A new grants stream to provide new equipment, updated facilities and further education and training has is open to Victoria’s emergency services personnel.

Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, said the Emergency Services Volunteer Sustainability Grants Program was open to brigades, units, clubs and volunteers from the Country Fire Authority, State Emergency Service and Life Saving Victoria, along with marine search and rescue providers and other organisations identified in the Emergency Management Manual Victoria.

“Emergency service groups offer a great deal to the East Gippsland community and I would encourage these organisations to apply for funding through this program,” Mr Bull said.

“Emergency Management Victoria is offering a grant pool of $15 million to these organisations, which is great.”

Mr Bull said grants were available for:

• Operational equipment;

• Facility improvements and maintenance;

• Community engagement and education;

• Training and development (which includes program fees, travel and facility hire; and

• Other requirements that volunteers believe will develop their brigade, unit or club’s services to the community and enhance their sustainability.

Mr Bull said local groups would need to visit the Emergency Management Victoria website for more information and to apply for a grant.

Friday, October 7, 2016