Emergency

GEMBROOK’S CFA brigade and Emerald State Emergency Service were big winners last week in the latest round of Community Safety Emergency Support Program funding.
Gembrook was one of the successful grant recipients and is to receive $45,333 towards the cost of a new diesel tanker.
Gembrook MPTammy Lobato last week welcomed the announcement after raising the issue of funding with the Minister in Parliament earlier in the week.
Gembrook CFA Captain Ian Robbins said the funds would go towards replacing the brigade’s 22-year-old four-wheel drive vehicle.
He said although the funding from the CFA and State Government was appreciated, the brigade still needs community support to find another $40,000 to pay for the replacement vehicle.
Ms Lobato also announced that Emerald State Emergency Service was to receive $33,563 in funding.
Leigh Johnston, a spokesman for Emerald SES, said the unit was very excited.
one.funding and that it would be used to help purchase a Nissan Patrol.
Mr Johnston said the Nissan Patrol would be fully equipped for search and rescue, and would tow a storm trailer and be used as a transport vehicle.
He said during the last year Emerald CES was called to assist in a number of search and rescue operations that required a four-wheel drive vehicle, including situations when people were lost or injured in the Bunyip State Park.
Mr Johnston said the current search and rescue vehicle a 1996 Hilux would be sold to help cover the cost of the unit’s contributions for the Nissan Patrol.
“Now we will be able to travel long distance in a little more comfort and space,” he said.
Mr Johnston said the towing power of the Patrol would make use of the unit’s newly fitted out storm trailer.
He said unit members Jim Waring and Julie Fitzgerald were to be thanked for their tireless work as the fund raising committee and putting together all the unit’s proposals.