VICSES Volunteer Leadership Group
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2025
Dear VICSES Volunteers,
We want to address the recent action taken by the Victoria State Emergency Service Volunteers Association (VICSESVA) to apply to the Supreme Court of Victoria for the winding up of the Association and the transfer of its funds out of Victoria.
As volunteers with leadership roles in VICSES units, and as a collective group, the VLG is deeply dismayed and strongly opposed to this course of action. We are outraged at the suggestion that funds built up by the Victorian community for the support of the work and efforts of Victorian SES volunteers could be taken out of our state and transferred to a national association.
This concern is magnified by the fact that the two VICSESVA board members initiating this action, are also current board members of the very national association they propose to transfer the Victorian funds to. We see this as a clear conflict of interest and one which calls into question the fairness and integrity of the applicaton.
We are in the process of obtaining legal advice and will keep all volunteers updated as the situa on unfolds. We will fight to ensure that the voice of Victorian SES volunteers is heard and that our funds remain in Victoria to support Victorian SES Volunteers and Units.
We also want to remind you that the VLG is now formally incorporated and governed by an interim board. We have already developed policies and procedures to ensure accountability and inclusiveness in the running of the organisa on, with a particular focus on engaging all VICSES members in leading and setting the goals and objectives of the organisation during its foundation period. We are building the foundation for a truly democratic model, which will include elected representa ves from each Unit Area Group supported by delegates from individual units. Our mission is to deliver the genuine, representative voice that volunteers in Victoria deserve and have long been asking for.
We know this recent news will cause frustra on, disappointment and anger. We share those feelings. But we also ask all volunteers to remain calm and confident that we will approach this challenge with integrity, determina on, and professionalism. A reminder for us all, these ma ers can raise emotional reactions and distress. Peer Support is available to us all for this or any other matter.
We will provide further updates as soon as we are able. As always, we are happy to discuss this further if required. Please contact us if required.
Kind Regards,
VICSES Volunteer Leadership Group Interim Board
Dear VICSES Volunteers,
On behalf of the VICSES Volunteer Leadership Group (VLG), we’re excited to announce that in June, the VLG was incorporated as an association under Victorian laws and elected its inaugural (interim) board.
The VLG is a volunteer-led body representing current and future volunteers and we are committed to amplifying your voice as VICSES volunteers. This inaugural board serves as an interim group solely to get the structure established so we write today to share an update on our progress and plans over coming months.
For some time, we have advocated for a renewed and more effective volunteers’ association. Despite best efforts, VICSESVA has shown a lack of willingness to engage meaningfully on critical reforms required. In November 2023, VICSESVA held a failed Annual General Meeting (AGM) and has not convened one since, likely placing it in breach of the Associations Incorporation Reform Act 2012.
Essentially, our confidence as volunteers in VICSESVA, its governance and transparency has eroded. Under VICSESVA's constitution, regional councils serve as the mechanism for electing board members; however, when several regional councils were formed in 2024 by volunteers seeking better representation, we believe they were refused their rightful place on the board, underscoring the significant barriers to meaningful change.
The VLG has now been incorporated as an association under relevant Victorian laws, developing a constitution in accordance with Consumer Affairs Victoria rules and seeking legal advice on best practice processes. This formal structure establishes true accountability to our volunteer members and will enable an elected leadership framework.
An inaugural board has been elected as an interim step to develop the policy and procedures required and design a democratic framework where volunteer representatives are elected across each Unit Advisory Group (UAG) area for genuine, grassroots-driven governance and advocacy that amplifies the voices of all VICSES volunteers. Once a framework is developed, a full new board, elected by the broader membership, will then be elected in Q4 2025.
Our inaugural (interim) board is:
- Mike Bagnall (President)
- Goldie Pergl (Vice President)
- Justin Kibell (Secretary)
- Matthew Rankin (Treasurer)
- John Bates
- George Haitidis
- Ben Owen
Next Steps and Timeline:
- Q3 2025: Develop democratic framework, election processes, and transparent policy/procedure frameworks to prioritise accountability.
- Q4 2025: Hold elections for representatives (from all UAGs) and appoint a full new board, inviting participation from all eligible VICSES volunteers across the state.
We are committed to consulting with all VICSES volunteers to shape the future of the VLG. To ensure your voices guide our direction, we’re developing a website and member portal to enhance connectivity and participation. We urge all volunteers to complete our survey to share your feedback and ideas on what you want from a volunteer-led body. Your input is critical to building a VLG that truly represents and advocates for all volunteers - please take a moment to fill it out.
More details on member engagement will follow soon.
