A new Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) Unit in Port Fairy is delivering better facilities for local volunteers and stronger support to the community during emergencies. 

Members for Western Victoria Jacinta Ermacora and Gayle Tierney joined VICSES Port Fairy volunteers to mark the unit’s official opening. 

The Allan Labor Government has invested more than $4.6 million to build the facility, which is co-located with the local Country Fire Authority (CFA) Port Fairy Brigade at 116 Princes Highway. 

The upgraded facility features three motor bays, a fully furnished office and dedicated rooms for communications, training, and wellbeing.

The building incorporates environmentally sustainable design principles and is fitted with solar panels with battery storage, as well as a rainwater catchment and filtration system. 

After leaving its former base on Sackville Street in 2021, the Port Fairy Unit has been using the CFA Koroit and Toolong stations to house operational equipment and vehicles. 

This modern facility now provides a permanent home for the unit and will help volunteers respond more effectively to emergencies, ensuring the local community is well protected. 

Established in 1980, the unit currently has 26 members and has responded to more than 560 requests for assistance over the past five years, including significant flooding incidents in 2020 and storm surge events in 2021 and 2022.

Quotes attributable to Member for Western Victoria Jacinta Ermacora  

“I’m proud to open the new VICSES Port Fairy Unit and deliver a brand-new facility that is nothing less than what local volunteers deserve.” 

“VICSES volunteers play an incredibly important role in keeping Victorians safe, and this new facility represents the Allan Labor Government's commitment to supporting our valued emergency services.” 

Quotes attributable to Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney

“VICSES Port Fairy volunteers are now better equipped to continue their critical work in serving the community and I thank them for their ongoing contribution and dedication.”  

“VICSES Port Fairy Unit volunteers now have the fit-for-purpose facility they need, allowing them to continue to carry out their pivotal role in keeping the community safe.”