Emergency service providers across East Gippsland, including CFA, SES, Life Saving Victoria, and Marine Search and Rescue have received substantial funding to support their ongoing service to the local community.
The grants are part of the Victorian Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP) grants, which provides funding for these groups to purchase essential operational equipment, vehicles and appliances and minor facility improvements.
Minister for Emergency Services, Jaclyn Symes announced the 2023-2024 VESEP grant recipients that will share in almost $15 million to purchase equipment and enhance emergency response capability to ensure community safety.
“Emergency service volunteers work incredibly hard and put their lives on the line to keep us safe, and they deserve the best equipment and facilities possible,” Member for Eastern Victoria, Tom McIntosh, said.
Surf Life Saving Lakes Entrance will be acquiring a new Hilux 4×4 to assist in beach rescue operations, thanks to $45,481 in funding, while the Paynesville Coast Guard are receiving $20,629 to purchase thermal imaging and low light HD camera equipment.
Through this round of grants, CFA brigades have received more than $10.8 million, Victoria State Emergency Service units received more than $2.4 million, Life Saving Victoria’s surf lifesaving clubs received more than $850,000 and Marine Search and Rescue crews received more than $350,000.
These service providers are just some of the 233 applicants to receive a grant as part of the 2023-24 program:
– Surf Life Saving Lakes Entrance Inc., Hilux 4×4 SR 2.8L T Diesel Automatic Double Cab with SLS extras, 2x Tohatsu 25HP Outboard Engine with guard and SLS kit, $45,481
– Lakes Entrance Coast Guard, M364C Thermal camera, Joystick control unit, Cabling etc, Installation labour, $21,468
