KILMORE’S emergency services community came together on Friday to celebrate the opening of the new Kilmore SES Unit building, bringing together years of campaigning to improve the unit, while also recognising its past.
The new Unit was previously land and a house owned by the De Gabrielle family, who hold a special connection to the Kilmore SES – Sam De Gabrielle was Kilmore’s first Unit Controller, while Kerry has served for 45 years. The Unit began in the kitchen and front lounge room of their home.
The new Unit features offices, accessible bathroom and laundry facilities and a 20-kilowatt solar system with batteries.
It was designed and delivered with consultation from volunteers, Mitchell Shire Council and the community.
Speaking at the launch event on Friday, Unit Controller Steve Caddies said it was massive for the Kilmore SES.
“This is a big step forward for Kilmore SES. Over recent years, we’ve continued to grow in membership, capability and community engagement, and now have more than 65 members who give their time and skills to support our community,” he said.
“This facility is about much more than providing a new home for Kilmore SES. It gives our members the space and resources they need to train, work together and continue developing their skills. It strengthens our ability to support other units and emergency services when needed and ultimately helps us deliver a better response for the communities we serve. It’s an investment not just in Kilmore SES, but in the broader emergency management capability of our region.”
State Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes also spoke at the event.
“The area is experiencing rapid population growth – it is a new facility that will go a long way to meeting those challenges, but importantly, a wonderful place for volunteers to call home,” she said.
“Every time I visit Kilmore SES, there are new members for me to meet. I’ve come here a couple of times and been on the journey in terms of the announcement for the new facility and hearing about the challenges.
“This unit has been involved in storms, flooding events, major disasters including the 2020 Wallan train derailment and the 2022 Mount Disappointment helicopter crash, so a diverse range of emergencies this unit has helped respond to.
“We know this is perfectly placed to respond to such things – two major highways, a mixture of rural and urban areas, it does bring a range of challenges to Kilmore but I know this is a unit that goes above and beyond.”
Emergency Management Commissioner Tim Wiebusch said it was a facility Kilmore can be proud of.
“To Steve and the broader team at Kilmore, I stand here and look at your new home and say ‘wow, how impressive is this’. A long road to get here, a lot of advocacies, but you have led it all the way to make sure you have a facility that is fit for purpose,” he said.
“You can be incredibly proud of what sits here in the heart of your community. The location, with its striking orange colours, will be a constant visual reminder that you’re here to support the community when they need it most, and it will also instill that sense of community confidence in our emergency services.”
SES CEO Rob Purcell said it was an example of how the community works.
“It provides a safe, modern, professional base that supports training, response, volunteer wellbeing, and ensures the Kilmore SES unit is well-positioned to continue to protect this community into the future,” he said.
“This project is a strong example of what we can achieve through local leadership and genuine partnership.”
A special moment in the opening ceremony was the naming of the motor bay and the operations and training centre.
The motor bay was named the J Simpson Engine Bay after John Simpson, with Mr Caddies speaking about his impact.
“The motor bay recognizes John Simpson and his more than 43 years of service to SES, including many years as Unit Controller. John has also given 44 years of service to CFA. That is an extraordinary commitment to emergency services and our community,” he said.
Fittingly, the Operations and Training Centre was named after Ms De Gabrielle, with Mr Caddies saying it was a great tribute.
“Our administration building is named in honour of Kerry De Gabrielle, who has given more than 44 years of service to SES and has served in numerous roles throughout the Unit,” he said.