News

Emergency Services | November 27, 2023

Local emergency groups receive equipment funding

Ten CFA brigades and two VICSES units across western Victoria will receive funding under the latest round of the Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP).

Member for Lowan Emma Kealy said it was important local emergency services were well equipped, particularly given the predicted increased grass fire risk forecast for this summer. 

“These grants will allow brigades to purchase critical operational equipment and appliances to help serve and protect our local communities ahead of the approaching fire season,” Ms Kealy said.

The CFA brigades and SES units will receive a share of $799,941 of funding for vehicles and appliances, operational equipment and minor facility improvements to assist their future firefighting capabilities.

“The VESEP provides $2 for every $1 raised by local brigades who do an extraordinary amount of their own fundraising throughout the year,” Ms Kealy said.

“I congratulate local CFA brigades and SES units who have done the hard yards to fundraise towards these grants.

“We rely heavily on our amazing volunteers to protect us from fires, floods and natural disasters and it is important that we support those who support us.”

Grant recipients included:

Operational equipment funding: Casterton CFA – $22,600; Green Lake CFA - $1,300; Hamilton CFA - $20,000

Vehicles and appliances funding: Balmoral CFA – $70,000; Coleraine CFA - $223,333; Nhill CFA - $65,334; Sandford CFA - $128,333; Nhill SES - $85,109; Kaniva SES - $84,709

Minor facility improvements funding: Brimpaen CFA – $75,000; Byaduk CFA - $2,829; Gazette CFA - $1,394