Funding supports volunteer fire crews

COUNTRY Fire Authority brigades will share in thousands of dollars to assist with the purchase of important equipment for their vital fire response work throughout the Otways and hinterland.

The state government has invested $466,706 in emergency services in Western Victoria to provide essential equipment and minor facility upgrades.

Western Victoria MP Gayle Tierney announced local CFA units would be among more than 300 volunteer emergency service groups to receive a welcome funding boost under the government’s 2020-21 Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program.

Anglesea CFA will receive $2,930 for two defibrillators; Wye River CFA will receive $1,867.53 towards two remote area lighting units; Apollo Bay CFA will receive $4,607 towards a collar tank and equipment; Otway CFA’s $2,342 grant will go towards a truck-mounted hose winder and remote lighting; Birregurra CFA will have almost $5,000 towards its kitchen renovation; and Forrest CFA will receive a $4,030 grant towards a tandem trailer and accessories.

CFA District 6 headquarters, which covers a majority of the Otways, will receive a $2,060 towards the cost of a generator its catering trailer.

Under the program, the government matches every $1 paid by volunteer groups with a $2 co-contribution up to $150,000 per project.

Ms Tierney said the Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program was “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,” Ms Tierney said.

Emergency Services Minister Jaclyn Symes said it was going to be another busy summer season for our emergency service volunteers.

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

“These grants have been going strong since they were first set up 20 years ago – 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.”