Marlo Coast Guard volunteers are set to receive better training with the assistance of a $7500 Emergency Management Victoria grant.

Commander, Harry Ferrier, said the grant came on the back of recent movements which saw Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Association come under the jurisdiction of Emergency Management Victoria.

“Under the transition to EMV coming on board late last year, they’ve paid the insurance policies for all for marine rescues and activities under the national scheme, which is a great saviour,” he said.

“With this grant that’s come out through EMV as well as the insurance costs being covered across the board, it relates to ongoing training and also fuel for running equipment, which in return alleviates the burden for us to go out on the street, rattle the tins and run sausage sizzles – it frees up a lot more time.”

Mr Ferrier also said with insurance costs being covered by EMV, it allowed for the flotilla to run programs with schools in the region, which he hopes will result in younger community members joining the flotilla.

Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, said Mallacoota Coast Guard also received funding for training, along with the Lakes Entrance and Paynesville flotillas.

“This is great news for these flotillas as it does allow them more time out on the water either saving lives, or training to do so, rather than spending such a large amount of time fundraising themselves,” he said.

Mallacoota Surf Lifesaving Club received $21,551 under the same stream for a new inflatable rescue boat and motor.

Caption: Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, with Coast Guard members Harry Ferrier, Kathy Alexander, Gail Baird, Jeff Williams (Paynesville), Tabitha McEllister (Paynesville), Wendy Detar (Paynesville), Gavan McDonald and Arthur Ward.

Monday, March 20, 2017