The Andrews Labor Government has invested $466,706 in emergency services in Western Victoria to provide essential emergency services equipment and minor facility upgrades.
Labor Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney today announced 25 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:
| Anglesea CFA | Two Defibrillators | $2,930.00 |
| Apollo Bay CFA | Collar Tank and Associated Equipment | $4,607.59 |
| Bannockburn CFA | Field Command Vehicle – Ford Ranger XLT | $56,667.00 |
| Barongarook West CFA | Laptop and Accessories | $1,426.61 |
| Birregurra CFA | Kitchen Renovation | $4,099.39 |
| District 6 Headquarters CFA | Generator for Catering Trailer | $2,060.00 |
| Forrest CFA | Tandem Trailer 8×5 plus accessories | $4,030.30 |
| Garvoc CFA | Ride on Mover | $3,333.00 |
| Gellibrand CFA | Ultra-Light Tanker | $125,000.00 |
| Hopkins – Curdies CFA | Ten Flare Kits | $2,708.00 |
| Laang CFA | Laptop and Printer Package | $831.51 |
| Nalangil CFA | Electric Panel Heater | $363.03 |
| Otway CFA | Truck Mounted Hose Winder and Remote Lighting | $2,342.20 |
| Port Campbell CFA | Laptop, Software and Printer | $1,295.15 |
| Swan Marsh CFA | Two Laptops, software and laptop bags | $2,227.82 |
| Warrion CFA | Laptop and Printer | $859.39 |
| Wye River CFA | Two Remote Area lighting units | $1,867.53 |
| Mortlake VICSES | Building Improvements – Training Room | $57,112.00 |
| Apollo Bay Lifesaving Club | Purchase of first aid items and training equipment and patrol first aid equipment. | $7,000.00 |
| Fairhaven Surf Life Saving Club | Purchase of two inflatable rescue boat (IRB) Tohatsu outboard motors, two IRB fuel cells, an IRB motor cowling, patrol trailer, installation of 3 LED spotlights, Ford Ranger 4×4 vehicle, light bar, signage and ancillary equipment for the Ford Ranger. | $53,445.00 |
| Kennett River Surf Life Saving Club | Purchase of a compost toilet, gear storage racks, converting window to door, replacement roller door and windows security mesh, rendering exterior wall, roof repairs and installation of shade structure. | $39,365.33 |
| Lorne Surf Life Saving Club | Purchase of an Isuzu D-Max 4×4 Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV) and installation of ERV operational equipment accessories. Purchase of operational equipment such as six patrol flags, seven helmets, radio charger, patrol sign, two oxygen kits, two binoculars, nine swim fins, patrol marquee, ice machine, patrol chairs, water supply and defibrillator battery. | $74,959.33 |
| Port Campbell Surf Life Saving Club | Purchase of Thundercat Inflatable Gen III, Tohatsu 25HP outboard motor, freight for surf kit and fitting of propeller guard, surf kit, run and test in tank. | $13,049.00 |
| Wye River Surf Life Saving Club | Purchase of upright freezer, installation of a large Smart TV and installation of curtains. | $5,127.33 |
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 across Western 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.”