June 8, 2018

Boost to support cfa volunteers

Volunteer firefighters across the region are receiving a welcome boost for vital equipment and facility upgrades totalling $228,000, thanks to a new Andrews Labor Government-funded program.

Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas, today visited the Gisborne CFA to congratulate the brigade on receiving their share of the grants.

Enhancing Volunteerism Grants Program Round One recipients in the Macedon Ranges and Hepburn Shire are:

Gisborne CFA – $77,609 Kyneton – $12,000 Kyneton Group – $31,348 Malmsbury – $26,389 Mount Macedon – $5,009 Pastoria – $8,763 Riddells Creek – $15,475 Springfield – $10,109 Spring Hill – $15,874 Taradale – $22,000 Tylden – $4,223 The grants are to support local initiatives that strengthen volunteerism and brigade culture.

Minister for Emergency Services, James Merlino, said the grants were being provided to support volunteer firefighters and brigades by:

addressing immediate needs and enhancing operational capability;

improving culture, diversity and fairness;

strengthening volunteer leadership skills;

encouraging recruitment, retention and recognition of volunteers; and reflecting the evolving needs and demographics of the communities that volunteer brigades serve.

The total value of the program is $10 million, with the remaining $4.84 million to be allocated in a second round of grants.

Applications for the second round are now open and close on 30 June.

The Enhancing Volunteerism Grants Program is funded through an additional $60 million the government announced for Victoria’s fire services in October.

For more information, visit cfa.vic.gov.au.

Quotes attributable to Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas
"It’s very exciting to see so many of our CFA brigades and groups benefit from these fantastic grants."

"Our local CFA volunteers do a tremendous job keeping us safe and these grants will allow them to continue to provide this vital service."

"I want to congratulate all of the successful applicants and encourage other local brigades to get their applications in for the second round of grants."

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