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South Gippsland volunteer emergency groups praised for securing $15M in Victorian funding via VESEP

Danny O'Brien praises Gippsland South's volunteer emergency groups for securing nearly $15 million state funding via VESEP, benefitting CFA, SES, Surf Life Saving, and MSAR units, crucial for community safety upgrades and operational needs.

By news@gippsland - 30th November 2023 - Back to News

The Nationals Member for Gippsland South, Danny O'Brien is congratulating local volunteer emergency service groups who secured a share in just under $15 million in state government funding that was recently distributed as part of the Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP). Mr O'Brien said the importance of volunteer emergency services like the CFA, SES, Surf Life Saving and Marine Search and Rescue (MSAR) units to the safety of our local community and its residents is evident, particularly in times of bushfire, prolonged power outages, storms and floods.

O'Brien commends local volunteer emergency groups for securing nearly $15M in state funding, highlighting their crucial role in ensuring community safety during various emergencies like bushfires and storms

Supporting emergency volunteers

Mr O'Brien said, "I am well aware that a number of volunteer emergency services groups in Gippsland South have been desperate for facility and equipment upgrades for some time now and it is great to see some of the funds being delivered through the VESEP grant stream."

"Our local emergency service volunteers work extremely hard to keep us safe, and I have been particularly grateful for their assistance during storm, flood and bushfire emergencies across Gippsland South in recent months. These funds can be used to help with minor facility upgrades and essential operational equipment including vehicles," Mr O'Brien said.

Successful grants recipients

The following Gippsland South Volunteer Emergency Services were successful in receiving funds from the 2023-2024 VESEP:

• CFA District 10 - $31,500 for minor facility improvements
• CFA Kongwak - $899 for minor facility improvements
• CFA Longford - $40,000 for minor facility improvements
• CFA Welshpool - $2,256 for operational equipment
• Waratah Beach Surf Lifesaving Club Inc - $18,917 for operational equipment
• Gippsland Coast Guard squadron - $3,632 for operational equipment

Mr O'Brien said the VESEP provides $2 for every $1 raised by local volunteers who do an extraordinary amount of their own fundraising throughout the year.

Pictures from Danny O'Brien MP Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com