SES Point Cook Unit

31/05/2026

Our Unit is incredibly proud to congratulate Marlana Betham on graduating from the 2026 Ready To Lead Program.

The Ready2Lead leadership program, delivered annually by Life Saving Victoria, selects and brings together women from across the Emergency Management sector, including VICSES, CFA, FRV, Ambulance Victoria, Parks Victoria, Life Saving Victoria, and Aquatic Industries, to develop and strengthen leadership, confidence, and capability in our community. As Emergency Management Victoria Commissioner Tim Wiebusch has said, it stands among the highest‑quality leadership programs in our sector. Marlana has now joined the alums.

Our Unit and our wider community are very lucky to have leaders like Marlana. We are very proud of you.

Victoria State Emergency Service

19/05/2026

On this Wear Orange Wednesday (WOW Day), we acknowledge the tireless efforts of our SES volunteers who selflessly offer vital emergency assistance to communities 24/7. Their unwavering commitment warrants our deepest gratitude.

We also thank all the support from families and employers of our volunteers without which this is not possible.

18/05/2026

Today marks the beginning of National Volunteer Week, a time to reflect on and celebrate the crucial support that volunteers provide to our communities.

It’s a big week for showing gratitude to volunteers with Wear Orange Wednesday also falling on 20 May.

This Wednesday, we’ll be giving a special thanks to our volunteers in orange which you can find out more about here:

www.ses.vic.gov.au/news-and-media/campaigns/wear-orange-wednesday

04/05/2026

Memorial details and live stream link if unable to attend in person.

https://www.vividstream.com.au/live/lawrence-russell

01/05/2026

🟠WEAR ORANGE WEDNESDAY🟠

The countdown to Wear Orange Wednesday
(WOW Day) on 20 May is on!

WOW Day is the national day of thanks for our
amazing SES volunteers.

Now’s the time to get WOW Day ready by
picking out a splash of orange for your outfit,
planning an orange-themed event or sharing a
message of thanks to our wonderful SES
volunteers using the hashtag

Find out more: www.ses.vic.gov.au/news-andmedia/campaigns/wear-orange-wednesday

28/04/2026

With heavy hearts, we share the passing of our Unit's respected founding member and first Unit Controller, Lawrence (Laurie) Gordon Russell ESM.

Laurie was a devoted father and grandfather, and a leader who meant so much to so many within our VICSES Point Cook Unit and the wider community. His strength, humour, and unwavering support will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.

Family and friends are warmly invited to come together to celebrate Laurie’s life and honour his memory:

📅 Wednesday, 6th May
🕥 10:30am
📍 Grand Star Reception & Convention Centre
499 Grieve Parade, Altona North

Your presence would mean a great deal to Laurie’s family and his many friends as we remember and farewell Laurie. All are welcome.

The service will be live streamed for those who are unable to attend. A Link will be shared closer to the date.

24/04/2026

VALE Laurie Russell ESM.

The Point Cook SES Unit is deeply saddened to acknowledge the passing of Laurie Russell ESM.

Laurie was a founding member and the first Unit Controller of the Point Cook SES Unit, playing a pivotal role in the establishment of the unit. His vision, determination, and advocacy were instrumental in bringing the unit to life and setting the foundation for what it has become today. Laurie’s influence extended across the broader Emergency Services Sector, along with his significant contributions to the CFA and various community initiatives. His commitment to service was unwavering, always focused on supporting others and putting the needs of the community first.

To the members of Point Cook SES, Laurie was more than a leader. He was a mentor, a friend, and at times a father figure — someone who always made time for a conversation, offered guidance when it was needed most, and stood beside his team through both challenges and successes. His presence helped shape not only the unit, but many of us as individuals, leaving a lasting impact that will not be forgotten.
Laurie’s legacy lives on through the culture, values, and spirit of service that continue within the Point Cook SES Unit today.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to Laurie’s family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Laurie will be forever missed, and his impact will remain a lasting part of all of us at Point Cook SES.

23/04/2026

VALE Laurie Russell ESM

It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Laurie Russell.

Laurie was a founding member of Wyndham SES and a true part of the unit’s history, heart, and identity. From the earliest days of the unit, he played a major role in building something that would go on to serve the Wyndham community for decades to come.

Laurie dedicated an extraordinary part of his life to VICSES, serving as Wyndham Unit Controller for more than 30 years. His leadership, commitment, and steady presence helped shape the unit into what it is today. He later went on to support the establishment of the Point Cook Unit as a founding member, continuing his service and helping lay the foundation for another local SES presence.

Laurie’s contribution to VICSES, and to the community, cannot be measured only by years of service or titles held. His legacy lives on in the units he helped build, the people he mentored, and the countless lives impacted by the service he gave so selflessly.

For many, Laurie was more than a leader. He was a mentor, a constant, and someone whose dedication set the standard for those who followed.

Our thoughts are with Laurie’s family, friends, and all members, past and present, who had the privilege of serving alongside him.

Rest easy, Laurie. Your service, guidance, and legacy will not be forgotten.

📸 Wyndham Star Weekly - My Wyndham: Laurie Russell

VALE LAURIE RUSSELL ESM

It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Laurie Russell.

Laurie was a founding member of Wyndham SES and a true part of the unit’s history, heart, and identity. From the earliest days of the unit, he played a major role in building something that would go on to serve the Wyndham community for decades to come.

Laurie dedicated an extraordinary part of his life to VICSES, serving as Wyndham Unit Controller for more than 30 years. His leadership, commitment, and steady presence helped shape the unit into what it is today, along with the establishment of the Wyndham West unit, He later went on to support the establishment of the Point Cook Unit as a founding member, continuing his service and helping lay the foundation for another local SES presence.

Laurie’s contribution to VICSES, and to the community, cannot be measured only by years of service or titles held. His legacy lives on in the units he helped build, the people he mentored, and the countless lives impacted by the service he gave so selflessly.

For many, Laurie was more than a leader. He was a mentor, a constant, and someone whose dedication set the standard for those who followed.

Our thoughts are with Laurie’s family, friends, and all members, past and present, who had the privilege of serving alongside him.

Rest easy, Laurie. Your service, guidance, and legacy will not be forgotten.

📸 Wyndham Star Weekly - My Wyndham: Laurie Russell

04/04/2026

Happy Easter everyone,

We hope your day is filled with good food, plenty of chocolate, and time spent with family and friends. Whether you are out and about or relaxing at home, take the chance to enjoy a well earned break and make the most of the long weekend.

As the day goes on, keep safety front of mind. Roads are busy, conditions change, and small decisions matter. Slow down, stay alert, and look out for others around you.

Look after each other and enjoy the day.

27/01/2026

Yesterday, two members from Point Cook SES were deployed to support ongoing fire operations in Ballarat.

A fast moving grass fire developed near Larralea. Our members assisted with ground support and transport of equipment and supplies to sustain extended fire operations.

Point Cook SES will also be sending some of our members from today till 1st Feb to support ground operations at Colac.

We wish them all the best and also thank for their time away from work and family.