Grant win for kyneton & macedon cfa volunteers

CFAs across the Macedon electorate will share in $12.5 million to purchase much-needed equipment as part of the 2015-16 Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP).

Labor Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas said the VESEP grants would fund operational equipment, such as trucks, tankers, watercraft, trailers and minor facility improvements for volunteer groups.

Kyneton Group of Fire Brigades are receiving more than $17,000 towards purchasing a Volkswagen Amarok, which is a vital field command vehicle.

Pastoria CFA will also receive $100,000 towards purchasing a light tanker which will replace a much smaller slip on unit, thus enhancing its firefighting abilities.

Under the VESEP program, the Andrews Labor Government provides $2 for every $1 contributed by local volunteer groups from organisations including the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Association (AVCGA), Country Fire Authority (CFA), Life Saving Victoria (LSV), Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES), and other eligible volunteer emergency services groups.

Grants up to $100,000 per organisation were available.

Other CFAs in the Macedon electorate which have won funding through VESEP are:

$49,206 for Coimadai CFA towards a station refurbishment $167,333 for Metcalfe CFA for a single cab tanker $3,327 for Musk CFA for volunteer training equipment $10,000 for Riddells Creek CFA for operational equipment

Quotes attributable to Mary-Anne Thomas MP, Labor Member for Macedon
"It’s great to know that CFAs across the Macedon Ranges will be fully prepared for the 2015 – 16 fire season".

"Volunteers are the backbone of our community and these grants will give them the equipment they need to save lives and protect our towns."

"The equipment needed to respond to emergencies is a big cost burden and this funding will go a long way towards reducing pressures on our volunteers."

"I’d like to congratulate the CFA organisations across the Macedon Ranges for their fundraising efforts and their dedication to helping their community".

Quotes attributable to John Pearce Group Officer of Kyneton Group of Fire Brigades
"The Kyneton Group of Brigades have been working hard fundraising towards this vital piece of operational equipment and I’m thrilled our VESEP funding bid has been successful".

"I’d like to sincerely thank the community and the State Government for the support they’ve given us financially to make these upgrades possible".