News

Milestone accreditation for Kyabram VICSES

By Bree Lambert

Aug 14, 2026

Faster life-saving help is now closer to home for Kyabram residents after the VICSES unit achieved rare accreditation as the state’s 105th principal Road Crash Rescue provider.

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Twelve VICSES Kyabram Unit volunteers have completed the training required to establish the unit’s RCR capability, which was officially recognised at a ceremony held on Wednesday, August 12.

“This accreditation is a significant achievement for the VICSES Kyabram unit and gives our volunteers another way to support the community we are proud to serve,” VICSES chief operations officer Alistair Drayton said.

VICSES chief operations officer Alistair Drayton spoke at the event, noting the accreditation was a credit to “the VICSES Kyabram Unit volunteers who have invested their time and effort into developing these specialist skills.” Photo by Bree Lambert

Victoria Emergency Management Commissioner Tim Wiebusch highlighted the rarity and importance of the unit’s achievement, noting that the Kyabram unit does an incredible amount to inform, educate, and connect with its local community.

“This is a very significant milestone; we rarely in Victoria approve new providers,” Mr Wiebusch said.

“Road crash rescue is one of the most technical, demanding, and rewarding specialisations that we have in our emergency services.

‘’(It) requires technical expertise, teamwork, medical awareness, calm decision-making under pressure, but most importantly, a community spirit."

The night was also a chance to honour long-serving local leadership, presenting VICSES life memberships to unit controller Paul Octigan and deputy controller Gail Octigan.

Since joining VICSES in 1995, Ms Octigan has accumulated 23 years of active service, providing leadership, acting as a role model, and making a lasting contribution to both the Kyabram unit and VICSES through her selfless dedication.

Mr Octigan received his life membership in recognition of 37 years of service — marked by his commitment to ensure inclusion and accessibility, championing key initiatives, advocating for regional training opportunities, and mentoring members right across the region.

Victorian emergency management commissioner Tim Wiebusch, Kyabram VICSES unit deputy controller Gail Octigan, Kyabram VICSES unit controller Paul Octigan and VICSES chief operations officer Alistair Drayton, awarded Kyabram VICSES Unit their Road Crash Rescue accreditation and life memberships at the launch event. Photo by Bree Lambert

The additional capability will bring specialist road crash rescue skills closer to the local community, reducing reliance on neighbouring RCR units and providing additional support during serious road incidents.

Mr Octigan said it had been a long five-year process for the unit to reach the milestone.

“It’s a fantastic moment, and it’s not only for the unit, it’s for the Kyabram community and the surrounding areas,” he said.

Before the formal accreditation, road crash rescues in the Kyabram area were supported by specialist VICSES volunteers from Tatura, Rochester, and Rushworth, as well as Echuca-Moama Search and Rescue volunteers.

“Having an accredited RCR capability in Kyabram means we can put specialist rescue skills closer to where they are needed, when they are needed,” Mr Drayton said.