HASTINGS State Emergency Service has advanced its training facilities by installing a sound-absorbing acoustic wall in its training room, thanks to a placemaking grant from the Mornington Peninsula Shire. The upgrade will allow volunteers to conduct multiple training sessions simultaneously by dividing the room into two separate areas, without disruption from other activities.
Unit Controller Dutchy Holland said it significantly increased the facility’s versatility, supporting both operational needs and broader community use. “This upgrade will not only enhance our emergency response capabilities but also provide a valuable resource for other community groups,” he said.
“SES Hastings is incredibly grateful for the support of Mornington Peninsula Shire in improving the adaptability of our training space.”
During major storm events and emergency responses, the space can be reconfigured using the folding acoustic wall, creating an incident management room on one side and a crew briefing, welfare, or call triage area on the other. Holland said while the room remained fully functional in its open format, the enhanced flexibility means other community groups may also benefit. The Coast Guard has already expressed interest in using the upgraded facility, reinforcing its value beyond SES operations.
Hastings SES has also recently received a new trailer to assist with transporting large and bulky equipment for community support operations. This was made possible thanks to a generous community grant from South East Water. Volunteers said the trailer had already proven its value including moving equipment for the recent Emergency Services Expo held in Hastings on 23 March. It has also been used to transport fencing to Mornington for the response ute stationed there, and assist with the setup for Hastings SES support at the Rescue Dogs assessment day in a simulated tarp haul training exercise. It will be important for transporting sandbags and pumps to areas affected by flooding or potential flood risks.
First published in the Mornington News – 1 April 2025
