Victorian emergency management volunteers are getting a well-deserved funding boost, thanks to the Andrews Labor Government.
Minister for Emergency Services James Merlino, Member for Frankston Paul Edbrooke and Member for Carrum Sonya Kilkenny recently visited the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard’s Frankston Flotilla to congratulate successful recipients under the $15 million Emergency Services Volunteer Sustainability Grants Program.
There are 261 grants worth over $5 million approved in the first round of the grants program. The grant funds will go towards supporting emergency services volunteers right across the state.
Woolamai Surf Lifesaving Club will be the beneficiary of $225,000 for a new patrol tower at Smith’s Beach while Devon Meadows CFA will receive over $10,000 for a thermal-imaging camera and pack. This will help detect hot spots in bush and house fires and assist with search and rescue as well as hazmat incidents.
The Frankston unit of Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) successfully secured grant funding for a new utility vehicle to replace their old station wagon. The unit will also receive health and safety upgrades to their building, an ICT infrastructure upgrade and a new generator.
The Carrum Life Saving Club will receive $22,150 for new operational equipment including an inflatable rescue board hull.
Hundreds more grant applications for equipment, communications, facility upgrades and community engagement and training have already been received from volunteer organisations across the state.
Applicants include CFA, VICSES, Life Saving Victoria, St John Ambulance, MSAR providers and Community Emergency Response Teams through Ambulance Victoria. Applications are being assessed on a regular basis and will be announced in stages until the program allocation is expended in 2016-17.
A list of successful grant recipients and information on how to apply for grants can be found on the Emergency Management Victoria website at .
Quote attributable to Minister for Emergency Services James Merlino
“Victoria has more than 100,000 emergency service volunteers and the Andrews Labor Government is right behind them. We are investing in the equipment, training and facilities they need to keep our communities safe.”
Quote attributable to Member for Frankston Paul Edbrooke
“It was wonderful to visit the Frankston Flotilla and it is welcome news that the Frankston unit of the VICSES has secured funding for a new utility vehicle as well as building upgrades and a new generator.”
Quote attributable to Member for Carrum Sonya Kilkenny
“Our volunteers do an outstanding job protecting our local community and I am rapt that the Carrum Life Saving Club will receive new equipment, including a new inflatable and IRB trailer.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020