The Andrews Labor Government is investing $7 million into a new home for VICSES Chelsea - one of the state's oldest units - as part of a $54 million boost for VICSES infrastructure.
Parliamentary Secretary for Police and Emergency Services Paul Edbrooke announced that a new site has been secured for the new VICSES Chelsea Unit, which will be located at 13 Ashley Park Drive, Chelsea Heights.
The current warehouse will be converted to a six-bay drive-through motor room, including additional storage for boats and equipment, with other existing infrastructure upgraded to support administrative operations.
The new facility will ensure the unit can effectively respond to incidents spanning two thirds of the Kingston local government area, including out into Port Phillip Bay.
The VICSES Chelsea Unit has 58 active volunteer members who responded to 325 requests for assistance between July 2019 and June 2020. Incidents range from floods, trees down, damage to property and search-and-rescue operations in and around Mordialloc Beach.
The unit commenced operations in 1953, making it one of the longest serving units, assisting the community for more than 67 years. The new site will ensure volunteers are equipped to face challenging conditions and continue to work alongside Victoria Police, Ambulance Victoria and fire services.
With settlement on 1 July 2021 and construction and fit out to commence shortly after, the new fit-for-purpose facility is expected to be delivered by the end of the year.
As stated by Acting Minister for Police and Emergency Services Danny Pearson
"VICSES Chelsea is one of our longest serving units and it's important that volunteers have the space and resources they need to effectively respond to incidents and support Victoria Police and other emergency services."
As stated by Parliamentary Secretary for Police and Emergency Services Paul Edbrooke
"We're continually looking at ways we can better support our current and future volunteers - ensuring they receive the training and facilities they need to do their job."
As stated by Member for Mordialloc Tim Richardson
"The new VICSES Chelsea facility will be an important development for the community who count on the great work of our volunteers on a daily basis."
