Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull has congratulated volunteer emergency services across East Gippsland that have been successful in obtaining funding under the Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program Grants for 2017-18.

“Our emergency services volunteers do a wonderful job in protecting the community and these grants will help to ensure that when they are battling the elements, they have the equipment and facilities to do the job," Mr Bull said.

“Twenty grants totalling $846,711 have been 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 to receive grants include 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 have also been successful.

“These grants take the pressure off volunteers having to go out on the street, rattle the tins and run sausage sizzles – it frees up a lot of volunteer time that can be spent more productively.

“Our volunteers are the very backbone of the community. We know that we have their backing when we experience natural and man-made emergencies and I know that these grants will make a positive difference in their efforts to continue to protect us all”, Mr Bull said

Friday, November 17, 2017

Caption: Gippsland East Nationals MP, Tim Bull, congratulates local volunteer services on obtaining grants under the Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program, with Wairewa and Mallacoota CFA to be equipped with new 4X4 tankers.