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Major boost for emergency services in Eastern Victoria

Appreciating the emergency service volunteers through amenities and equipment improvement grants.

By news@gippsland - 19th March 2021 - Back to News

The Andrews Labor Government has invested $840,987 in emergency services in Eastern Victoria to provide essential operational equipment, vehicles, appliances and minor facility improvements for local volunteers. The investment is part of the Government’s 2020-21 Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP) which is providing more than $14 million to 240 grant recipients across Victoria.

One of the government’s 2020-21 Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program grants

Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing today announced 15 local Country Fire Authority (CFA) and Victorian State Emergency Services (VICSES) would receive additional funding to help protect their local community.

Improving the emergency service amenities

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 for minor improvements including refurbishments and amenities, such as kitchens and change rooms.

Ensuring emergency service resources

The Government matches every $1 paid by volunteer groups with a $2 co-contribution. Acting Minister for Police and Emergency Services Danny Pearson said, "We’re ensuring our emergency service volunteers are well resourced with the essential equipment they need to carry out their critical work. Emergency service volunteers make selfless and brave contributions to local communities and the broader Victorian community – and the Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program supports their ongoing dedication to keeping Victorians safe."

Appreciating the emergency service volunteers

Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing said, "These important projects will give our hardworking CFA and VICSES volunteers in Eastern Victoria the equipment and amenities needed to effectively carry out their duties. I’d like to thank all of our volunteer groups for their hard work and congratulate the successful applicants in the 2020-21 round of VESEP grants."

VESEP applicants and grants

For more information about the VESEP, visit the Emergency Management Victoria website.

Pictures from Harriet Shing MP Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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