General News
18 October, 2023
From Rheola volunteer to SES chief
ICYMI GREG Leach will become Victorian State Emergency Service chief next month. His appointment was announced last Friday and will see him return to Victoria after four years as commissioner of Queensland Fire and Emergency Services. Mr Leach led...
ICYMI
GREG Leach will become Victorian State Emergency Service chief next month.
His appointment was announced last Friday and will see him return to Victoria after four years as commissioner of Queensland Fire and Emergency Services.
Mr Leach led the QFES through significant operational challenges, including two severe bushfire seasons, the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and severe flooding in February and March 2022.
Mr Leach began his career as a junior volunteer with the Rheola brigade and was recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours last year with the Australian Fire Service Medal.
His introduction to the Country Fire Authority came at Rheola where his parents Jennifer and Russell were volunteers.
Mr Leach has credited his time as a junior firefighter as being vital in his personal development. He has worked extensively in emergency services throughout Victoria with a professional career that began in 1986 at the Country Fire Authority in Bendigo.
“Involvement in CFA at a young age helped me develop teamwork and leadership skills I have used throughout my career” Commissioner Leach said.
“I can clearly remember my dad and the Rheola Rural Fire Brigade heading to the Black Forest ... to work on the frontline of Ash Wednesday fires. The tragic events would be forever etched in our memories and lead to a reshaping of firefighting in Australia.”
Mr Leach said he was honoured to lead VICSES and looked forward to working alongside its dedicated volunteers and staff to continue putting the safety of Victorians first.
“VICSES plays a crucial role in Victoria’s emergency preparedness and response, and I will ensure it remains a progressive and agile leader in the sector,” Mr Leach said.