The Andrews Labor Government has invested $535,706 in emergency services in Victoria’s south west to provide essential emergency services equipment and minor facility upgrades.
Labor Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney today announced 19 local Country Fire Authority (CFA), Life Saving Victoria (LSV), Marine Search and Rescue (MSAR) and Victorian State Emergency Services (VICSES) would receive a welcome funding boost to help protect their local community.
The organisations are amongst 303 grants across the state sharing in more than $14.3 million in funding under the government’s 2020-21 Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP).
Recipients include:
| Allansford CFA | Proket Branches | $1,274.69 |
| Belfast CFA | Field Command Vehicle – Standard Build | $80,000.00 |
| Cape Bridgewater CFA | Extension to Fire Station | $66,667.00 |
| Cudgee CFA | Laptop and Printers | $997.57 |
| Dartmoor CFA | Fridge for Tanker | $811.51 |
| Gorae West CFA | Washing Machine | $302.43 |
| Heathmere CFA | Laptop | $899.40 |
| Heywood CFA | Extension of meeting room | $54,628.62 |
| Homerton CFA | Ride on Mover | $3,027.27 |
| Koroit CFA | Oscillating TFT Blitzfire Monitor | $4,050.00 |
| Minhamite CFA | Quick Fill Pump and Trailer | $7,347.00 |
| Myamyn CFA | Laptop and TV | $1,107.00 |
| Warrnambool CFA | Multi-Purpose Vehicle (Version 3) | $148,333.00 |
| Portland VICSES | Replace Nissan Patrol | $69,546.00 |
| Warrnambool VICSES | Replace existing Lighting Trailer | $49,867.00 |
| Port Fairy Surf Life Saving Club | Purchase of defibrillator, wall mount cabinet, shipping, inflatable rescue boat beach trailer, shelving and training aids. | $7,452.00 |
| Portland Surf Life Saving Club Inc | Purchase of a replacement side-by-side vehicle. | $12,704.00 |
| Warrnambool Surf Lifesaving Club Inc | Purchase of two patrol shelters, four patrol flag tripods and poles, two binoculars, all-terrain vehicle rescue tracks, tyre pressure gauge, PA system and two rescue dummies. | $16,997.00 |
| Portland Surf Life Saving Club | Purchase of a self-propelled life buoy. | $9,695.00 |
Under the program, the Government matches every $1 paid by volunteer groups with a $2 co-contribution up to $150,000 per project.
The annual grants program gives volunteer emergency service groups the opportunity to apply for grants of up to $150,000 to purchase equipment including vehicles, trucks, tankers, watercraft and trailers, and for minor improvements including refurbishments and amenities, such as kitchens and change rooms.
Other operational equipment that can be funded includes chainsaws, generators, quick fill pumps and inflatable rescue boats and engines.
Quote attributable to Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney
“Our hardworking volunteers in south west Victoria do a wonderful job protecting the local community. These grants will give them the equipment and amenities they needed to effectively carry out their duties.”
“The Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program is an important annual program providing a critical boost to local volunteer units to ensure their equipment and facilities are up-to-date.”
“I’d like to thank all of our amazing emergency service volunteer groups on the time they give in keeping the community safe.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Emergency Services Jaclyn Symes
“It’s going to be another busy summer season for our emergency service volunteers. That’s why we’re helping to give them the equipment they need to continue doing what they do best – keeping Victorians safe.”
“These grants have been going strong since they were first set up twenty years ago – communities will continue to proudly contribute to local fundraising efforts, but we want to help reduce that task and demonstrate that we’ll always support our selfless volunteers.”