New emergency training institute officially opens in mount macedon

The Victorian Government has demonstrated its commitment to the future of the state’s emergency services with the official opening of the Victorian Emergency Management Institute (VEMI) at Mount Macedon.

The programs and activities offered at VEMI, which is run by Emergency Management Victoria (EMV), provide the emergency management sector with greater opportunities to prepare for, respond to and recover from emergencies.

Representing the Minister for Emergency Services James Merlino, Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas today officially opened the facility, which formerly housed the Australian Emergency Management Institute.

The previous institute was closed by the Abbott Government in 2014, cutting dozens of local jobs and cutting investments in research and development, and capability and training for the emergency management sector.

In the short time VEMI has been operating, it has already created jobs and helped to stimulate the local economy in the Mount Macedon area.

The institute now employs five full time-equivalent staff. It is expected that further employment opportunities will be created.

VEMI is situated on a six-and-a-half hectare site and has been renovated and redeveloped to provide modern facilities. It has a newly-renovated accommodation wing of 52 rooms, a refurbished 75-seat theatre, as well as flexible learning spaces and teaching facilities.

The capital works have increased employment opportunities within the local community, increasing demand for services and trades.

VEMI will play a vital role in training and development for Victoria’s emergency services as they learn, acquire new skills and build capabilities.

It is expected to be used not only by emergency management personnel but also by local government authorities, volunteer and private sector organisations, critical infrastructure providers, professional and non-government organisations, as well as other government agencies and departments.

Quotes attributable to Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas
"With the opening of the Victorian Emergency Management Institute, in an iconic location, the government is providing top-level training and facilities to emergency management personnel."

"Not only does the institute play a vital role in training our emergency management personnel and volunteers, it makes an important contribution to the local economy in the Macedon region."

"While the Liberal Federal government walked away from this institute, the Andrews Labor government is committed to supporting innovation and leadership in our emergency services."

Quotes attributable to Emergency Management Commissioner Craig Lapsley
”The Victorian Emergency Management Institute is a great initiative that EMV has been able to lead on behalf of the state’s emergency management sector and it is already attracting interstate interest.”

"VEMI allows us to focus on people, the leaders of the future, and best practice innovation, in partnership with the sector, local community and other stakeholders."