Emergency service volunteer groups across Sunbury and the Macedon Ranges have been given a boost to make their work easier.
Local CFA brigades and SES units have received funding for equipment and facility upgrades from the state’s Emergency Services Volunteer Sustainability program.
Sunbury SES Unit have come into more than $50,000 to upgrade their security and driveway.
“We’re ecstatic,” said Sunbury SES Unit media officer Jarrod Bell. “It’s something we’ve been talking about for years.”
He said new security gates will make a big difference to the facility, particularly for “peace of mind” about volunteers personal cars and equipment.
“We’ve had ongoing battles with graffiti,” Mr Bell said.
“When we rush off to callouts our vehicles can be left there for hours.”
Sunbury SES, in conjunction with Broadmeadows, has also received almost $40,000 for lighting equipment to take to incidents.
Kyneton CFA has gained more than $32,000 to upgrade the station’s doors.
Captain Josh Gamble said the brigade has had “near-misses” with the doors.
He said drivers of the fire trucks were unable to tell when the doors had cleared the height of the truck.
Other grants include nearly $16,000 for Romsey CFA, almost $7000 for Woodend CFA, more than $24,000 for Woodend SES, almost $13,000 for Gisborne SES, and smaller amounts for Hesket-Kerrie, Carlsruhe and Lancefield CFA brigades.
