THE Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) celebrated its fiftieth year of service to the state on Tuesday, 4 March by recognising the incredible efforts of its thousands of dedicated volunteers and members.

Initially established in 1950 as the volunteer-based Civil Defence Organisation, VICSES evolved into its current form and name on 5 March, 1975.

It has since built a legacy of dedication, providing critical emergency assistance to thousands of Victorians each year, and still plays a lead role in managing floods, storms, and rescues and supporting other emergency services.

During that time, VICSES volunteers have stood on the frontline of the most challenging emergencies and severe weather events, including major flooding in 2010-11 and 2022, severe storms in 2021, the 1983 Ash Wednesday fires, the devastating 2009 Black Saturday fires, the 2019-20 Victorian Black Summer Bushfires, and the 2021 Victorian Earthquake.

The unwavering commitment of so many VICSES volunteers has saved lives and safeguarded communities across Victoria.

VICSES Euroa Unit volunteer Robert Barns first joined the local Civil Defence unit in 1966 in an effort to give back to his community.

Since then, Robert has witnessed first-hand the growth of VICSES as an emergency service provider, graduating from using a small hydraulic jack and a pair of spreaders which he said 'couldn’t open a car door' to the hand-held hydraulic tools now used statewide to safely extricate patients in the event of a road crash rescue.

“I’ve always loved giving back to my community, and VICSES has been a fantastic way to do so while providing a vital emergency service for Euroa and surrounds," Mr Barns said.

“It’s been fantastic to see the development of VICSES over the last 50 years and the important role it plays in communities across the state.”

Mr Barns has also been a key member of the Euroa unit’s fundraising efforts and fondly remembers selling hamburgers at local events in order to purchase a dedicated rescue vehicle in the 1970s.

He has spent decades stationed at coffee break stations (now Driver Reviver stations) to encourage motorists to rest while travelling during high-traffic holiday periods.

Mr Barnes is a VICSES Life Member and one of only 16 members from 1975.

He is among the state’s most highly-respected and longest tenured members.

In 2024, VICSES's 5000 volunteers responded to over 40,000 requests for assistance, and although volunteer numbers have slightly risen across 2023-24, many units are still actively recruiting.

For more information on joining VICSES or becoming a volunteer, visit ses.vic.gov.au/join-us