1971
Inaugural Charter of the Shepparton Search and Rescue Squad.
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SS&RS was first discussed in 1971 to fill the void of an organised rescue group in the area. SS&RS’s founding members put the idea forward and it was enthusiastically embraced by all.
1972
Shepparton Search and Rescue Squad Inc first registered.
1973
Small motorised train built by members with carriages, tracks and trailer for fundraising.
1974
Floods.
SS&RS members were on the ground during the Shepparton floods of 1974, which peaked at 12.09m. Their assistance to emergency services was highly sought after.
1975
First SS&RS rescue vehicle built.
Primarily used for diving and recovery operations, the first rescue vehicle was a monumental step in SS&RS’s history.
1977
Second rescue vehicle built.
This vehicle was designed to perform road accident rescues, general rescue operations and dive-and-recover work.
1978
Purchase of HURST Jaws of Life.
SS&RS secured the first Jaws of Life in Australia at a cost of more than $8500. The rescue tool is used to pull people out of damaged vehicles after severe collisions.
1981
Commencement of building works for the inaugural SS&RS Headquarters.
In need of an official base, the building works for SS&RS’s headquarters began at the Shepparton Showgrounds site.
1983
Purchase of new rescue vehicle.
SS&RS purchased a Mazda T3000 Twin Cab Lt Truck. This was eventually fitted with a modular system with gull wing type doors and outfitted with modern road rescue and general rescue equipment.
1991
Opening of new building at Shepparton Showgrounds site.
1993
Floods.
Flood levels in Greater Shepparton in 1993 reached 11.71m. SS&RS members assisted emergency services wherever they could.
1998
Purchase of new diving gear.
Wetsuits, air tanks, breathing apparatus, weight vests and belts, etc.
Purchase of new rescue boat.
To replace the original boat.
2000
Purchase of Holmatro spreaders, cutters and hydraulic telescopic ram.
2001
Purchase of high visibility day-glo yellow overalls.
2002
30th Anniversary Dinner.
The squad came together to celebrate everything they’ve achieved in the past 30 years. Life memberships were awarded to Eddie Jezewski and Frank Gaylard.
Convert and commission a Toyota Troop Carrier 4WD.
To be used as a primary response vehicle and for work in bush locations where there is limited access for standard vehicles.
2008
Purchase, construction and commissioning of Isuzu 550 Twin Cab Medium Rigid truck.
To act as the main heavy rescue vehicle, replaceming the Mazda T3000.
2009
Shepparton Search & Rescue Squad Member of the Year Award introduced.
Awarded to Ross Wilkinson as the inaugural recipient.
2010
Purchase and commissioning of Mitsubishi Triton 4WD Dual Cab Ute.
To be the main response and take-home vehicle.
2010-12
Floods.
Major flooding occurred seasonally at the end of 2010, 2011 and 2012. SS&RS members were involved in many rescues and sandbagging efforts.
2011
Shepparton Search and Rescue Squad changed its address.
The SS&RS grew enormously in equipment and vehicles due to more accessibility to funding, which required a larger space. SS&RS secured 15 Dudley St, Shepparton and moved out of the Shepparton Showgrounds site on July 6, 2011.
2012
Opening of new state-of-the-art facility.
Official opening of the new SS&RS facility at 15 Dudley St, Shepparton.
40th Anniversary Dinner.
There was lots to celebrate after four decades of operations. The SS&RS had countless rescues under its belt and had won the hearts of community members.
40 years of service.
Awarded to founding members Eddie Jezewski and Frank Gaylard.
Emergency Service Medal
Gary Lovell awarded with the Emergency Service Medal as part of the Australia Day Honours.
Donation of new inflatable rescue boat with trailer and motor.
Purchase of trailer-mounted lighting tower.
2014
40 years of service.
Awarded to Stan Jezewski.
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
SS&RS and Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) sign a cooperation agreement. This gave the community much more coverage and support across the region.
2015
Construction and commissioning of a new storage shed.
Construction and commissioning of new administration office and DCP area.
2016
Member of the Year Award renamed.
Shepparton Search and Rescue Squad Member of the Year Award was renamed the Jezewski Family Member of the Year Award, to recognise the dedication, devotion to duty and unparalleled service provided to SS&RS by Edward and Stan Jezewski and their families.
Invitation to Road Crash Rescue, Policy & Performance Advisory Group.
Emergency Management Commissioner Andrew Crisp invited SS&RS to provide a representative with road crash rescue expertise to be part of the Road Crash Rescue, Policy & Performance Advisory Group to assist with rewriting the Victorian Road Crash Rescue Arrangements.
Purchase of high-tech light tower.
An $85,000 grant helped SS&RS purchase a high-tech prototype light tower to assist in major road crash rescues, large fires and police crime scenes.
2017
Emergency Service Medal.
Ross Wilkinson awarded with the Emergency Service Medal as part of the Queen’s Birthday Honours.
2019
Emergency Service Medal.
Michael D’Elia awarded with the Emergency Service Medal as part of the Queen’s Birthday Honours.
2020
Bushfires.
Also known as Black Summer, the 2020 bushfire season devastated many Australians and SS&RS members were on the front lines assisting the CFA and other emergency services.
COVID-19
As with all organisations, SS&RS changed the way it operated during the pandemic with more personal protective equipment (PPE) and less face-to-face contact between members.
Mum of five saved.
Bendigo mother Crystal Rexter was saved from drowning at Greens Lake near Corop in December 2020. After three hours, SS&RS members were shocked to find the woman alive and well.
2021
40 years of service.
Awarded to Gary Lovell.
First female president of SS&RS.
Nacole Standfield elected president of SS&RS.
2022
Foundation and life member Edward Jezewski passed away.
50th anniversary dinner.
SS&RS had a lot to celebrate after half a century of service, particularly Carl Zabilowicz, who was named the Jezewski Family Member of the Year Award winner, and Jason Kittlety, who celebrated 10 years of long-service.
Floods.
The October flooding saw the Goulburn River peak at 12.05m on October 18. SS&RS members were heavily involved as a leading agency in flood response.
2023
Citizen of the Year awards and 20 years of service.
Twenty-year member Michael D’Elia won both Shepparton and Greater Shepparton’s Citizen of the Year Award at the Australia Day celebrations.
National Emergency Medals.
Michael D’Elia, Damien Lea and Carl Zabilowicz receive National Emergency Medals for their service during the 2019-20 bushfires.
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