The Andrews Labor Government has announced $91,000 in grants for new equipment and upgrades at Country Fire Authority (CFA) brigades in Willaura, Wickliffe, Pomonal and the Westmere Group.
Minister for Emergency Services James Merlino today visited the Willaura Fire Station to congratulate volunteers on their successful application under the $15 million Emergency Services Volunteer Sustainability (ESVS) Grants Program.
The funding will enable these brigades to buy new equipment, upgrade facilities and keep their communities safe.
Willaura will receive more than $37,000 to upgrade the fire station with new external cladding and windows.
The station is more than 50 years old and has undergone a number of extensions over the years. The new facade will provide a uniform look for the entire building, which is also the local command facility and headquarters for the Westmere Group.
The Pomonal CFA Brigade will receiving more than $39,000 to upgrade bathrooms and storage facilities, while Wickliffe CFA will get $4,600 for portable emergency lights and a defibrillator.
The Westmere Group, which includes 19 CFA brigades across Western Victoria, will receive $10,200 so it can trade-in and upgrade its four-wheel drive command vehicle.
The funding is being provided through the third tranche of the ESVS Grants Program, which provides for urgent equipment replacement, facility upgrades and minor works, community engagement and training.
The program is open to volunteers, brigades, units and clubs including CFA, VICSES, Marine Search and Rescue providers, Life Saving Victoria and other emergency management organisations.
It has already delivered $8.8 million through 540 grants to volunteers around the state. The third tranche will fund a further 326 grants totalling $5.6 million.
A list of successful grant recipients can be found at .
Quotes attributable to Minister for Emergency Services James Merlino
“Congratulations to the Willaura, Wickliffe and Pomonal brigades, and the Westmere Group, on securing funding to help them continue their vital work in keeping the community safe.”
“These are some of the most active brigades in the state and we are proud to support the valuable work they do in Western Victoria and the Ararat region.”
Quote attributable to the Member for Western Victoria Jaala Pulford
“Our volunteers do a great job protecting our communities and Emergency Services Volunteer Sustainability Grants give them the opportunity to share in $15 million of funding to enhance their services.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020