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Grants to Support Emergency Volunteers14 Million in funds through the Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP) to enable volunteer organisations. By Portal Admin - 15th September 2020 - Back to News Member for Morwell Russell Northe is pleased to note the announcement of $14 Million in funds that are available through the Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP).
The program enables volunteer organisations to fund items such as new equipment and vehicles which help support the tireless efforts of so many dedicated volunteers in keeping our communities safe.
"Over recent years our region has experienced many emergencies whether they be fire, flood, storms, vehicle accidents or missing persons. Often it is the tireless efforts of emergency service volunteers who rise to the occasion and support those in need at traumatic times" Mr Northe said.
Mr Northe has nothing but praise for emergency services volunteers within the Morwell electorate and across the State. "I know many of these heroes personally and I can attest to the phenomenal job they do sometimes in the most challenging of circumstances" added Mr Northe.
Due to COVID-19 many volunteer organisations have had their fund-raising activities interrupted and one hopes this is not a disincentive to local organisations applying for funding given the VESEP requires volunteer groups to contribute $1 for every $2 of VESEP funding.
"Grants can be utilised to help with the purchase of new vehicles, trucks, tankers, watercraft and trailers, other operational equipment and facility improvements" said Mr Northe.
Grants available to emergency service volunteer organisations across the State include:
- More than $10 million for volunteer CFA brigades
- More than $2.3 million for Victorian State Emergency Service units
- More than $330,000 for Marine Search and Rescue, including the Australian
Volunteer Coast Guard Association
- More than $800,000 for Life Saving Victoria clubs
- More than $370,000 for other volunteer agencies
For more information about the VESEP and to find out how to apply for the grant please visit: https://www.emv.vic.gov.au/vesep
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: support@gippsland.com
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