By PETER DOUGLAS
EMERALD SES Unit has received a cash boost towards acquiring a much-needed light rescue truck.
With the unit’s present truck notching 13 years of service and due to be retired in just two years, the SES members have been fund-raising and lobbying desperately for a replacement.
Electrical and mechanical problems have plagued the truck in recent months, hampering crews’ efforts while they manage a high demand of call-outs in the busy Dandenong Ranges.
Now, the unit’s extensive fund-raising efforts have been duly rewarded, with the Victorian Government awarding a grant of $100,000 to the unit, which will go towards a new truck.
The grant is part of the 2016-’17 Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program, which awarded $2.2 million for SES equipment boosts throughout the state.
Emerald SES Unit Controller, Ben Owen, said the funds would take a great load off the crew, although there is plenty of fund-raising work ahead.
“We’re rapt to have received the grant – it shows the government is taking notice and, fingers crossed, we’ll have a new shed to house the truck down the track,” he said.
“We need $218,000 for the truck and we already have $40,000, so we still need a further $70,000.
“The truck attends around 400 to 500 call-outs every year – it’s a workhorse but it needs to be replaced.”
Mr Owen says the Emerald Unit was among the busiest SES crews in the state.
Recently, the rescue truck responded to emergencies for four days straight, clocking up 40 hours on the road, during which time the truck broke down twice.
To raise funds, the unit has been hosting trivia nights, and holding sausage sizzles and raffles.
Mr Owen said the new truck would have extra grip and would be able to better navigate steep driveways and rough roads.
Despite the welcome grant, the Emerald SES Unit is still seeking assistance to upgrade its facilities, including the shed.
In May this year, Shadow Member for Emergency Services, Brad Battin, slammed the Victorian Government for its lack of funding for the unit’s facilities, which he said were in poor condition and in desperate need of assistance.
Meanwhile, CFA volunteers throughout the Dandenong Ranges will share in $9.3 million in grants for equipment, trucks and facilities.
Recipients include the Upwey, Belgrave Heights, South Belgrave and Olinda CFA brigades.
Upwey CFA received $80,000 for a Light Tanker (crew cab), while Belgrave Heights and South CFA brigades received $10,600 for asphalting of a car park and driveway.
Olinda CFA received $3300 for station furniture.
The package included more than $2.8 million for a state-wide initiative to improve the safety and well-being of volunteer firefighters.
The CFA will use these funds to replace ageing equipment and provide specialist cool-climate clothing.
Minister for Emergency Services, James Merlino, said the funds would be welcomed throughout the region.
“These grants will provide a welcome boost to volunteer CFA brigades in the Dandenong Ranges, helping them buy the equipment they need to keep Victoria safe,” he said.
For more information about the Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program, visit emv.vic.gov.au.
Those wishing to donate to the Emerald SES Unit can visit www.everydayhero.com.au and search Emerald SES Rescue Truck.
