No time to rest as floods threaten Victoria

I'm sure that there used to be a footy ground here somewhere?

As flood waters threatened to inundate the North West and North East of Victoria, SES crews were busy sandbagging properties and businesses in the area in an attempt to keep the oncoming waters from engulfing them.

Launching the boat when there's no boat ramp

As the rains hit and the river levels rose many Metropolitan units were called on to assist with the task at hand. Chelsea Transport left the Chelsea LHQ early on Tuesday morning (7/9/2010) for a 4 day deployment to the Shepparton area being based at Tatura, which is the closest SES unit to the city of Shepparton.

Neccesity is the Mother of invention

New inland lakes were cropping up everywhere

Members Aaron Blamey, Evette Davis and Unit Controller Ron Fitch had already spent many hours over the Fathers Day weekend attending the many calls for assistance in the Chelsea area and then, assisting Frankston all day on the Monday before heading off early on the Tuesday morning.

The power in the flood waters must never be underestimated

More flooding near Shepparton

Unit Controller Ron Fitch trying to keep his feet dry

With a wealth of experience and knowledge gained through his many years as a volunteer with the SES, Ron was made Divisional Commander for the Shepparton area having responsibility for all members and equipment from the Chelsea, St Kilda, Nunawading, Lilydale, and Melton SES units as well as 3 Coast Guard boat crews.

Arriving at a home under threat

The vast majority of work undertaken by the Chelsea members involved situation reports from around the affected areas, investigating options for the best way to assist those people already affected by the floods and assisting with boat crew and communications tasks.

When it comes this close, then it's just too close for comfort

Water front living like this definitely has it's drawbacks

The red light shows where the septic tank and pumping set up are located

The members arrived back at Chelsea late on Friday the 10^th of September for a well deserved and long overdue rest; well done Evette, Aaron and Ron on a job well done.

Just trying to keep the water out can be a full time job

For a better look at the situation, CLICK HERE to see some video that was shot by Chelsea members during their time in the floods.