News

Shepp volunteers say ‘thank you’ to all

By Patrick Morrow

Oct 21, 2022

**Thanks for your service:** Shepparton Search and Rescue Squad commander Gary Lovell says the effort of all volunteers has been amazing. Photo by Holly Daniel

Shepparton Search and Rescue and SES Dartmoor would like to thank all volunteers who pitched in during the flood crisis.

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Shepparton Search and Rescue commander Gary Lovell said all those who helped had been excellent.

"Whether it was the police from the water police or the police search and rescue and the ADF that came and helped fill sandbags," Mr Lovell said.

"The SES have been absolutely fantastic, and aid crews here from all over the state and CFA are the same.“

He said the flooding crisis in Shepparton had eased, with water slowly receding into the rivers and the causeway finally open. The search and rescue team now turns its attention to the recovery effort.

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"It's quietened down a lot, all the streets are starting to subside, and the highways open so that you can get in and out of a lot of streets," Mr Lovell said.

"We're just waiting for some other streets around Olympic Ave and everything to go down.“

He said the squad had conducted many rescues and extractions, including saving a 38-year-old mum who was going into contractions during the floods, and a family stuck on the roof of a car.

"We had one 38-year-old lady going into contractions and having a baby, also had people stuck in flood waters, including a Chinese family with a couple of kids, and grandma and grandpa and two little kids," he said.

"When we got there, the kids were sitting on the roof of the car, grandma was standing on the seat, with her head out of the sunroof, and we had to rescue them, but we've had quite a few jobs.“

Shepparton Search and Rescue did lose one boat in an attempted rescue.

"Unfortunately, we did lose one rescue boat, which will need assistance to replace, as it will cost us $25,000," Mr Lovell said.

SES volunteer Randall Scott saying units from across the state had helped in the rescue effort.

**Resting up:** SES Dartmoor volunteers Dallas Oakley and Randall Scott have a moment to themselves. Photo by Holly Daniel

"We've had crews from Frankston, Pakenham, Port Phillip, Monash, Broadmeadows all coming together and helping out together with Shepp Search and Rescue," Mr Scott said.

Along with the other volunteers, Mr Scott was given a cookie with a message to keep him motivated.

He applauded the hospitality that been provided by Shepp Search and Rescue.

"Shepp Search and Rescue have provided great hospitality to us,“ Mr Scott said.

“We cannot complain about the amount of food and drink. It has been great — and Pepper Mill Inn for putting us up as well, just like to say thank you.”

He said the focus for him and other SES volunteers was the possibility of helping the crews in Echuca.