A sea of orange descended on one particular Frankston property earlier this month, as Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) Frankston Unit volunteers realised an SES-obsessed five-year-old’s dream by celebrating his birthday alongside him.

Less than 12 months after volunteers had inadvertently inspired Arthur by attending his family home to sandbag during a flooding event, Frankston volunteers came ready to party on April 7, showcasing their equipment and helping Arthur and his classmates embrace the SES theme of the day.

Arthur, who has since taken to recreating SES rescue scenarios during his play time, couldn’t contain his joy as sirens rang out along his street, and was more than happy to give VICSES mascot ‘Paddy the Platypus’ a high five as the party got underway.

His passion for the volunteers in orange has become well-known among his family and classmates, further influenced by his grandfather’s involvement with VICSES’ Moorabbin Unit.

At kindergarten, Arthur often colours in pictures of SES trucks with the help of his teachers, and even developed an SES-themed bauble for the family’s Christmas tree over the most recent holiday period.

VICSES had initially supplied themed tape and stickers for the event, however, despite being among the state’s busiest VICSES units over the last six months, Frankston volunteers were more than happy to attend in their spare time to further add to Arthur’s special day.

To find out more about becoming a VICSES volunteer, visit www.ses.vic.gov.au/join-us.

Click here to see Channel Nine’s coverage of Arthur’s birthday.

Quotes attributable to VICSES Frankston Unit Controller, Brian McMannis:

“It's nice to think our volunteers may have inspired Arthur to uphold the values we live by here at the SES Frankston Unit, and hopefully follow in our footsteps - already his dedication shows he will make a wonderful VICSES volunteer one day.

“A huge thank you to each of our volunteers who took time out of their weekend to celebrate with Arthur, and to those who continue to support their community in times of emergency.”

Quotes attributable to Arthur’s mother, Sarah Meade:

“Due to some heavy rainfall and storms in 2023, it was predicted our property would flood, so we had the SES deliver some sandbags, the team filled them up and sandbagged our front yard.

“Arthur stood outside in the rain absolutely in awe of their work.

“Arthur decided many, many months in advance that he was going to have an SES-themed birthday party, and his dedication to that choice has not wavered.”