Bellarine emergency services will receive more equipment and modern facilities to help keep their community safe.
Country Fire Authority (CFA), Life Saving Victoria, and other organisations across the region received grants through the state government’s Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP).
Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant said she congratulated all the Bellarine volunteer groups for their work within the community.
“The VESEP is an important annual program providing essential support to our local volunteers,” she said.
“It ensures that their equipment and facilities are kept up to date, enabling them to continue their tireless work keeping our region safe.”
The grants included $71,000 for Wallington CFA, $69,334 for Ocean Grove CFA, and $44,000 for Coast Watch Radio and Marine Rescue Squad Incorporated to purchase vehicles that would support their operations.
Surf Life Saving Clubs across the region also received funding for surf rescue equipment, including Ocean Grove ($42,411), Barwon Heads 13th Beach ($26,376) and Point Lonsdale’s ($21,325) clubs.
VESEP is an annual grant program that helps the state’s emergency services volunteer groups purchase essential equipment or make facility improvements so that they can strengthen and support their vital work.
This year’s round delivered more than $30 million in grants across the state, with groups receiving grants of up to $250,000.
Funding for the program will be doubled over the next four years, with an additional $62 million invested to support volunteers through the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund.
Visit emv.vic.gov.au/vesep for more information and a full list of this year’s VESEP grants.
