Volunteer - FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What level of fitness is required for operational members?

Work undertaken by members in operational roles in many cases will require a degree of fitness and mobility to use hydraulic tools (jaws of life) or climbing on rooftops, for example. However there are other operational roles that are less demanding such as vehicle driver, directing traffic, communications and incident controller.

The first aid course, which is a pre-requisite, requires members to be able to demonstrate the ability to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Aside from this, roles within the unit can be tailored to suit your level of ability.

Are there any costs associated with being a Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) member?

No. All training is paid for by VICSES and the uniform and all personal protective equipment including boots is provided at no cost. Likewise no payments are made to volunteers attending training or operational activities.

What about insurance and liability?

lightingVICSES volunteers are covered by the Workers Compensation Act 1997 (Vic) for injury, illness or diseases contracted as a result of your VICSES service and this includes loss of wages if you are not able to work. VICSES is also covered for Public Liability. Volunteers are protected under the Victoria State Emergency Service Act 2005 (Vic) against any personal liability when engaging in the performance of an activity under the Act unless caused by negligence or wilful default.

I am not from the Bellarine but still want to join VICSES.

There are VICSES units located in our area and right throughout the state who would welcome you in to their ranks. Other units located in our region include Bannockburn, Corio, Geelong, South Barwon (Waurn Ponds), Torquay and Winchelsea. To get in contact with any unit in the Geelong/Barwon region please contact the regional office during business hours on (03) 9256 9350 or alternatively email your enquiry to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

For all other areas within the state of Victoria please call 1300 VICSES (that's 1300 842 737). Calls made during business hours will be connected to your local VICSES regional office. Alternatively, you can email your enquiry to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

I would like to contribute to my community but am not sure that the VICSES is right for me.

There are many other organisations that can be considered. The CFA (Country Fire Authority), Lifeguards (Life Saving Victoria), Coast Guard (Australian Volunteer Coast Guard), Rotary International, Lions Club Australia, and the Red Cross all have a presence on the Bellarine and require volunteers.

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