District brigades among recipients
Emergency services across the Wimmera, Mallee and Grampians will share in funding worth millions of dollars for equipment and upgrades to protect communities.
Emergency Services Minister Jaclyn Symes announced the 2023-24 Victorian Emergency Service Equipment Program, VESEP, grant recipients at a ceremony at Harcourt, near Bendigo, last week.
Among grants worth almost $11 million for Country Fire Authority brigades, Beulah fire brigade will receive $170,000, Balmoral’s brigade will receive $70,000, Nhill brigade more than $65,000 and Donald brigade $62,000 to purchase vehicles and appliances.
Brimpaen fire brigade will receive $75,000 for facility upgrades, while a grant of $19,000 will purchase operational equipment at District 17 headquarters and Green Lake will receive $1300, also for operational equipment.
CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan said the VESEP grants helped provide brigades with significant funding for life-saving equipment.
“This program provides $2 for every $1 of funding from the brigade and helps with the purchase of equipment such as vehicles, trucks, tankers, watercraft and trailers, and can also include minor facility improvements,” Mr Heffernan said.
“The contribution from the government towards equipment means brigades have a great incentive to fundraise in their communities and apply for a VESEP grant.
“There are also ‘special access grants available to provide a further financial boost for brigades that face challenges with fundraising.”
Victoria State Emergency Service units will receive more than $2.4 million.
Ararat’s State Emergency Service unit will receive almost $87,000 to purchase vehicles and appliances, while units at Kaniva and Nhill will receive about $85,000 each.
Ms Symes said the grants program supported vital fundraising work within brigades and communities.
“Our selfless emergency services volunteers are there when we need them most and these grants are all about helping ensure they have the latest equipment to do what they do best – protect communities and save lives,” she said.