New CFA ute a beaut

BANNOCKBURN CFA will expand their fleet of emergency service vehicles in the new year.

The community fire brigade has received a grant of just under $57,000 from the State Government’s 2020-21 Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program to purchase a new a Ford Ranger that’ll be used as a field command vehicle.

Western Victoria upper house MP Gayle Tierney said the funding will support Bannockburn CFA’s volunteers in their work to protect the area’s residents.

“These grants will give them the equipment… they need to effectively carry out their duties,” she said.

“The Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program is an important annual program providing a critical boost to local volunteer units to ensure their equipment and facilities are up-to-date.

“I’d like to thank all of our amazing emergency service volunteer groups on the time they give in keeping the community safe.”

Minister for Emergency Services Jaclyn Symes expects the brigade will be busy in the coming months as the fire season ramps up.

“That’s why we’re helping to give them the equipment they need to continue doing what they do best; keeping Victorians safe,” she said.

“Communities will continue to proudly contribute to local fundraising efforts, but we want to help reduce that task and demonstrate that we’ll always support our selfless volunteers.”