Local emergency services get grants

THREE district volunteer emergency services organisations have received funding to help them continue running efficiently.
Funding for the Devon Meadows Rural Fire Brigade, Pearcedale Rural Fire Brigade and Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Association, Western Port, was announced last week as part of a Federal Government grant.
The Devon Meadows brigade will receive $3590 to buy tables and chairs, the Pearcedale brigade will receive $1450 to buy equipment to assist in training and the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Association, Western Port, will receive $7046 for equipment to make promotional and educational videos.
Flinders MP Greg Hunt welcomed the second funding round of the Australian Government’s Working Together to Manage Emergencies initiative.
“This new funding is about supporting local governments and volunteer organisations at the front line of emergency management,” Mr Hunt said.
“The work undertaken by our emergency volunteers, be they members of our local fire brigade or coast guard, is largely unacknowledged but is of enormous value to our local community.
“It is also important that awareness and preparedness of local fire risks are made known to visitors to Western Port so I commend the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Association, Western Port, for their initiative to see that these risks are identified and prevented wherever possible.”
About 500,000 people in Australia volunteer in some emergency management capacity, of which 350,000 are directly involved in responding to emergencies, principally through rural fire brigades and the State Emergency Service.
Mr Hunt said the often heroic efforts of emergency services volunteers played a vital part in responding to crises and helping rebuild lives.