Milawa Fire Brigade members are excited to hear they will be receiving a new light tanker through the Victorian Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP).
The brigade applied for the VESEP grant to replace their brigade owned light tanker which will further boost the brigade’s ability to protect and service their community.
Today, the Emergency Services Minister Jaclyn Symes announced the welcome news to the brigade in person while visiting the Milawa volunteer members.
Milawa Brigade Captain Nathan Heywood said the brigade was overwhelmed to hear the good news and we look forward to receiving the new light tanker which will be a huge asset to the brigade.
“Our brigade is often deployed to campaign fires which takes our main truck away from the station for several days. The new dual-cab light tanker will ensure we always have that added protection for our local community,” Mr Heywood said.
“Our current light tanker is nearly 20 years old so it will be great to replace it with the latest technology and safety features for the protection of our firefighters.”
CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said these VESEP grants are an important addition to our overall operational equipment and infrastructure.
“The government provides $2 for every $1 of funding from the brigade which is a really great opportunity for brigades to raise these important funds and apply for a VESEP grant,” CO Heffernan said.
“Brigades like Milawa are embedded in their local communities and provide critical services which ensure residents are prepared for fire all year around.
“Through VESEP, the Government has invested more than $50 million in CFA over the last six years which has helped provide additional equipment for many brigades across the state.”
Milawa will receive $195,000 for the new light tanker with the brigade funding $30,000 towards the project.
Further announcements of VESEP grants to CFA are expected in the coming days.