Member for Northern Victoria Mark Gepp last week urged all appropriate volunteer groups across Northern Victoria to apply for the 2019–20 round of Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program funding.
Under the program, the Government matches every $1 paid by volunteer groups with a $2 co-contribution up to $150,000.
The grants can be used to help fund operational equipment, including the purchase of new vehicles, trucks, tankers, watercraft and trailers.
Volunteer groups can also put the money towards minor facility improvements.
“Our emergency-service volunteers help keep us safe, and we need to make sure they have the right tools and support to get their job done,” Mr Gepp said.
Almost $13.9 million in government contributions are available to volunteer organisations across the state in this round of grants, including:
More than $10 million for volunteer CFA brigades.
More than $2.3 million for Victoria State Emergency Service units.
More than $330,000 for Marine Search and Rescue, including the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Association.
Almost $800,000 for Life Saving Victoria clubs.
More than $360,000 for other volunteer agencies.
“I urge any Volunteer Emergency Services group in Northern Victoria to apply for these grants, and make sure they have the equipment they need,” Mr Gepp added.
More than $77 million has been allocated to the Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program over the last five years, with recipients across Northern Victoria including Shepparton Search and Rescue, Numurkah SES, Swan Hill CFA and many, many others.
For more information about the grants go to emv.vic.gov.au/vesep.