The Andrews Labor Government has invested $494,574 in Emergency Service Units across Victoria’s south west to provide essential operational vehicles and equipment, appliances and communication upgrades.
Labor Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney, welcomed the announcement made last week that 14 local emergency service organisations would receive funding to deliver a range of projects.
The 14 projects are some of 250 grants sharing in $14 million in funding under the Victorian Government’s 2021-22 Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP).
Recipients include:
| Hawkesdale CFA | Field Command Vehicle – XLT Standard Build | $52,634.00 |
| Heathmere CFA | 40L Engel Fridge/Freezer | $872.00 |
| Heywood CFA | ICT equipment | $2,245.00 |
| Heywood CFA | Tables and Cables | $1,472.00 |
| Heywood SES | Ford Ranger | $77,050.00 |
| Lyons CFA | Thermal Imaging Camera – Rural | $2,705.00 |
| Milltown CFA | Lawn Mower | $3,310.00 |
| Port Fairy SES | Ford Ranger | $83,352.15 |
| Portland CFA | Multi-Purpose Vehicle | $161,667.00 |
| Portland Coast Guard (VF17) | ICT equipment, appliances and furniture | $9,398.00 |
| St John Ambulance Australia Warrnambool | Upgrade to the Omnitronic state-wide radio network system and a replacement radio mast | $75,751.00 |
| The Sisters CFA | Milcock Hydrant and electric pump | $4,000.00 |
| Warrnambool Surf Life Saving Club | Can-Am Defender Max vehicle | $17,413.33 |
| Woolsthorpe CFA | Thermal Imaging Camera – Rural | $2,705.00 |
Under the program, the Victorian Government matches every $1 paid by volunteer groups with a $2 co-contribution.
The annual grants program gives volunteer emergency service groups the opportunity to apply for grants 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. For the full list of successful VESEP grant recipients, visit emv.vic.gov.au/vesep.
Quotes attributable to Labor Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney
“These projects will give our volunteers the vehicles, tools and ICT equipment 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 they have the right gear to help others in an emergency.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Emergency Services Jaclyn Symes
“As we’ve seen already with the floods across Victoria, it’s going to be another busy season for our emergency service volunteers – that’s why we’re chipping in to help them get the equipment they need to keep Victorians safe.”
“These grants have been going strong since they were first set up more than 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.”