SES Morwell Unit

16/06/2026

🚨 A Busy Night for Morwell SES 🚨

Last night, Morwell SES members spent the evening developing their skills through training in sandbagging and the use of hand-operated hydraulic rescue equipment.

Hand-operated rescue equipment provides an important backup capability when battery-powered rescue tools or hydraulic pumps are unavailable, ensuring our crews can continue operating when needed.

As training wrapped up at around 9:00 pm and members were preparing to head home, the pager sounded.

A large tree had fallen across the roadway in Driffield.

Morwell Rescue 1 and Support 1 responded promptly, assessing the scene and requesting an additional rescue resource to assist with the operation. Over the next two hours, a crew of six volunteers worked to safely remove the tree, which measured approximately 70 cm in diameter and around 30 metres in length.

Using chainsaws, scene lighting and traffic management, crews worked from approximately 9:30 pm until 11:30 pm to safely clear the obstruction and reopen both lanes to traffic.

The night was a great reminder of the commitment shown by SES volunteers. After spending their evening training to better serve the community, our members were ready to stay on and respond when help was needed.

No matter what we’re doing, when the community calls, Morwell SES volunteers are ready to answer.

🧡 Thank you to all members involved.

11/06/2026

🚨 Airport Emergency Exercise – Latrobe Regional Airport 🚨

If you’re in the Morwell/Traralgon area tomorrow morning, you may notice an increased presence of emergency service vehicles at Latrobe Regional Airport.

Please be aware this is a planned training exercise involving multiple emergency service agencies responding to a simulated aircraft emergency. There is no cause for concern.

Training exercises like these are an important opportunity for agencies to work together, test emergency plans, and ensure we are prepared to respond effectively when real emergencies occur.

📅 Friday 12 June 2026
🕣 8:30am – 12:00pm
📍 Latrobe Regional Airport

We thank the community for their understanding while this important training activity takes place.

🚨 Tomorrow you may notice an increased presence of emergency services at Latrobe Regional Airport, but don’t be alarmed – it’s just a drill!

The exercise will simulate an aircraft emergency and involve multiple emergency services. You may notice an increase in the presence of emergency service vehicles during this time.

This is a planned exercise only and there is no cause for concern.

Thank you for your understanding during this important training activity.

🗓️ Friday 12 June 2026 | 8.30am – 12.00pm

10/06/2026

🧡 Thank a First Responder Day 🧡

Today we recognise and thank the men and women who answer the call when our communities need them most.

From SES volunteers, CFA firefighters, Ambulance Victoria paramedics, Victoria Police members, emergency department staff, dispatchers, and the many others who work behind the scenes, thank you for the dedication, professionalism and sacrifice you make every day.

We also want to acknowledge the families, partners, employers and friends who support first responders. Your understanding and support make it possible for us to serve our communities when called upon.

For our SES volunteers, responding to emergencies means leaving family dinners, getting out of bed in the middle of the night, cancelling plans and stepping into challenging situations to help complete strangers. It is a commitment made not for recognition, but because helping others matters.

Today, we simply say thank you.

Thank you to every first responder and every family member standing behind them.

🧡

19/05/2026

🧡 Wear Orange Wednesday (WOW Day) 🧡

Today we celebrate and thank the incredible VICSES volunteers who dedicate their time to helping communities right across Victoria.

From storms and floods to rescues and road crash incidents, SES volunteers are there when people need help most — day or night, rain or shine.

At Morwell SES, our members proudly volunteer their time to support and protect our local community, and today is a chance to recognise the commitment, training, and sacrifices our volunteers make every single year.

Whether you wear orange today, give a wave to a volunteer, or simply say thank you, your support means a lot to our members.

Interested in making a difference in your community?
Why not consider joining VICSES and becoming part of the orange family.

🧡

05/05/2026

🚨 Training Night – RCR & Patient Handling 🚨

Last night our members took part in Road Crash Rescue (RCR) training, alongside mule and patient handling drills.

Crews worked through hands-on scenarios using hydraulic rescue tools, practising techniques such as dash roll and lift methods to safely access patients trapped in vehicles by the dashboard. These scenarios replicate real-world incidents, ensuring our members can operate efficiently and safely under pressure.

