In the spirit of giving, on behalf of our customers Essendon Fields has made a $10,000 donation to the Victorian State Emergency Service (SES) Essendon Unit, in recognition of their incredible efforts in the local area.

When the Maribyrnong River in Melbourne’s northwest broke its banks, it was the Victorian SES Essendon Unit who jumped into action, rescuing several families via boats as homes were submerged and leading clean-up efforts after flood waters receded.

Through Essendon Fields’ donation, the Essendon SES Unit, serviced currently by 41 volunteers, will be able to continue to support the community primarily in relation to storm damage and flooding. Essendon SES volunteers have worked tirelessly through the aftermath of this year’s severe weather events, and this donation will help fund vital equipment, training, and programs.

John Bates, Unit Controller for the Victorian SES Essendon Unit highlighted that the donation will be used by the unit to support the volunteers as they provide emergency response.

“It will contribute to the purchase of some of the protective gear that our volunteers use in operations, as well as the purchase and repair of equipment that our volunteers use to help our community when they’re impacted by storms, floods and earthquake. It will also be used to support our community engagement activities, including educational activities with schools and community groups, and to ensure that we have appropriate facilities for our volunteers,” said Mr Bates.

Established in 1981, the Victoria SES Essendon Unit also spent 10 years based at Essendon Fields in its early years. Mr Bates holds fond memories of this time and recalls their facility just west of where the Airport Control Tower now sits.

The airport and business park operator has made this donation on behalf of the 330 businesses and 6,000 daily workers that form its onsite community, and CEO Brendan Pihan was proud to present the donation cheque to Mr Bates alongside leaders in the local community, The Hon. Bill Shorten, Federal Member for Maribyrnong and Minister for the NDIS and Government Services, and The Hon. Danny Pearson, State Member for Essendon, Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Government Services, WorkSafe, the TAC and Consumer Affairs. They were lucky to also be joined by Santa, who’d just touched down at Essendon Fields enroute from the North Pole, having upgraded his sleigh for one of Australian Corporate Jet Centres red Embraer jets.

“Our team has been proud to offer timely support to those affected by the Maribyrnong River flood, and to also build deeper community connections through our ‘Friends of the Fields’ Community Grants program. We’re proud to be able to further build on these efforts through this donation,” said Mr Pihan.

“Essendon Fields is part of our community, and the SES has done some fantastic work particularly over the past 12 months.  It’s terrific to see that Essendon Fields is recognising that work, and making such a significant contribution to a great group of volunteers and individuals who have helped us when we needed it most,” said the Hon. Danny Pearson MP.

To make a donation to the Victorian SES this festive season, please click here.