Victoria State Emergency Service

The winter 2026 edition of Community Matters is out now! Read about Wear Orange Wednesday, Women in Rescue, recent Driver Reviver activations, what's been happening in the field and more.

Get your free digital copy here: www.ses.vic.gov.au/news-and-media/community-matters

Flood warnings are issued by the Bureau of Meteorology to warn the community of possible riverine flooding.

VICSES then turn them into community/township specific warnings on VicEmergency with clear action statements on what to do.

Here’s a quick summary on each level of Bureau issued flood warnings, so you know how to act if impacted by a flood emergency in your area.

During any emergency, it’s important not to rely on only one source of information. Monitor the VicEmergency app and tune in to your local emergency radio and television broadcasters.

It’s Thank a First Responder Day, a time to express our gratitude to all those on the frontline keeping us safe, and the families which support them.

You can get involved by sharing a message of thanks on social media or holding a special themed event. Find out more here: https://fortemaustralia.org.au/tafrd-2/

Photo: SES Mildura Unit

Today marks five-years since the devastating storms that hit Victoria in June 2021 – the busiest storm event in our service’s history.

VICSES received over 10,280 requests for assistance particularly for trees down, building damage, and flooding – all while navigating the challenging COVID-19 environment.

Thank you to all of our incredible volunteers for your response during this time. Our thoughts are with the impacted communities.

Photo: SES Healesville Unit

A Severe Weather Warning for Damaging Winds has been issued for parts of North East, East Gippsland, South West, West and South Gippsland and Wimmera forecast districts, with gusty winds expected to develop later today.

Locations which may be affected include Falls Creek, Mount Hotham, Mount Buller and Apollo Bay.

Community members are encouraged to prepare by tying down loose outdoor items such as trampolines, umbrellas and furniture and park vehicles undercover or away from trees where possible.

To stay up-to-date with any warnings, download the VicEmergency app and establish a personal watch zone.

For SES emergency assistance, call 132 500.

Want to experience something new? Jump on board as a VICSES volunteer.

Apply today: www.ses.vic.gov.au/join-us

Photo: SES Stawell Unit

Congratulations to SES Rochester Unit Deputy Controller Judith Gledhill and SES Sorrento Unit Controller Mark Daw, who have been awarded the rare Emergency Services Medal (ESM) as part of the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours.

Both pillars of their communities with more than a decade of volunteer experience, each of Judith and Mark have been on the frontlines when their communities need them most, leading from the front during devastating floods, storms, landslides and other local emergencies.

Behind the scenes, each play an integral role in bolstering preparedness in their communities and have left a lasting impression on their local emergency response landscape.

The ESM is a richly deserved honour and VICSES thanks both Judith and Mark for their undying commitment to keeping Victorians safe. 🧡

ADVICE - RIVERINE FLOOD - Threat Is Reduced
Incident Location: Kiewa River downstream of Mongans Bridge
Issue Date: Saturday 06 June 2026, 10:33 am
Next Update: Saturday 06 June 2026, 10:40 pm

More details at http://emergency.vic.gov.au/respond/ #!/warning/41975/moreinfo

This is a Final Minor Flood Warning for the Kiewa River downstream of Mongans Bridge.

Flooding is no longer expected at Bandiana.

Moderate rainfall across the Kiewa River catchment since Monday has caused significant river level rises along the Kiewa River. River levels at the Kiewa River Channel peaked early Friday morning, while Bandianapeaked near the Minor Flood Level at midnight on Friday. River levels are expected to continue easing slowly throughout the weekend.

Kiewa River downstream of Mongans Bridge:

Minor flooding is no longer expected along the Kiewa River at Bandiana.

The Kiewa River at Bandiana peaked at 2.75 m around 12:00 am Saturday 6 June, around the minor flood level. The river is currently at 2.74 m and falling, below the minor flood level. The Kiewa River at Bandiana is expected to remain below the minor flood level (2.80 m).

The threat of flooding is reduced. Stay informed - monitor your local conditions and beware of hazards remaining in the warning area.