$599,696 for new equipment, vehicles & extension for macedon emergency services

The Andrews Labor Government has invested $599,696 in eight local CFAs to provide essential operational equipment, vehicles, appliances and minor facility improvements.

Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas today announced the following emergency service groups would receive funding:

Elphinstone: Operational Equipment – Laptop and Accessories Hepburn (SES): Operational Equipment – Chainsaw Langley-Barfold: Minor Facility Improvements – Station Extension Malmsbury: Operational Equipment Lithium-Ion Positive Pressure Fan Riddells Creek: Vehicle and Appliances – Field Command Vehicle – Standard Build Spring Hill: Vehicle and Appliances – Ultra-Light Tanker Sutton Grange and Myrtle Creek: Vehicle and Appliances – Medium Tanker Trentham: Operational Equipment – Generator These projects are seven of 303 grants sharing in more than $14.3 million in funding under the government’s 2020-21 Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP).

Under the program, the Government matches every $1 paid by volunteer groups with a $2 co-contribution up to $150,000 per project.

The annual grants program gives volunteer emergency service groups the opportunity to apply for grants of up to $150,000 to purchase equipment including vehicles, trucks, tankers, watercraft and trailers, and for minor improvements including refurbishments and amenities, such as kitchens and change rooms.

Other operational equipment that can be funded includes chainsaws, generators, quick fill pumps and inflatable rescue boats and engines.

Quotes attributable to Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas
"These grants will give our fantastic hard working volunteers the equipment, vehicles and amenities needed to effectively carry out their duties and keep us safe."

"The Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program is an important annual program providing a critical boost to local volunteer units to ensure their equipment, vehicles and facilities are up-to-date."

Quotes attributable to Minister for Emergency Services Jaclyn Symes
"It’s going to be another busy summer season for our emergency service volunteers. That’s why we’re helping to give them the equipment they need to continue doing what they do best – keeping Victorians safe."

“These grants have been going strong since they were first set up twenty years ago – communities will continue to proudly contribute to local fundraising efforts, but we want to help reduce that task and demonstrate that we’ll always support our selfless volunteers.