The donations came about after the Yarrawonga Neighbourhood Watch (NHW), which started in town in 1993, had to make the tough decision to disband after the group have been unable to find replacements for their Area Co-Ordinator and Secretary who are both retiring.
NHW members unanimously decided that monies in excess of current needs would be better used by other not-for-profit organisations.
As the SES and CFA provide excellent services to assist with the provision of a safer community, they were an ideal choice.
Handing over the cheques to SES Unit Controller Jason Forber and CFA member Lawrence Phillips , NHW Co-ordinator Patrick Boxshall said he was pleased the extra money will go to good use for the community.
“We are delighted that our donations will assist with the provision of replacement equipment and so contribute in some small way to the work of the volunteers,” Mr Boxshall said.
“It is important to us that this money, which was raised by locals, will now be used by locals for local purposes.”
Mr Forber said he was grateful to NHW to think of the SES as an organisation to donate the last of their money to.
“The donation will go towards our lockers as the current ones we have are over 20 years old and can’t house the most recent gear we have been given,” Mr Forber said.
“This donation will greatly benefit the volunteers and the money will be put to great use.
“We appreciate all the support we receive from the Yarrawonga community. They have always supported us and continue to.”
Mr Phillips said the CFA will use the funds to purchase new tools which will go a long way to assisting the CFA on call outs.
“We appreciate the donation from the Neighbourhood Watch that will assist us greatly to also assist the community,” Mr Phillips said.
“We will purchase new hand tools as well as battery tools which will be handy for smaller jobs that we are called out to.
“We are very grateful that the NHW thought of us to donate their money to.”