East Gippsland’s emergency service organisations are being encouraged to repeat their highly successful efforts from last year by again applying for funding through the Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP).

 

Gippsland East Nationals MP, Tim Bull said the program was now open to the Country Fire Authority, Victoria State Emergency Service, Life Saving Victoria and Australian Volunteer Coastguard.

 

“Last year twenty grants totalling $846,711 were shared amongst Country Fire Authority, State Emergency Service and Coast Guard volunteer services with Wairewa and Mallacoota CFA brigades receiving $170,000 apiece for the new crew cab 4 X 4 light tanker.

 

“Other CFA brigades whose applications were successful included Briagolong, Bruthen, Dargo, Glenmaggie, Heyfield, Lakes Entrance, Lindenow South, Meerlieu, Newmerella, Omeo, Sarsfield, Swifts Creek and Valencia Creek.

 

“Lakes Entrance and Marlo Coastguard and the Bairnsdale, Buchan and Mallacoota Units of the State Emergency Service were also rewarded for their efforts.

 

“Our emergency services volunteers do a wonderful job in protecting the community and these grants will help to ensure that when they are performing their roles, they have the equipment and facilities to do the job.

 

“The VESEP grants can be used to fund operational equipment, including new vehicles, trucks, light and medium tankers, trailers, watercraft, vessels and engines, or funding can be put towards minor building improvements”, Mr Bull said.

 

VESEP funding will contribute $2 for every $1 of funding from the local volunteer group up to a maximum of $150,000.00 excluding GST.

 

For more information about the VESEP and to find out how to apply for a grant, visit emv.vic.gov.au/vesep