SES Castlemaine Unit

29/08/2026

Four paws, big hearts, and incredible dedication. 🐾
A massive thank you to all the Search and Rescue dogs and their handlers who assist on operations across our region. Special thanks to the amazing volunteers at ASAR-K9—the countless hours you dedicate to training and readiness make a real difference when our community needs it most.

This International Dog Day, we’re shining a light on our work with the Australian Search and Rescue K9 Unit (ASAR-K9).

ASAR-K9 are a team of committed volunteers dedicated to training dog teams to respond to emergencies and find missing people in bush or country areas.

They work together with Victoria Police, VICSES and VicEmergency to play a vital role in search and rescue activities.

Today, we thank the four-legged heroes (and their volunteer partners) who are happy to lend a paw when we need them most. 🐾

Photo: SES Monash Unit

25/08/2026

Looking to gain practical skills and hands-on training? Come and talk to the Castlemaine SES volunteers at the Training & Skills Fair - Central Victoria.

Find out how SES volunteering can give you access to free training opportunities, including first aid, 4WD driving, chainsaw operations, storm response, rescue and leadership.

Entry is free.
When: Wednesday 2 September, 10am-2pm (Expo 10-12noon)
Where: Castlemaine Town Hall, 25 Lyttleton Street

Find out more and register at www.mountalexander.vic.gov.au/TrainingFair

21/08/2026

You never know what your next job will be when volunteering with the Castlemaine State Emergency Service (SES)! Last week our crews were called to assist after a dog got her head stuck in a stone wall!

Luckily, we were able to release her quickly - and unharmed.

Thanks to our friends at the Castlemaine Mail for writing about the lovely pup's misadventure!

20/08/2026

⚠️ ROAD SAFETY ALERT: Please take extra care on the roads today.

Recent heavy rain and strong winds have created hazardous driving conditions across our region.

Castlemaine SES volunteers have been called to two separate incidents on Muckleford-Walmer Road in the last 24 hours:
- Floodwaters: A car became trapped in fast-moving water on Wednesday night (thankfully, the occupants were safely rescued and SES were not required).
- Fallen Trees: Crews were called out again last night after a vehicle collided with a fallen tree blocking the roadway.

⚠️ Hazards on local roads:
- Hidden washouts & potholes: Floodwater conceals destroyed road surfaces, deep holes, and edge drop-offs.
- Submerged debris: Mud, large rocks, and heavy branches often lie hidden beneath shallow water.
- Blind hazards around bends: Trees and loose branches may block entire lanes without warning.

⚠️ Key Reminders:
- Never drive through floodwater. It takes as little as 15 cm of moving water to float a small car. If it's flooded, forget it.
- Slow down. Give yourself extra stopping distance and time to react to debris.

Report hazards: Call 132 500 for SES emergency assistance (fallen trees on homes/cars, flood rescues) or 000 for life-threatening emergencies.

19/08/2026

After today’s heavy rains some roads in our shire are flooded, and there is water and debris on other roads.

Please DO NOT DRIVE THROUGH FLOOD WATER. You never know what might be under the surface.

Take extra care on our roads and get home safely.

10/08/2026

🛑 NEVER DRIVE THROUGH FLOODWATER

Several roads across our region are currently affected by floodwater, including Muckleford School Road (second picture).

Yesterday, SES crews and emergency services across Central Victoria were called to multiple water rescues after vehicles became trapped in floodwaters.

Deciding to drive through a flooded road could be the last decision you ever make.

It takes far less water than you think to lose control:
🚗 Small car: Can float or be moved by just 15cm of water
🚙 Mid-sized car: Unstable in as little as 30cm of water
🛻 4WD / Large SUV: Floating or washed away in 45cm of water

Floodwater hides washed-out roads, debris, mud, and fast-moving currents. If you come across a flooded road, turn around and find a safe, alternate route.

Stay safe, look out for your neighbours, and monitor VicEmergency and VicRoads for current road closures and flood advice.

10/08/2026

Training is key to staying response-ready for our community.

Over the weekend, a SES Castlemaine crew joined up to 120 SES volunteers and partner agencies at Lake Eppalock for Exercise Eppalock - a major two-day land and water search and rescue scenario!

From tracking down a simulated missing skydiving aircraft to managing vehicles caught in floodwaters, volunteers put their search techniques, communications, and casualty management skills to the test alongside Victoria Police, Water Police, MSAR, CFA, Australian Search and Rescue K9, Life Saving Victoria, Ambulance Victoria and even the VicPol Mounted Branch.

Large-scale multi-agency exercises like this ensure our volunteers build the hands-on skills and strong agency relationships needed when real emergencies strike.

Huge thank you to all the volunteers who gave up their weekend to train hard for our communities! 🧡

09/08/2026

A big thank you to the Maldon Fire Brigade for inviting us over to the Maldon station for joint training today.

Sessions like this are a fantastic opportunity to build our capacity, hone our skills, and sharpen our inter-agency response.

Whether we’re responding to a land search, a road rescue, or turned out to provide scene lighting for our local CFA brigades, working side-by-side ensures we operate as one seamless team for our community.

07/08/2026

A strong cold front is expected to move across Victoria this weekend, with the worst conditions forecast from Sunday into Monday, bringing widespread rain, strong winds and the potential for localised flooding.

Prepare now by:

• Securing loose outdoor items.
• Clearing gutters and drains.
• Staying up to date with the latest forecasts and warnings through the VicEmergency app.
• Avoiding unnecessary travel during severe weather where possible.

For emergency assistance due to storms or floods, call SES on 132 500.

02/07/2026

It has been a busy few days for SES Castlemaine. A Minor Flood Warning has now been issued for the Loddon River. Several creeks in our shire are flowing over roads.

NEVER DRIVE THROUGH FLOOD WATER: https://youtu.be/uW9SXKjdWe8
SES castlemaine volunteers attended the incident at Lancefield alongside SES Woodend, SES Gisborne SES Seymour, Victoria Police and Ambulance Victoria. A fortunate driver and a huge effort.

Please take extra care on our roads, there are both flooded areas and debris.

Flood warning
• Don't drive, walk, swim or play in floodwater because it is dangerous.
• Stay away from flooded drains, rivers, streams and waterways.
• Obey road closure signs. Plan ahead so you don't drive on flooded roads.
• Check the ABC and local media for updates. The situation can change quickly, so stay informed.
• For local emergency management warnings and advice visit www.emergency.vic.gov.au.