Corio VICSES volunteers honoured

TWO Corio Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) volunteers have recently been recognised with separate awards.

Justin Costello has been part of VICSES’ Corio branch for 17 years and was presented with a Commendation of Service Award for his role in a 2022 rescue.

Mr Costello was making his way home from Sunshine when he received a page for a job in Hobsons Bay, a 14 year-old-boy trapped in floodwater.

When he arrived at the scene, he discovered the teen trapped under a grate.

Getting a socket set from his vehicle, he got to work, assisted by a Victoria Police officer, freeing the teen after seven minutes.

Mr Costello is modest about receiving the award and said it was not something he actively went out and sought.

“With the event that led to this award, it was the right place at the right time, it was the second incident I stopped for on the day, I was on the way home to my kid’s birthday.”

Mr Costello said saving somebody’s life was a big thing, but not something he makes a big deal over.

“My training just kicked in and I just did what I do and went about the job methodically.

“Even when the child was released and in the hands of the ambulance, I was going around and making the scene safe; there wasn’t any time to celebrate or anything.”

The commendation is an internal award, put before a committee and is not handed out often.

Emily Cooney has also been recognised for her services to the community with the Fred Grove Memorial Award from the Lara Rotary Club.

Mr Grove was a well-known member of the community and served with the Victoria Police and Lara Country Fire Authority (CFA).

“It’s an incredible award, having my name associated with Fred Grove in any way, I don’t have the words for that, I really don’t, I’m incredibly honoured,” Ms Cooney said.

Ms Cooney was a guest at the 2023 awards and heard Mr Grove’s daughter speaking about his life and everything he had achieved.

“It really just showed me how many hours you can squeeze out of the day and just how much he did for his community,” Ms Cooney said.

“It made me want to do more and inspired me to take on heaps in this past year.”

In the past 12 months, she has developed as a leader, learning how to manage groups of people and gaining confidence in the community engagement space.

Ms Cooney’s fellow members in the Corio unit voted on the award, recognising her commitment to the organisation and her efforts in going above and beyond.

Paul Statham from Ambulance Victoria, David Love from Lara CFA and Tim Scott from Victoria Police were also recognised for their services with the Fred Grove Award.