Members also trained with our mule a specialised device used to assist with the safe and controlled transportation of patients across challenging terrain.

Training like this ensures our crews are ready to respond when it matters most, working together as a capable and coordinated team.

A great effort from everyone involved 👏

If you’ve ever thought about getting involved in your local community and making a real difference, now is the time.

👉 Head to ( https://www.ses.vic.gov.au/join-us ) to learn more and apply

21/04/2026

🚨 Training Night – Vehicle Rescue 🚨

Last night our members were back at it, sharpening their skills in vehicle rescue and extrication.

Using hydraulic rescue tools, crews practiced safe and controlled techniques to gain access to vehicles, remove panels, and simulate real-world rescue scenarios. Training like this ensures our members are ready to respond when it matters most, working efficiently and safely as a team.

A big effort from everyone involved 👏

If you’ve ever thought about getting involved in your local community and making a real difference, now is the time.

👉 Head to ( https://www.ses.vic.gov.au/join-us ) to learn more and apply.

17/04/2026

Today, members from the Morwell Unit, alongside SES members from across Victoria, came together to honour and celebrate the life of Operations Manager David Bartley.

David was a highly respected member of our SES family, whose leadership, dedication and support left a lasting impact across Gippsland and beyond. His commitment to helping others and strengthening our communities will not be forgotten.

It was a privilege to stand together today, reflecting on his service and the legacy he leaves behind in the people he mentored, the lives he helped, and the organisation he gave so much to.

Our thoughts remain with David’s family, friends, and all who had the honour of knowing and working with him.

Vale David Bartley

03/04/2026

🚗☕ It’s Good Friday and we’re here for Driver Reviver!

If you’re hitting the road this Easter long weekend, make sure you kick things off the right way stop in, take a break, and say hello 👋

We’re set up at United Petroleum Traralgon West with free hot drinks, snacks, and a friendly crew ready to help you stay refreshed and safe on the road ☕🍪

⏰ Open until 3PM today

Easter traffic is already building, so don’t drive tired even a quick stop can make a big difference.

Swing past and see us!

👉 Stop. Revive. Survive.

09/03/2026

Heading towards Melbourne today? ☕🍪

If you’re travelling through Longwarry North, make sure you stop in and say hello to the SES Warragul Unit who are supporting the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) Pause Stop with the Driver Reviver van.

Grab a free coffee or tea, stretch your legs, and have a quick break before continuing your journey. Safe travels everyone! 🚗🧡

Travelling back towards Melbourne today?

We’re joining the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) Pause Stop Team at the Longwarry North rest stop today with the Driver Reviver van.

Grab a FREE barista coffee or cup of tea, stretch your legs with some games, or take a power nap.

We also have plenty of Arnott's Biscuits 🍪 if you’re in need of a snack.

Special thanks to Longwarry Food Park for generously donating milk for today 🧡

23/02/2026

🌧️ ARE YOU STORM READY? 🌧️

Severe weather is predicted so now is the time to prepare, not panic.

Last night, our members were busy preparing equipment and vehicles for the severe weather that may impact parts of Victoria today. We are ready to respond if needed but we need you to be ready too.

🔶 A Severe Weather Warning for heavy rainfall has been issued.
🔶 An Advice Message – Stay Informed has also been issued for riverine flooding on the Traralgon Creek River.

Here’s what you can do right now 👇

🚗 Park your car undercover and away from trees.
🍂 Clean gutters, downpipes and drains so water can flow freely.
🎒 Prepare your emergency kit with essential items like torches, batteries, medications and important documents.

📱 Stay informed:
• Monitor forecasts and warnings via the Bureau of Meteorology at bom.gov.au
• Check VicEmergency at emergency.vic.gov.au
• Download the VicEmergency app
• Call the VicEmergency hotline on 1800 226 226
• Listen to ABC Gippsland for local emergency broadcasts

🌳 Need assistance with storm or flood related damage, or fallen trees blocking access to your home or roads? Call 132 500.
🚨 Life threatening emergency? Call 000 immediately.

Preparation today makes all the difference tomorrow.
Stay safe, stay informed and check in on your neighbours 💛



SES Gippsland Region VicEmergency Victoria State Emergency Service