Meet the new Chelsea Rescue 2

Regular training was put on hold on Monday night (31/05/2010) at Chelsea SES for a very special occasion.

Meet the brand new Chelsea Rescue 2, Chelsea SES's newest resource

In the 2009 Victorian State Budget, Chelsea SES Unit welcomed the fantastic news that they would be receiving a brand new, Hino Medium Rescue vehicle to replace their current Chelsea Rescue 2. The truck; valued at $192,000.00 needed to be specially built to meet the requirements of the SES and then the SES livery, reds and blues and all equipment had to be fitted.

The Hino Medium Rescue vehicle worth in excess of $190,000

After a year that included plenty of consultation with the unit regarding the fit out of the vehicle, Chelsea SES officially took delivery of the brand new Chelsea Rescue 2 with the keys being handed over to unit Controller Ron Fitch, by Speaker of the Legislative Assembly and State member for Carrum, Jenny Lindell MP at a glittering event at the Chelsea LHQ. Ms. Lindell told the invited guests that the night wasn’t as much about what the Government had done, it was about saying thank you for the work that the SES does and the best way to do that was to show their support in a very tangible way with equipment like this.

Speaker of the Legislative Assembly and State member for Carurm, Jenny Lindell

Chelsea Controller Ron Fitch receiving the keys to Rescue 2

The City of Kingston Mayor, Cr Steve Staikos and the City of Kingston Deputy Mayor Cr Donna Bauer, were also in attendance to help celebrate the new acquisition. Councillor Staikos spoke about the work that the SES does within the community and how valued the members of the unit are not only to the residents of the City of Kingston but also to the Kingston Council as well. The Mayor also made a presentation of flowers to Evette Davis as a token of appreciation for all of her work in organizing the units recent training weekend at Gembrook.

City of Kingston Mayor Cr Steve Steve Staikos presents Evette Davis with Flowers for a job well done

Mr. Ray Jasper, SES Central Region Manager was there representing SES Headquarters and he spoke about the fantastic ongoing support from not only the State Government, but local Government as well. He added that Chelsea was seen as a vibrant unit within Central Region with fantastic growth in both members and resources.

Mr. Ray Jasper, SES Central Region Manager

Following the speeches, guests were invited outside to see the new vehicle on show. It was also a great opportunity to demonstrate to the representatives from local CFA units and Police, including Divisional Superintendent, Lucinda Nolan, the features of the vehicle and how it may be utilized by these other agencies in a variety of ways. Then it was time to head back inside for refreshments.

The Mayor & Deputy Mayor ready for a test drive

Jenny Lindell looked right at home in the drivers seat

Cr Staikos, Cr Bauer, Unit Controller Ron Fitch & SES Central Region Manager Ray Jasper

The Mayor & his Deputy enjoying a cuppa with members of the Chelsea team after the presentation

Say cheese everyone...the full house for the official handover of Chelsea's newest resource

Although the new vehicle was certainly the star of the night; Chelsea also unveiled their brand new Storm Trailer which was also funded through the Governments Critical Assets Program valued at $30,000.00. It is most certainly an exciting time to be a member at Chelsea SES with so much happening at the moment and with so much new equipment coming on line.