New controller for Torquay’s SES

TORQUAY’S Victorian State Emergency Service (VICSES) unit has appointed a new controller.

At their last training night for 2018, Graham Pocklington handed over to Jan Juc’s Rodney Hose, who assumes the unit leadership on January 1, 2019.

VICSES provides a wide range of roles including responding to floods, storms, earthquakes and tsunamis and their effects; providing rescue services including road accident rescue; and providing a support role to other emergency service agencies such as Victoria police (search and rescue operations, lighting and assistance at crime scenes), Ambulance Victoria and the CFA.

Mr Pocklington has served as controller for the past four years, leading an effective volunteer rescue service for the Surf Coast community.

Mr Hose has been a volunteer with VICSES Torquay since 2010. He has attended more than 350 incidents including deployments to major storm events in Newcastle and Mildura, two flood events in central Victoria, and fire support in southwestern Victoria. “It’s an honour to be given this opportunity and I am looking forward to the challenge, and putting my experience to work for Torquay and the Surf Coast,” Mr Hose said.

VICSES Torquay has wished the Surf Coast a safe and happy Christmas and New Year, and asked everyone to be especially careful on the region’s roads. Please avoid distractions and alcohol if you are driving and be tolerant of others in this busy holiday period.