Wheels in motion

Narre Warren SES members Sherrie Rossiter, Andrew Smith, Andrew Gill and Keith Grant are thrilled to have been awarded $39405 from the State Government towards a 4WD. Picture: KIM CARTMELL

By BRIDGET COOK

TWO of Casey’s volunteer organisations will be better equipped to deal with emergencies after two funding announcements this month.
South Eastern Metropolitan Region MP Inga Peulich recently announced that the Narre Warren SES and Narre Warren North CFA were set to receive Emergency Services Volunteer Grants.
The SES will receive $39,405 towards a 4WD, while the CFA was granted $867 to contribute to selectable flow branches.
Narre Warren SES deputy controller of operations Clinton Brown said they would purchase the new vehicle early next year once the grant was processed.
“The 4WD will allow us to better respond to requests for assistances during storm events,” he said.
“There was a need for a vehicle as Casey’s growing so rapidly and the needs of the community are increasing and storm events are occurring more frequently.”
Ms Peulich said the government was committed to giving the emergency services the resources they needed to protect the community.
“I am very pleased that Casey groups are receiving these grants which will enhance their emergency response capabilities,” she said.
The State Government has delivered a record $12.23 million for the Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP).
Volunteer organisations both big and small can receive grants.
“Volunteers are an essential part of any emergency response,” Ms Peulich said.
“Without the support of volunteers we would not be able to respond effectively to emergencies, whether it be floods, storms or bushfires or road accidents.”