By Kyra Gillespie
Two local emergency service providers have received vital funding as part of the 2018-19 Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP).
Announced by Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Harriet Shing on Wednesday 7 October, Pakenham SES will receive $150,000 from the VESEP grant and an additional $94,244 from local contributions towards a Rescue 1 replacement.
Kooweerup CFA will also receive a total of $2729 for an electronic door latch and key fob.
The program funds operational equipment in addition to vehicles, trucks, tankers, watercraft, trailers and minor facility upgrades.
Under the VESEP, the State Government matches every dollar paid by volunteer groups with a $2 co-contribution – this year increasing the maximum contribution from $100,000 to $150,000.
“Volunteers are at the heart of our emergency services and these grants will ensure the Bass Coast region has the modern equipment they need to keep the local community safe,” Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Harriet Shing.
“Our emergency services volunteers are often the first line of defence during fires, floods, storms and water emergencies. We thank them and value the hard yards they put in to keep their communities safe.”
Contributions from the VESEP this year include almost $9.8 million for volunteer Country Fire Authority brigades, more than $2.1 million for State Emergency Service units and almost $800,000 for Life Saving Victoria clubs.
For more information about the VESEP, visit the Emergency Management Victoria website at emv.vic.gov.au.