Together, we can build unified representation for a powerful volunteer voice.
Kind Regards,
Mike Bagnall
President – VICSES Volunteer Leadership Group
The Victorian Government’s introduction of the Emergency Services Volunteer Fund (ESVF) has marked a significant shift in how emergency services are funded across the state.
While the new fund reflects long-overdue recognition of VICSES and its volunteers, the VICSES Volunteer Leadership Group (VLG) has expressed concerns about how the fund was developed and its impact on the very volunteers it aims to support.
The ESVF follows the sustained FUNDVICSES campaign, a volunteer-led effort driven by the VLG to secure fair, sustainable, and transparent funding for the Victoria State Emergency Service. The campaign, launched in 2023, called for a model that recognises the growing demands placed on VICSES and provides resources to ensure volunteers can continue serving their communities safely and effectively.
A step forward, but not in partnership.
In a public statement to members, the VLG acknowledged that while the ESVF represents a step in the right direction for recognising VICSES’ funding needs, the fund’s design and implementation occurred entirely without VLG consultation. It was introduced and passed by Parliament independently of the volunteer community, despite calls for co-design and open dialogue.
“We welcome the recognition that VICSES requires greater financial support,” the VLG said. “However, the process was not inclusive, and the result is a funding model that places an unfair burden on certain groups — particularly those in primary production.”
Impact on volunteers who farm.
The VLG is particularly concerned about the impact the fund has on farmers and rural landholders, many of whom are also VICSES volunteers. Under the current structure, primary producers experienced the highest rate increases, raising questions about equity and fairness.
“To be clear, the VLG has never, and will never, publicly endorse the ESVF as it currently stands,” the group stated.
Advocacy for a fairer approach.
The VLG is now actively engaging with the Treasurer’s office, government ministers, and members of the crossbench to push for a more balanced model. Their priority is a review of the rate applied to primary production land, along with broader reforms to ensure no one community group is unfairly burdened.
“Our goal remains the same: sustainable funding for VICSES that is fair, balanced, and does not unduly burden any one group in our community — especially the volunteers who give so much to it.”
The VLG continues to approach its advocacy with its core values of respect and positivity, reinforcing that constructive, volunteer-led reform is possible when all voices are invited to the table.
2024
In June 2024, VLG President Mike Bagnall and Vice President Goldie Pergl were invited to present at the State Controllers Seminar in both the eastern and western regions of Victoria — marking a significant milestone in the recognition of volunteer-led advocacy within VICSES.
The sessions provided an opportunity to update attendees on the FundVICSES campaign, share the actions and achievements of the VICSES Volunteer Leadership Group (VLG) to-date, and outline the group’s continued commitment to engaging with government, volunteers, and stakeholders to reform and rebuild a sustainable and effective VICSES Volunteers Association (VICSESVA).
During both seminars, Mike and Goldie highlighted:
- The ongoing challenges faced by volunteers in a rapidly evolving emergency management landscape
- The rationale behind establishing the VLG as an incorporated association
- The call for transparent funding and authentic volunteer representation through the FundVICSES campaign
- The importance of collaboration, trust, and volunteer-driven leadership in shaping the future of the sector
In addition to their formal presentation, the VLG hosted informal morning tea workshops, where attendees were invited to share their views directly with VLG representatives. These sessions proved invaluable, with frank discussions on governance, local challenges, and the need for stronger advocacy structures.
“It was an opportunity not just to speak, but to listen,” said Bagnall. “The conversations we had in the breaks were just as important as the formal session. We were reminded again that volunteers across the state are passionate, thoughtful, and ready to lead.”
These seminars also laid the groundwork for future regional engagement activities, with the VLG committed to regular touchpoints across the state as it continues to grow its network and strengthen the voice of volunteers.
On Monday 20 May 2024, volunteers around the state gathered to raise awareness of the need for sustainable funding for VICSES.
A large amount of organisation and planning went into this event – from the briefing information, catering, media, alerting Victoria Police to the drive, parking, the route and so much more.
A massive shout out to Cheeky Sweets who supplied the FundVICSES cookies and to Rapid Relief Team who came along with the coffee van.
The VLG would like to thank all the volunteers that came out in force to highlight to the wider community the intricacies of our service’s funding and the persistent daily shortfalls.
This incredible day was the second public phase of the campaign. Phase one resulted in 2500 letters (emails) sent to Members of Parliament from volunteers and units outlining funding issues. Thank you to everyone who reached out and raised awareness.
The strength of our service is in our volunteers. Our voice is our actions. Our collective actions are powerful and heard across the state.
