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Latrobe Valley volunteer emergency services receive $79K boost for equipment, safety, and response enhancements

Latrobe Valley volunteer emergency services gain $79K in VESEP Grants for equipment, response upgrades, and community safety support as part of state's $15 Million allocation to enhance capabilities across 268 projects statewide.

By news@gippsland - 25th October 2024 - Back to News

Volunteer emergency services organisations in Latrobe Valley have received a funding boost to support their ongoing service to the local community as part of the Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP) grants. Minister for Emergency Services Jaclyn Symes has announced the 2024-25 VESEP grant recipients that will share in more than $15 million to purchase new equipment, improve emergency response capability and support community safety.

Latrobe Valley volunteer emergency services, including the CFA, received three grants totaling $79,134 for new equipment to enhance community emergency assistance through the VESEP program

Grants aid volunteers

Three grants, with a total value of $79,134, were awarded to volunteer emergency services organisations in Latrobe Valley, including CFA. The CFA has received funding for new equipment which will allow volunteers to better assist the community during an emergency.

VESEP is an annual grants program that provides funding to Victorian emergency services volunteer groups to purchase essential operational equipment, vehicles and appliances and undertake minor facility improvements.

Backing volunteer services

Since 2015, the Allan Labor government has provided $138 million in VESEP grants, ensuring volunteer groups throughout the state have the resources, equipment and facilities they need to continue their vital work supporting local communities.

Through this round of grants, Country Fire Authority brigades have received more than $11 million, Victoria State Emergency Service units received more than $2.5 million, Life Saving Victoria's surf lifesaving clubs received more than $879,000 and Marine Search and Rescue crews received more than $368,000. There are 268 projects to receive a grant as part of the 2024-25 program.

Support for volunteers

Minister for Emergency Services Jaclyn Symes said, "We know this funding will be a vital boost for our selfless volunteers who are always there for Victorians when they need them. Volunteers look forward to the VESEP grants every year - we're proud to support the vital fundraising work they do with this program."

Member for Eastern Victoria, Harriet Shing said, "Congratulations to all the deserving volunteer groups in Latrobe Valley receiving grants. The Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program is an important annual program providing a critical boost to local volunteers, ensuring their equipment and facilities are up to date."

Pictures from Latrobe City Council Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com