Grants from the annual VESEP assist Victorian emergency services volunteer groups in purchasing new equipment and improving their facilities.
Stanhope Fire Brigade volunteers aim to use the grant to install new personal protective clothing lockers in the station’s engine room.
“Trying to keep gear clean and tidy when it’s just hanging on a back wall is very difficult,” Stanhope Fire Brigade captain Chris Dent said.
“It has probably been the biggest challenge not having a proper turnout room like a lot of bigger brigades do,” he said.
Mr Dent said new PPC lockers would improve station cleanliness and reduce the risk of gear being contaminated by carcinogens, helping volunteers to respond to emergencies more effectively and safely.
“Stanhope Fire Brigade, like all the fire brigades around this area, are 100 per cent volunteers,” Mr Dent said.
“We’ve got about 30 volunteers in Stanhope, but only about 10 active firefighters.
“We respond to pretty well every emergency that someone would dial 000 to in a small town, so we cover everything from a grass and scrub fire to a car accident or house fire to hazardous materials incidents and also support medical emergencies as well.”
Other recipients of this year’s VESEP grants included Kyabram SES, awarded $33,000 to renovate the pergola and outdoor training facilities, and Rushworth SES, which received $10,295 to replace training room furniture.
Mr Dent encourages anyone interested in volunteering to submit an expression of interest.
To apply, visit the CFA website for more information: cfa.vic.gov.au/volunteers-careers/volunteer-with-cfa/apply-to-volunteer
21°C