By Gabriella Payne
Our local firefighters are gearing up for the busy, hot summer months ahead and in an effort to assist them, the state government have announced they will be lending the Pakenham CFA a helping hand.
The local unit was among the 12 successful funding recipients from the Cardinia, Bass Coast and South Gippsland areas to be chosen for the government’s Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP).
The VESEP will help provide essential operational and first aid equipment, vehicles and appliances for the 12 successful recipients, with a total of $688,639 (ex GST) in funding set to be poured into the three areas.
The Pakenham CFA Unit will receive a $6,808 grant from the VESEP, which will go towards obtaining a new thermal imaging camera.
The other 11 units to receive funding across the three municipalities include the Wonthaggi CFA, Kilcunda CFA, Bass Coast CFA, Cape Paterson Surf Life Saving Club, Wonthaggi Surf Life Saving Club, Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club, San Remo SES, South Gippsland CFA, Strzelecki CFA, Rosedale CFA and Foster SES.
Bass MP Jordan Crugnale thanked the successful recipients and all emergency services for their tireless work supporting and caring for communities in need in what has been a year like no other.
“These projects will give our wonderful and super dedicated volunteers the equipment they need to effectively carry out their duties to keep us all protected, supported and safe,” Ms Crugnale said.
“The Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program is an important annual program which provides a critical boost to our hard working, selfless and all community CFA, SES and Life Saving Clubs to make sure their equipment and facilities are up-to-date.”
Minister for Emergency Services Jaclyn Symes said that it was great to be able to help support the state’s many emergency service responders and the amazing work that they do.
“It’s going to be another busy summer season for our emergency service volunteers,” Ms Symes said.
“That’s why we’re helping to give them the equipment they need to continue doing what they do best – keeping Victorians safe.
“These grants have been going strong since they were first set up 20 years ago.
“Communities will proudly continue to contribute to local fundraising efforts, but we want to help reduce that task and demonstrate that we’ll always support our selfless volunteers,” she said.
Under the program, the government matches every $1 paid by volunteer groups with a $2 co contribution up to $150,000 per project.
The annual grants program gives volunteer emergency service groups the opportunity to apply for grants of up to $150,000 to purchase equipment including vehicles, trucks, tankers, watercraft and trailers, and minor improvements including refurbishments and amenities, such as kitchens and change rooms.
Other operational equipment that can be funded includes chainsaws, generators, quick fill pumps and inflatable rescue boats and engines.
