New appliance for Wonthaggi Fire Brigade

WONTHAGGI Country Fire Authority (CFA) volunteers have a new ultralight to help them continue their incredible work supporting the local community, thanks to the Government’s Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP).

Member for Bass Jordan Crugnale formally handed over the keys at the fire station on Wednesday evening and congratulated Captain Arnie Marion and the brigade’s dedicated volunteers. 

“This new ultralight gives our wonderful and super dedicated volunteers the ability to effectively carry out their duties to keep us all protected, supported and safe,” State Member for Bass, Jordan Crugnale said.

The new vehicle holds 500 litres of water, can be driven on a standard car licence, draws water quickly and is highly manoeuvrable for rapid response to grass and scrub fires.

“I want to take this opportunity to thank the Brigade also for their myriad of fundraising events and our local community for their generosity which has enabled them to put in their required contribution and upgrade their service fleet.”

Wonthaggi CFA Fire and Hazmat received $125,000 through this program with the total project cost being $147,500. Under the program, the Government matches every $1 paid by volunteer groups with a $2 co-contribution up to $150,000 per Project.

More than $14.3 million has been invested as part of the Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP), with twelve local units receiving funding as part of the overall 303 grants allocated, to ensure all are well-equipped to provide emergency support to the local community and surrounding areas.

The brigade is supported by its membership of 56 volunteers and responded to 214 callouts in 2023, including rescues, fires and explosions, and hazardous conditions.

Located in District 8, the brigade forms part of the CFA Bass Coast Group along with Bass, Corinella, Dalyston, French Island, Glen Alvie, Kernot-Grantville, Kilcunda, San Remo and Phillip Island brigades. 

The annual grants program gives volunteer emergency service groups the opportunity to apply for grants of up to $150,000 to purchase equipment including vehicles, trucks, tankers, watercraft and trailers, and minor improvements including refurbishments and amenities, such as kitchens and change rooms.

Other operational equipment that can be funded includes chainsaws, generators, quick fill pumps and inflatable rescue boats and engines.

“The Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program is an important annual program which provides a critical boost to our hard working, selfless and all community CFA, SES and Life Saving

Clubs to make sure their equipment and facilities are up to date,” 

Ms Crugnale added. 

Other successful recipients in that round included:

• Kilcunda CFA - Field Command Vehicle. VESEP Contribution $56,667. Total Project $85,000

• Bass Coast CFA – Three Thermal Imaging Cameras (rural). VESEP contribution $6,026. Total Project $9,040

• Cape Paterson Surf Life Saving Club – First Aid equipment. Inflatable rescue boat and beach patrol trailers.  – VESEP Contribution - $16,138. Total Project - $24,208

• Venus Bay Surf Life Saving Club – 2x Tohatsu Outboard engines – VESEP Contribution $8,460 – Total Project - $$12,690

• Wonthaggi Surf Life Saving Club – 4x4 Toyota Hilux and radio communications. VESEP Contribution $35,967. Total Project - $53,950

• Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club – 4x4 Toyota Hilux. VESEP Contribution $34,941. Total Project - $52,412 

• San Remo SES - Toyota Hilux. VESEP Contribution $73,953. Total Project $110,930

• San Remo CFA – Thermal Imaging Camera. VESEP Contribution $6,808. Total Project -$10,212.

• South Gippsland CFA – Ultra-Light Tanker. VESEP Contribution $125,000. Total Project - $147,500

• Foster SES – Toyota Hilux. VESP Contribution $66,472. Total Project - $104,208