Upper Yarra SES was presented with new rescue equipment last week. From left are Kevin Johnson (SES), Sue Jellie (AAMI) and Russell Wulf (SES).By Melissa Meehan
THE Upper Yarra State Emergency Service (SES) units were presented with essential rescue equipment, as part of AAMI’s annual $500,000 sponsorship of Victoria SES (VICSES).
Under the program, each of the VICSES’s 140 operational and 10 support units will receive essential rescue equipment that will be used to carry out their invaluable work serving the community.
AAMI Victorian executive manager Sue Jellie said this was the sixth year of the sponsorship during which time the leading insurer had contributed rescue equipment to the VICSES.
“Since 2003, AAMI has funded more than $1.5 million worth of rescue equipment, with items such as GPS transmitters, car stabilisation kits and chainsaws going to every SES unit across Victoria as part of our extensive partnership,” Ms Jellie said.
“We’re pleased to support the VICSES, whose volunteers give so generously of their time in training and responding to natural disasters and other emergencies, such as major weather events, road accidents, and search and rescue operations. We are especially grateful that so much of VICSES’s work goes to assist AAMI’s customers who have become victims of these kinds of events.”
“The equipment provided in today’s handover will be a major boost to the Upper Yarra unit’s capacity to respond to emergencies.
“As part of our partnership, AAMI is also pleased to offer special discounts on car and home insurance to all VICSES volunteers and staff, in recognition of their important work,” she said.
VICSES chief executive officer Mary Barry thanked AAMI for its continued support.
“The contribution that AAMI makes is of immense value to VICSES volunteers – the equipment funded by AAMI helps our 5500 volunteers provide a vital emergency service role in their local communities,” Ms Barry said.
“We are pleased to be able to continue to partner with AAMI in identifying the individual equipment needs of each unit. As a result, we are delighted AAMI’s contribution has been effectively directed to supporting our volunteers at a local level, where it will be of most benefit to them and the community.”
