Pakenham SES has received almost $6000 as part of the South East Water 2022 Community Grants Program.
The local unit will be using the $5886 community grant to fund the purchase of much needed equipment to support their emergency response efforts.
Pakenham SES controller Hassan Fahd said the grant will enable the purchase of portable lighting and gumboots, ensuring the safety of volunteers when responding to emergencies.
The funds will also go towards essential equipment such as electric pole saws to help offer a wider community response during storm events.
“As a volunteer emergency service, it’s one of our responsibilities to contribute to the investment of our equipment and vehicles,“ Mr Fahd said.
“We’re extremely grateful that we’ve been selected as a recipient for a South East Water Community Grant.
“Our volunteers not only respond to emergencies, but we need to raise funds ourselves to do so. The grant allows us to respond safely and more often and gives us more time with our families instead of rattling tins to get these much needed funds.“
The unit is one of 16 community groups South East Water is helping to bring their community projects to life through its 2022 Community Grants Program.
The annual Community Grants program is now in its third year and is part of a five-year customer commitment to support the community and protect the environment.
This year’s grant recipients include projects to support the health and liveability of bays and waterways, and those supporting the community in areas of affordability, environment, health and liveability, and water security and literacy.
South East Water managing director Lara Olsen said she was excited to be supporting a wide range of projects across their service area.
“Every single one of the organisations we’re awarding grants to do amazing work in our community. From marine conservation and garden irrigation to emergency services equipment, education programs, kitchen upgrades for community meals, new equipment and everything in between, we’re excited to see the results of these projects and the benefits they’ll bring to our customers,“ she said.
