Bravery honoured

MOORABOOL volunteers received well-deserved awards last month, for their work responding to two separate bus crashes.

Eleven members of the Bacchus Marsh SES Unit were presented with VICSES’ highest award, the Group Commendation of Service, for their efforts during the Pentland Hills bus crash on 21 September 2022.

Local heroes: Unit Controller Mick Schembri, and the Bacchus Marsh Unit he leads, have received a Commendation for Service for their work at the bus crash on Exford Road, Eynesbury. Photo: UNIFORM PHOTOGRAPHY

Days later, 13 volunteers and staff from the Unit were honoured for their bravery with Commendation for Service awards, almost 12 months on from the Eynesbury bus crash on 16 May 2023.

The former incident saw our local SES assist the Ballan CFA and Melton FRV in rescuing 27 students and 4 adults, after a B-double truck collided with a bus near Condons Lane, flipping the bus upside down.

At the Eynesbury crash, 45 school children were rescued after a truck collided with the rear of a school bus on Exford Road.

Quality people: Friends and family of Bacchus Marsh’s SES volunteers joined them at their Gisborne Road HQ to commemorate the awards. Photo: UNIFORM PHOTOGRAPHY

VICSES Chief Officer Operations Tim Wiebusch, who presented the local volunteers with the awards, said the Eynesbury crash in particular had taken a physical, mental, and emotional toll on volunteers, but they had all performed exceptionally.

“Our VICSES members’ exceptional dedication and depth of skills were evident in the well-coordinated and specialised approach to this significant incident, which underscored their commitment to serving the Victorian community,” Mr Wiebusch said.

Serving the community: Gavin Kelly (centre) was one of eleven local SES members who received a Commendation for Service, for his efforts following the Pentland Hills bus crash. Photo: UNIFORM PHOTOGRAPHY

“I couldn’t be prouder of the exceptional response of our Bacchus Marsh crews and command staff, who each lived out our VICSES value that afternoon of being focused and adaptable in their approach.”

Unit Controller Mick Schembri, who was one of the Commendation for Service recipients, praised the courage of his crew.

“Our crew members worked tirelessly to provide the optimal outcome for as many patients as they could at each incident, and it’s pleasing to see them receive an award of such regard for their actions,” Mr Schembri said.

Serving with a smile: Bacchus Marsh SES Unit staff member Jo Cattlin received a Commendation for Service for her work following the Pentland Hills bus crash. Photo: UNIFORM PHOTOGRAPHY

“VICSES volunteers don’t turn out to these incidents in the hope of receiving an award for their response – we turn out to ensure the safety of our community and, along with the other emergency service providers on scene, we were able to do so on both occasions.

“Our volunteers are resourceful, brave and selfless, and they have provided an important service to their community each day since these events.”