The Nationals Member for Gippsland South and Shadow Minister for Emergency Services, Danny O’Brien has congratulated local Marine Search and Rescue, CFA, SES and Surf Life Saving units on receiving funding through the latest round of the Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP).
Mr O’Brien highlighted that these volunteers play an essential role in responding to fires, storms, floods and marine emergencies right across Gippsland.
“Our volunteer emergency services are the backbone of community safety, and I’m pleased to see their hard work supported,” Mr O’Brien said.
VESEP provides grants to volunteer emergency service groups on a $2 for every $1 basis, helping local brigades and units purchase vital equipment and facility upgrades.
Mr O’Brien praised the volunteers and community members whose fundraising efforts underpin these grants.
“Our emergency service volunteers put in countless hours not only responding to emergencies but also raising the matching contributions required under VESEP.
“Their hard work along with the generosity of our local communities, who turn out time and again to support raffles, donation drives and local events, makes these upgrades possible.”
Mr O’Brien also reaffirmed his advocacy for a new vessel for the Port Welshpool Coastguard.
“The Port Welshpool Coastguard plays a critical role in keeping our community safe, but their vessel is now 25 years old and was out of action for about 60 per cent of last year due to maintenance issues.
“It is clear that a new vessel is the only answer and I will be continuing to advocate for that crucial funding to be provided.”
Local groups receiving funding from VESEP include:
- CFA: Berry’s Creek ($190,000), Willung South ($2,867), Dumbalk ($71,000), Hallston–Mt Eccles ($1,000), Sale ($71,000), Toora ($150,833).
- Life Saving Victoria: Seaspray ($22,217), Venus Bay ($20,730), Waratah Beach ($44,735), Woodside Beach ($10,253).
- MSAR: Port Welshpool Coastguard ($43,945).
- VICSES: Foster ($59,800), Loch Sport ($19,067).