CFA grant announced

The state government will give $6534 to the Wyndham Vale CFA for essential operational equipment.

Werribee MP Tim Pallas announced the CFA branch would receive funding for a battery-operated PPV fan.

“The battery-operated PPV fan will give our volunteers the equipment needed to effectively carry out their duties,” Mr Pallas said.

The state government has allocated 303 grants from the $14.3 million 2020-21 Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP).

Under the program, the state government matches every $1 paid by volunteer groups with a $2 co-contribution of 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.

“The Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program is an important annual program providing a critical boost to local volunteer units to ensure their equipment are up-to-date,” Mr Pallas said.

Minister for Emergency Services Jaclyn Symes said: “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.”