General News
13 March, 2025
Nhill volunteer recognised for service
The Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) has recognised the efforts of its dedicated members and volunteers, including one from Nhill, as the organisation celebrates 50 years of service.
Initially established in 1975 from the volunteer-based Civil Defence Organisation at the time, VICSES has built a legacy of dedication, providing critical emergency assistance to thousands of Victorians each year.
VICSES is built on the dedication of people such as VICSES Loddon Mallee regional unit volunteer and former member of staff Stan Hendy ESM, who has been serving his community for more than half a century after initially joining Nhill’s Civil Defence unit in 1974 following flooding in the Wimmera.
Having played a key role in transforming the inaugural VICSES Nhill unit from a trailer packed with rudimentary rescue gear into a functional unit with a rescue truck purpose-built by volunteers and adorned with vital hydraulic rescue equipment, Mr Hendy eventually moved to Bendigo to fulfill the key role of regional officer emergency management to support the growth of other VICSES units.
Having amassed more than 24 years of employment as a VICSES member under his belt before retiring, Mr Hendy now volunteers with the Bendigo-based VICSES Loddon Mallee regional unit, which provides logistical and operational support to other units across the state’s north-west.
As a recipient of the Emergency Service Medal and VICSES life membership, Mr Hendy is among VICSES’ most highly respected and longest-tenured members as one of only 16 VICSES 50-year members.
Mr Hendy said being a part of VICSES had always been about giving back and helping his community.
"I’m extremely proud to have been involved for more than 50 years," he said.
“I take a lot of pride in seeing VICSES’ growth since 1975 and am pleased to have been a part of it.”
