The Werribee Volunteer Coast Guard has received a grant worth $98,251 from the state government towards a new truck.
The grant is part of the Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP) grants, which the state government said will allow volunteers to better assist the community during an emergency.
Commander Chris Bie said the new vehicle will help the coast guard to launch and retrieve its vessel.
“For the wider Emergency Management Victoria community, it means our vessel can be transported to where it is needed, if such a call out was requested,” he said.
“It’s important we have the right gear for the job.”
Since the start of the year, the flotilla has performed 90 taskings, 38 of which have come since the beginning of July.
“The coastguard receives a sum of money from the Victorian government, which we are grateful for, however coast guard is a lesser known organisation compared to the CFA or SES,” Commander Bie said.
“Increased funding from the government would allow us to operate more safely and efficiently.”
“I’d like to see coastguard funding reflect that of other organisations in the years to come.”
As a volunteer unit, Mr Bie said VF10 depends on investment and involvement to keep on keeping people safe on the water.
“Operating a coastguard flotilla and accompanying assets costs a lot of money- there is always repairs, maintenance and training that needs to be undertaken, all with a price.”
The summer season is the busy season for the volunteer coastguards in Werribee South, which is why the flotilla wants members of the community to be vigilant.
“Throughout the summer its important members of the public carry all the required safety gear, ensure their vessel is maintained and performing to its best standard, and know what to do in case of an emergency,” Mr Bie said.
To volunteer: https://coastguard.com.au/volunteer/
