Five CFA brigades across the Mildura Electorate will receive funding under the latest round of the Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP).
Member for Mildura, Jade Benham said it was important local emergency services were well equipped, particularly given the predicted increased grass fire risk forecast for this summer.
“These grants will allow brigades to purchase critical operational equipment and appliances to help serve and protect our local communities ahead of the approaching fire season,” Ms Benham said.
The CFA brigades receive a share of $299,062 of funding for vehicles and appliances, operational equipment and minor facility improvements to assist their future firefighting capabilities.
“The VESEP provides $2 for every $1 raised by local brigades who do an extraordinary amount of their own fundraising throughout the year,” Ms Benham said.
“I congratulate local CFA brigades who have done the hard yards to fundraise towards these grants.
“I know I say it a lot, but I personally can’t help but be in total awe of what we, as a community, get from our first responders, regardless of the uniform you wear.
“You’re all incredible people and you all do it for the benefit of other people, and as someone based in this town, I can assure you we are incredibly grateful.”
“We rely heavily on our amazing volunteers to protect us from fires, floods and natural disasters and it is important that we support those who support us.”
Grant recipients included:
Vehicles and appliances funding: Beulah CFA – $170,000
Vehicles and appliances funding: Sunraysia CFA – $65,334
Vehicles and appliances funding: Donald CFA – $62,000
Minor facility improvements funding: Carwarp CFA – $1,030; Dumosa CFA – $698
