A voice for every volunteer.

For years, VICSES volunteers lacked a credible, transparent body to represent their interests. The previous association had not held an AGM since a failed attempt in 2023, was likely in breach of the Associations Incorporation Reform Act, and had refused newly formed regional councils a seat on its board. Confidence among volunteers had eroded.

When that association applied to the Supreme Court to wind up and transfer Victorian volunteer funds to a national body — with board members who also sat on the receiving organisation's board — volunteers had seen enough.

A group of unit controllers decided to build something new. But a volunteer advocacy body that wants to be taken seriously by government ministers, VICSES leadership, and the media can't look like it was assembled over a weekend. It needs proper governance, transparent policies, democratic accountability, and a public presence that signals credibility from day one.

They needed infrastructure that could manage memberships across 150+ units, publish governance documents, communicate with members statewide, and support democratic elections — all run by volunteers who already have full-time jobs and emergency callouts.

The VLG chose TidyHQ as their operational platform from the day they incorporated. Not as a trial, not as one of several tools — as the single system that would run the organisation.

Their entire public presence — the website visitors see at vicsesvlg.tidyhq.com — runs on TidyHQ. Board member profiles, governance documents, news updates, FAQs, and membership sign-up are all managed through one platform. No separate web developer, no second CMS, no WordPress site to maintain on the side.

Membership was set up with two tiers: free membership for any current VICSES volunteer (with voting rights, access to member updates, and resources) and a $75/year unit supporter tier for SES units that want to financially support the VLG's mission. Both tiers are managed through TidyHQ with automated sign-up and renewal.

For advocacy campaigns, TidyHQ's communications tools meant the VLG could reach every member directly — election announcements, campaign updates, and statewide meeting invitations all go out through the platform rather than relying on Facebook groups or informal networks.

Within months of incorporating, the VLG had a fully operational organisation — registered charity status, a public website, two membership tiers, published governance documents, and a growing member base across Victoria. All run by volunteers, all managed through TidyHQ.

The FundVICSES campaign demonstrated what a credible advocacy body can achieve. Over 2,500 letters were sent to Members of Parliament from volunteers and units. A convoy of SES vehicles drove across Melbourne's Bolte Bridge to raise public awareness. The VLG engaged directly with the Treasurer's office, government ministers, and crossbench members on funding reform for emergency services.

The VLG was invited to present at VICSES State Controllers' Seminars in both eastern and western Victoria — a significant milestone in recognition of volunteer-led advocacy within the service.

In 2026, the VLG is running its first full democratic elections. Statewide meetings, an AGM/SGM, and nominations for elected representatives from every Unit Advisory Group area are underway — the democratic framework the VLG was created to build.