Emergency management volunteers are sharing in $10 million of grants, as the Andrews Labor Government continues to fund the training, equipment and facilities needed to keep communities safe.

Member for Sunbury Josh Bull, announced today that applications are open for the 2018-19 Emergency Services Volunteer Sustainability grants program in Sunbury.

The program, which is funded through the Victorian Budget 2018-19, is open to volunteers from:

• Victoria State Emergency Service
• Life Saving Victoria
• volunteer Marine Search and Rescue units
• other emergency management organisations identified in the Emergency Management Manual Victoria.

The CFA has its own government-funded grants program for volunteer firefighters, with more than half of the $10 million Enhancing Volunteerism Grants Program already allocated to brigades.

Mr Bull said ESVS grants were available across a range of criteria, including training and development, community engagement, operational equipment, education and minor facilities upgrades.

Applications can be made by an individual volunteer, unit or club, or an agency/organisation. Grants of up to $50,000 are available. Applications close on Wednesday 22 August.

The ESVS announcement follows on the from the government’s launch earlier this year of the $13.34 million Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP).

For more information on how to apply for an ESVS grant, visit emv.vic.gov.au/esvsgrants

Quotes attributable to the Member for Sunbury, Josh Bull MP

“I encourage emergency service organisations in Sunbury to apply for these grants that help volunteers keep Victorian communities safe.”

“We are providing volunteers with the training, equipment and facilities they need, which is why we’ve funded the $10 million Emergency Services Volunteer Sustainability grants program.”

Media contact: Matthew Dixon 0438 190 148| matthew.dixon@minstaff.vic.gov.au