Emergency services volunteers in Sunbury and Diggers Rest will share in more than $13.3 million in grants for life-saving equipment, thanks to the Andrews Labor Government.

Josh Bull MP today announced that Diggers Rest CFA will receive $182,800.00 to help purchase a brand new Light Tanker and Sunbury SES will receive $232,550.00 to replace an ageing Medium Rescue truck.

It’s two of 230 new grants for emergency service volunteer brigades and units around the state, as part of the 2018-19 Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP).

The program funds operational equipment in addition to vehicles, trucks, tankers, watercraft, trailers and minor facility upgrades.

Under the VESEP, the Labor Government matches every dollar paid by volunteer groups with a $2 co-contribution – this year increasing the maximum contribution from $100,000 to $150,000.

Contributions this year include:

• almost $9.8 million for volunteer Country Fire Authority brigades
• more than $2.1 million for State Emergency Service units
• more than $315,000 for Marine Search and Rescue, including the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Association
• almost $800,000 for Life Saving Victoria clubs
• almost $340,000 for other volunteer agencies.

For more information about the VESEP, visit the Emergency Management Victoria website at emv.vic.gov.au.

Quotes attributable to Josh Bull MP, Member for Sunbury

“Volunteers are at the heart of our emergency services and this grant will ensure the Diggers Rest CFA and Sunbury SES has the modern equipment they need to keep the local community safe.”

“Our emergency services volunteers are often the first line of defence during fires, floods, storms and water emergencies. We thank them and value the hard yards they put in to keep their communities safe.”