SES units receive equipment

Warragul and Erica units of the State Emergency Service will receive new operational equipment and training opportunities following a state government grant.

Hundreds of grant applications for equipment, communications, facility upgrades and community engagement and training have already been received from volunteer organisations across the state through the state government’s $15 million Emergency Services Volunteer Sustainability Grants program.

The Warragul and Erica units will receive operational equipment including fuel cabinets, two remote area lighting systems, a freezer and a four-wheel-drive recover kit.

The Erica unit will also receive boat operations equipment, including a water rescue dummy.

Six volunteer members at Warragul will receive access to an SES endorsed chainsaw training course, while the unit will also improve its office with a new printer.

Announcing $849,611.06 in grants for emergency volunteers in Gippsland, Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing said the grants

Preparations for the Drouin Lights Up Festival have already begun, with the Drouin Business Group hoping to lock in the date for Friday, December 1.

Following the recent success of the Spirit of Warragul festival, the business group will explore the possibility of getting steam trains into Drouin for the Lights Up Festival.

Awards will be set for best dressed shop windows.

The Business Group’s annual festival sees the town’s shopping centre come to life with festive cheer. Shops open for extended trading hours while a festival spirit dominates the streets. will assist emergency volunteers in Gippsland in the crucial work they do in keeping the community safe.

“Our emergency services organisations and volunteers do a power of positive work in communities all over Gippsland to make sure people are prepared, trained and ready to respond to a range of emergency events.

“I congratulate all grant recipients on the time they give, the commitment they show and the difference they make year after year,” she said.

“I would encourage all volunteer organisations, brigades and units across Gippsland to visit the Emergency Management Victoria website to apply for a grant.”

The Nar Nar Goon fire brigade will also benefit from a grant that will allow it to buy a thermal imaging camera.

A grant will also allow the CFA to conduct volunteer support training in its south-east region.

To find out more about the ESVS Grants Program visit the website www.emv.vic.gov.au/esvsgrants.