VESEP grant to improve Bacchus Marsh SES kitchen

BACCHUS Marsh SES will receive a Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program grant worth just over $45,000 from the State Government to upgrade its thirty-one-year-old kitchen, some electrics and lighting.

Branch unit controller Michael Schembri said the ageing kitchen, which supports volunteer welfare during emergencies and training sessions, is no longer fit-for-purpose.

“It’s seen its day, and is letting go in a few places,” he said. “We also want to make it all more energy efficient, move to electric and get rid of the gas oven.

“Upgrading the kitchen will make it more welcoming and more functional which is really important as we get called out to more events. It will become more of an asset to the unit.

“We have 76 members in the unit and the kitchen is used every week, but once we get called out to more 10 or 12-hour events, it’s nice to have something hot to come back to at two or three in the morning.

“For really big events, we might have 30 or 40 people down here for 10 or 12 hours. That’s becoming much more frequent, so it’s important we have the ability to provide dinner and welfare to members when the shops are shut.”

Member for Eureka Michaela Settle and the Minister for Emergency Services Vicki Ward visited Bacchus Marsh SES late last month to announce the funding.

“This investment will make a real difference here in Bacchus Marsh and throughout our region, delivering upgraded facilities so our Bacchus Marsh SES volunteers can respond quickly and effectively during emergencies,” Ms Settle said.

Kitchen works are expected to get underway in early 2026.

Bacchus Marsh SES members will be at the Emergency Services Expo at St Anne’s Winery on Sunday 14 December.

“That will be great for community awareness coming into summer,” Mr Schembri said.

“With people hiking, that’s going to be our biggest type of rescue event over the next three or four months.

“We encourage people to be prepared, be aware of the terrain, requirements and weather.

“Please drive safely over the Christmas break.”