/2026

🚘Planning a road trip? A few simple steps can help keep you and your passengers safe on the roads.

🔸Plan ahead. Map out your trip, allow extra time, and build in regular breaks so you can stop, stretch and recharge.

🔸Rest before you go. Pack early, get a good night’s sleep, and start the day feeling fresh.

🔸Keep kids occupied. Long drives can be tiring for little ones — bring games, colouring in or a movie to keep them busy in the back seat.

🔸Stay focused. When you’re behind the wheel, driving is your number one priority. Avoid distractions and keep your attention on the road.

🔸Listen to your body. Yawning, rubbing your eyes or feeling restless are signs of fatigue. If you’re tired, don’t push through — pull over safely and take a break.

🧡 Safe travels, and look out for each other on the roads.

05/03/2026

Many people watched the summer bushfires unfold and wondered what they could to do help.
Victoria has arrangements in place to respond to all emergencies across the state. This summer, VICSES provided support to the agencies managing the bushfire response.
If you are interested in supporting your local communities during an emergency, consider becoming a volunteer with your local SES Unit in Gippsland.
For more information, head to https://www.ses.vic.gov.au/join-us

04/03/2026

📣Hey Gippsland!
Many of our volunteer SES Units across the region are looking for members who can help to run our units. There are roles in:
🪪 Membership management
🗃️ Finance and Administration
🚚 Assets and Facilities
⛈️ Incident Management

👉For more information visit https://www.ses.vic.gov.au/join-us/volunteer-opportunities

26/02/2026

Victoria State Emergency Service's, SES Mallacoota Unit proudly hosted a dynamic multi agency exercise weekend at the picturesque location of the Mallacoota Lake system including Karbeethong and the Wallagaraugh River.

40 members of Australian Volunteer Coast Guard, Surf Life Saving Australia, Victoria Police and Paynesville Water Police, CFA (Country Fire Authority), Ambulance Victoria, Emergency Management Victoria and Marine Search and Rescue participated in a weekend of immersive, technical and highly anticipated training.

⚓Day One
Crews started with vessel inductions and critical emergency drills including Man Overboard, Mayday, Abandon Ship and Fire on Board, creating confidence and reinforcing lifesaving procedures, while Ambulance Victoria provided a marine first aid session. Emergency Management Victoria used a fire simulator to create a realistic marine fire management session. CFA members were shown the effectiveness of travelling by boat when responding to the East side of the lakes, cutting down arrival time from 1 hour by vehicle to 15 minutes by boat. the areas across, before Paynesville Water Police put theory in action, leading a coordinated search and rescue exercise that explored the use of analogue search techniques on the lakes.

🛟Day Two
Crews built on the momentum, participating in a demonstration and real-time search and rescue scenario using the Furano System and showcasing how marine search units can enhance their search efforts by producing search patterns that combine critical data such as last known position, tides, winds and weather conditions.

Thank you to all the participating members and agencies, and to Mallacoota Unit Controller, Leo op den Brouw and Gippsland Operations Officer and Lead Trainer, Anthony Matters for providing an engaging training exercise that demonstrated the shared partnership and ongoing commitment of our Victorian emergency services to be skilled, ready and resourced to work as one, when responding to marine or coastal emergencies.

We also thank Brad and the team at Frenchy's for providing all of us with delicious, fresh and tasty food over the weekend.

Coast Guard Mallacoota VF15
Mallacoota Surf Life Saving
Mallacoota Fire Brigade
Eyewatch - East Gippsland Police Service Area