By Belinda Nolan
Brimbank SES Unit Controller Brad Dalgleish was part of a special taskforce flown to the flood-ravaged state last week to assist in the recovery effort.
Mr Dalgleish joined 22 other volunteers from SES units across Victoria, including Altona, Geelong and Bacchus Marsh.
He arrived in Brisbane on Thursday and was flown by a charter plane to a base in Biloela, where he assisted in clean-up operations in the town of Theodore, where thousands of residents were evacuated and more than 100 properties flooded.
Farewelling the group, Premier Ted Baillieu praised the group’s efforts.
“All Victorians thank these men and women for generously volunteering their time to provide vital assistance in Queensland’s time of need,” Mr Baillieu said.
“I have been in regular contact with Queensland Premier Anna Bligh in recent days to say we will do whatever we can to help Queenslanders affected and isolated by the flood disaster.
“This deployment shows once again that our emergency services are ready with a helping hand, and these committed volunteers who are leaving today deserve immense gratitude for putting their hands up to help their Queensland counterparts,” Mr Baillieu said.
Duties performed by the taskforce included pumping and sweeping water out of affected properties and general clean-up duties.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services Peter Ryan said the volunteers faced challenging conditions.
“Working conditions will be challenging given the mud, flood water and high humidity but VICSES volunteers are used to tough conditions and hard work and will be repaying their Queensland colleagues for the support Queensland has provided to Victoria during similar events,” Mr Ryan said.
The crew returned home on Monday.
