By Jessica Micallef
Sunbury, Diggers Rest and Macedon Ranges emergency services have been given a boost after receiving grants valued at more than $800,000 for new equipment.
More than six fire brigades will share the grants, as part of the state government’s $13.3 million Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program.
Sunbury SES will receive $232,550 to replace an ageing medium rescue truck.
Sunbury SES volunteer Jarrod Bell said the funding was “massive” and that the truck being replaced was the oldest truck in the whole of SES Victoria.
“This means we can have a truck better equipped with safety features,” he said.
Mr Bell said the funding would let the Sunbury SES re-direct money it had raised from fundraisers towards buying other equipment and other upgrades.
Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas welcomed the funding.
“Volunteers are at the heart of our emergency services,” she said.
“This grant will ensure they have the modern equipment they need to keep the local community safe.”
The money is likely to be spent on the likes of vehicles and appliances, crew cab replacements and minor facilities.
The Trentham, Diggers Rest, Langley-Barfold, Woodend and Clarkefield and District CFAs and the Coliban Group of Fire Brigades will also benefit from funding.
Under the Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program, the state government matches every dollar contributed by local volunteer groups with a $2 co-contribution.
Ms Thomas praised the efforts of emergency services volunteers.
“I want to congratulate and thank our local volunteers for raising the money they have to secure the funding they needed for this great new equipment,” Ms Thomas said.
