SES Wonthaggi Unit

26/03/2026

The Wonthaggi Unit was saddened to hear of the loss of OM David Bartley. David left behind a legacy through his service to the wider gippsland community as both as a Volunteer and staff member.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends during this difficult time and we take comfort knowing that he is now resting in peace.

25/03/2026

Come on down and join us!!!!!

This Sunday 29/3/26 SES members from Bass Coast will be there. Come and say hi and have a chat with one of our members, we are on the look out for new recruits.
See yourself in orange, or not sure - find out more from us on Sunday.

14/03/2026

Today our newest recruits successfully completed their Fit for Role Assessment. 1 step closer to getting out on the truck.

Update: shamefully I forgot to say a big thanks to the SES Warragul Unit member why travelled down to facilitate the session. Apologies guys. Thanks for your time and the laughs🫡 .

25/02/2026

🚗 CAR DONATIONS NEEDED – HELP TRAIN OUR ROAD RESCUE VOLUNTEERS 🚨
The Wonthaggi SES Unit is currently seeking unwanted or end-of-life vehicles to use in road rescue training.
These donated cars play a vital role in helping our volunteers practise real-life rescue techniques, so when serious accidents happen on our roads, we’re ready to help save lives.
✅ Unregistered vehicles welcome
✅ Accident-damaged or non-running cars accepted
✅ We can arrange pickup in many cases

If you have a vehicle you’re looking to dispose of — or know someone who does — your donation would make a real difference to our local community.
📩 Please send us a message on this page or comment below and we’ll get in touch.
Thank you for supporting your local SES volunteers 🙏

23/02/2026

Widespread thunderstorms are forecast across Victoria throughout Tuesday, 24 February, including the chance of localised, severe thunderstorms developing with the capacity to cause flash flooding in some areas.
Now is the time to prepare your property for a significant rainfall event by clearing gutters, downpipes and drains and parking vehicles undercover or away from trees where possible.
Community members should also remain alert to dangerous road conditions if driving and remember to never drive through floodwater. Stay inside if conditions outside appear dangerous.
To learn more about how to prepare for potential flooding, visit www.ses.vic.gov.au/plan-and-stay-safe/emergencies/flood.

For SES emergency assistance, call 132 500.

26/01/2026

Today was I honoured to accept the Rotary Club of Wonthaggi Spirit of Community Award on behalf of all past and current serving Wonthaggi SES Unit members.

This award arrives as we begin preparations to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Wonthaggi Unit later this year.

I was in the company of some truly fantastic human beings. During the morning proceedings, I was amazed to listen to the stories of how the other award recipients have served their communities over the years. 🥰

Today I learned that Rotary have been running this event for over 30 years 😳 which is fantastic. But what makes this event truly amazing is when you realise that all of the Rotary members are volunteers themselves. Volunteers serving their community, recognising volunteers for serving their community.

So, from all the Wonthaggi SES members, past and present, thank you to the Rotary Club of Wonthaggi for what you do and for taking the time to recognise some incredible human beings. 🫡

20/01/2026

In light of this evening amazing Aurora event (no pun intended 😉), we decided to start an SES photo competition. 📸

We also decided to award ourselves 1st place 🥇

16/01/2026

This has been an exciting week for our unit as we received a very handy upgrade. We have now been equipped with the latest battery operated hydraulic rescue tools that Holmatro has to offer.

The new tools provide us a level of portability and quick deployment that the traditional hosed tools could not. Furthermore, the tools operate faster and provide our members with real time performance data which will support training and technique refinement.

31/12/2025

As 2025 draws to a close and we prepare to welcome 2026, we wanted to take a moment to wish everyone a safe and happy new year. We would also like to recognise and thank our community for their support through out the year. Particulrly the businesses that have supported us through important elements such as fund raising and the employers of our members who allow them to respond during work hours.

But to follow on from our post yesterday, we have been speaking to our neighbouring Road Rescue providers in the area regarding the unusual increase in road accident in the area.
SES San Remo Unit
SES Phillip Island Unit
SES Leongatha Unit
Loch CFA Fire and Rescue
Since the beginning of the holiday season, we have responded to more than 15 significant road accidents in our areas requiring rescue providers to attend 😳. This does not include the additonal 15-20 other car accidents that did not require rescue to attend.

This is despite all the safety messaging that has been shared, particularly by Victoria Police.

Please take care and let’s not meet on the side of the road.

29/12/2025

Some of you may be aware of the unusually high number of road accidents in the Bass Coast and surrounding areas over the last few weeks.

Our members commit many hours to training in the hope that we don’t have to use these tools to unwrap people from twisted wrecks.

While this time of year see lots more traffic in our area, we must be extra careful on our roads. Please take your time and respect your fellow road users.

24/12/2025

It might be Christmas Eve but these amazing individuals are out serving their community 24/7. This job wasn’t realy in our scope but it’s about keeping our community safe.

And let’s not forget our friends at Wonthaggi CFA Fire & Hazmat who are out and about giving Santa a ride.

From all of us, to you and yours, have a happy and safe Christmas! 🎄

12/12/2025

Last night our members had the duty of safely delivering Santa to Leongatha Christmas Carols.

Luckily there was just enough lollies to go around.