Anglesea’s emergency services score big

ANGLESEA is expected to score big under the state government’s Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program.

Anglesea’s CFA and Surf Life Saving Club have been listed among the top grant recipients following last weekend’s announcement made by Western Victoria Member Gayle Tierney.

The state government has confirmed its investment of $1,244,950 into a total of 23 emergency services which included the Country Fire Authority, Life Saving Victoria, Marine Search and Rescue and Victorian State Emergency Services.

“Over the last year – throughout bushfires, storms and a global pandemic – Victorians have seen the incredible work that our emergency service volunteers do every day to serve and support their communities,” Ms Tierney said.

“These important projects will give our hardworking volunteers in Western Victoria the equipment and amenities needed to effectively carry out their duties.”

Under the announcement, the Anglesea CFA is set to receive a grant of more than $120,000 in order to purchase an ultra-light tanker while the Anglesea SLSC is expected to benefit from more than $27,000 for a facility redevelopment.

The minor facility improvements will include the demolition of existing timber posts, installation of new steel posts, replacement of cladding and concrete footings.

Anglesea SLSC president Tom Cullen said the urgent works would fix the fire rating and installation of the older clubhouse.

“It’s not the sexy stuff, it is the fire rating and things in the wall that you don’t really see, but it is just as important as anything else because it really comes down to the foundation and the longevity of the clubhouse,” he said.

The Anglesea SLSC officially opened its new $5.5 million clubhouse in January, but the older building remains a functioning aspect of the club.

Mr Cullen said he was pleased to see the community well represented under the recent announcement.

“The CFA does a fantastic job and we work closely with supporting them in any way we can,” he said.

“We have been very fortunate not to have any major incidents on the Surf Coast and that been through the hard work of the community and agency, but we have to ensure we work together to hopefully prevent and react if something like what has happened in the other parts of the state and nation does occur.”

The government has invested $14 million into the 2020-2021 program with more than 240 grant recipients across Victoria.

The annual grants program gives volunteer emergency service groups the opportunity to apply for grants of up to $150,000. Other local recipients included Deans Marsh CFA and Fairhaven SLSC.

For more information, head to emv.vic.gov.au/vesep