As the hotter days start settling in, the Seymour SES is ready to be at the community’s service.
With a new grant of $100,000, the Seymour SES will be able to buy a new vehicle to use.
Seymour SES deputy controller for assets and facilities Corey Rawlinson said the grant paid for two thirds of the total vehicle price.
“The vehicle is about $150,000 and through the grant, we got $100,000, so we only have to fund $50,000,” he said.
“The vehicle that we’re replacing was our Ford Ranger, which doesn’t really have as much capability as a new vehicle.
“The new vehicle is a Toyota HiLux with the next-generation body on the back, so it’s got better storage, better capabilities, and just more ergonomically friendly as well, so it is a lot better of a vehicle.”
The grant is a part of the Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program to boost volunteer emergency services organisations to support their ongoing service to the local community.
Emergency Services Minister Jaclyn Symes visited the Seymour SES headquarters to congratulate the members on receiving the $100,000 grant.
“The Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program provides volunteers with the equipment and facilities they need to continue their selfless work safely,” she said.
“Our emergency services volunteers work incredibly hard to keep our communities safe, which is why we’ve invested more than $138 million in VESEP grants to support the critical work they do.
“Congratulations to all the deserving volunteer groups in receiving grants. The Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program is an important annual program providing a critical boost to local volunteers, ensuring their equipment and facilities are up-to-date.”
Jo Evans, who is one of the Seymour unit’s new volunteers, was ecstatic to hear about the new grant.
“They’re all so dedicated,” she said.
“If you see them in action, like even on training nights, before training starts, they have a little bit of a joke and whatever ... as soon as training starts there, it’s just like go go go go, and you can just see it.
“Even when they talk about SES, it’s like this sense of pride.
“It’s a bit hard to explain sort of elegantly, I suppose, but I think it’s dedication and pride, and it’s just nice to see a group of people from all different walks of life, as well.”
Over the past few weeks, the Seymour SES completed the last $50,000 needed to purchase the new 4x4 vehicle through fundraising and community support.
“The team absolutely loved it. They are all thrilled because that $100,000 means we don’t have to stay out there fundraising, that would take us quite a few years to raise,” Mr Rawlinson said.
“The last $50,000 was through our GoFundMe page, as well as just donations to the unit, Bunnings sausages, all community events all go towards our vehicle.
“We’re just stoked that the community have helped donate to our cause to help us get this new vehicle that will in turn help the community.”