First-responders receive a Black Summer recovery boost

Media Releases, Recovery & Resilience Stories, 23 June 2022

12 Volunteer Emergency Services organisations awarded more than $190,000 in grants

Twelve volunteer emergency services organisations supporting remote, rural and regional communities impacted by the 2019/20 bushfires have been awarded $191,628 in grants for projects that will assist in their disaster recovery efforts and strengthen their emergency response capabilities for future disasters.

HEADING: First-responders receive a Black Summer recovery boost. IMAGE: Kangarilla CFS in South Australia.

Funded through FRRR’s Volunteer Emergency Services Fund (VESF) program, generously supported by a private donor, the funding supports local volunteer emergency services and first-responder organisations in eligible fire-affected communities across New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, and Victoria.

The grants range from $2,996 to provide a rural fire service brigade with wet weather personal protection equipment, to $25,000 for equipment to maintain low bushfire fuel loads in a high risk area.

Natalie Egleton, FRRR’s CEO, said that the VESF program was important for dedicating funding to local initiatives that are a priority of volunteer first-responders.

“Programs like this are vital for fire-affected communities to ensure long-term resilience and preparedness. In this round, we saw requests for support to purchase and upgrade emergency equipment, technology and communications systems, as well as wellbeing activities. With funding provided for the purchase of emergency support vehicles, personal protection equipment and maintenance equipment, these organisations are now better placed to save lives.

“While this is the last round of grants through the VESF program, it has allowed us to learn more about what these groups need and respond effectively. It has bolstered the response capacity of many organisations and FRRR have built new connections in communities with whom we look forward to continuing to work with through their long term recovery. FRRR’s Strengthening Rural Communities program continues to offer bushfire recovery grant opportunities,” Ms Egleton said.

Some of the projects funded this round include:

  • Burragate Rural Fire Service, NSW – Roof insulation for Burragate fire shed – $23,710 – Boost volunteer vitality and comfort while reducing the carbon footprint of the Burragate Fire brigade through the installation of foam insulation at the fire shed.
  • Far South Coast Rural Fire Service, NSW – Fire Shed Friday’s – $20,026 – Boost volunteer vitality and general wellbeing with the provision of Fire Shed Friday activities in four impacted communities.
  • The Caves Rural Fire Brigade, QLD – New Storage Shed Project – $19,303 – Enhance operational activities and emergency response times with the provision of a storage shed for The Caves Rural Fire Brigade.
  • Mt Lofty Group Operations Support Brigade, SA – Enhancing Mount Lofty CFS Group Operations Brigade Communications for Critical Incidents and Community Preparedness – $23,577 – Upgrade technology and increase access to support volunteer development and learning and organisational operations.
  • Ensay Fire Brigade, VIC – An Ultralight Vehicle (ULV) for Tambo Crossing – $21,000 – Support emergency response activities by contributing to the purchase of an emergency response ultra-light vehicle for Tambo Crossing community.

For more information, visit FRRR’s website – https://frrr.org.au/volunteer-emergency-services-fund-grant-program/.

The full list of grant recipients and their projects are below.

OrganisationProjectLocationGrant
NEW SOUTH WALES
Braunstone Rural Fire BrigadeCommunication, IT and Facility Enhancement - Braunstone Rural Fire Brigade
Increase technology capability, security, and general maintenance of equipment at the Braunstone Rural Fire Brigade.		Braunstone $11,325
Burragate Rural Fire ServiceRoof Insulation for Burragate Fire Shed
Boost volunteer vitality and comfort while reducing the carbon footprint of the Burragate Fire brigade with the installation of foam insulation at the fire shed.		Burragate $23,710
Far South Coast
NSW Rural Fire Service

Fire Shed Friday's
Boost volunteer vitality and general wellbeing with the provision of Fire Shed Friday activities in four impacted communities.

Eden $20,026
Grafton City Rural BrigadeLockers for Brigade Members & Gazebo for Community Engagement
Support emergency response volunteers with the provision of lockers and a temporary gazebo for the Grafton Rural Fire Brigade.		South Grafton $8,030
Iluka Rural Fire ServiceFirst Response Evacuation Resources- Iluka
Support emergency preparedness with the provision of furnishings to meet evacuation needs and appropriate storage facilities for Iluka Fire Brigade.		Iluka $22,342
Johns River Rural Fire ServiceSupporting and Protecting Our First Responders
Boost the vitality of volunteers through the provision of wet weather personal protection equipment for members of the Johns River RFS.		Johns River $2,996
Wallaby Joe Rural Fire ServiceWallaby Joe Operational Equipment Procurement
Boost volunteer vitality with the provision of wet weather gear, helmet torches and emergency flares for use during community emergencies.		Wingham $7,213
QUEENSLAND
Aratula Rural Fires BrigadeAratula Multi Purpose Vehicle
Increase the capacity and capability of local volunteer Fire Brigade to support response during disasters by contributing to the purchase of a support vehicle.		Aratula $7,106
The Caves Rural Fire Brigade
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services		New Storage Shed Project
Boost operational activities and emergency response times with the provision of a storage shed for The Caves Rural Fire Brigade.		The Caves $19.303
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Mt Lofty Group Operations Support Brigade
Mt Lofty CFS Group		Enhancing Mount Lofty CFS Group Operations Brigade Communications for Critical Incidents and Community Preparedness
Upgrade technology and increase access to support volunteer development and learning and organisational operations.		Bridgewater $23,577
VICTORIA
Ensay Fire Brigade Country Fire AuthorityAn ULT (Ultralight Vehicle) for Tambo Crossing
Support emergency response activities by contributing to the purchase of an emergency response Ultra-Light vehicle for Tambo Crossing community.		Ensay / Tambo Crossing $21,000
Old Tallangatta Fire Brigade Country Fire AuthorityMaintaining a Low Fuel Load Location for the Old Tallangatta Community
Increase volunteer vitality with the provision of a ride on mower, brush cutter and concrete pad to support maintaining a low bushfire fuel load.		Old Tallangatta $25,000
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Amy Crawford

Amy Crawford has an extensive career in complex public policy and its intersection across government and communities.

Amy is the Chief Executive Officer at the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA), representing 537 councils across the nation. Amy holds over 20 years’ experience in the Australian Public Service. She has a deep understanding of federal government policies and structures, with over 10 years’ service in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet and has worked for the federal Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories. Amy has shaped a wide range of policies and programs including regional development, telecommunications, immigration, emergency management, social policy and pandemic preparation.

Amy is a Board Director of Austroads and represents ALGA on the Public Skills Australia Industry Advisory Group, and the Australia-New Zealand Emergency Management Committee. She is also a Board Director for the Canberra Youth Theatre which provides voice for Canberra’s youth through intelligent and challenging theatre.

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Kylie Hansen

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Hon. John Anderson AC

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He was a senior Cabinet minister in the government led by John Howard (1996 to 2005), including six years as Leader of the National Party and Deputy Prime Minister.

In the latter role, Mr Anderson played in important role in FRRR’s history, working closely with Baillieu Myer AC and others on a proposal to establish a philanthropic organisation to benefit rural Australia. The concept was discussed at the National Regional Summit in 1999 and FRRR was established shortly thereafter.

Mr Anderson currently hosts a regular podcast, where he is in conversation with thought-leaders from around the world, and is a regular media commentator.

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Philippa Twaddle

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