FEATURE
BRIGADE NEWS
VITAL EQUIPMENT SUPPORTS BRIGADES STORY BY SHAUNNAGH O’LOUGHLIN The Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP) is a Victorian Government-funded initiative to ensure volunteers are well supported and have access to the best equipment and facilities. Under VESEP, the government contributes $2 for every $1 contributed by volunteers from organisations such as the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Association, CFA, Life Saving Victoria, SES and any eligible
volunteer emergency services group. CFA shared in $10.2 million across 145 projects under VESEP in 202021, with funding provided for a range of vital equipment. We talked to four brigades about their important purchases thanks to VESEP funding. Successful applications under the 2021‑22 VESEP funding round are expected to be announced in late September 2021.
Wangaratta’s special FCV Wangaratta Fire Brigade’s new one-of-a-kind FCV was designed by brigade Captain Jason Allisey and former Killawarra Fire Brigade Captain Travis Ledger. Designed to support a range of response needs, the vehicle boasts an interchangeable pod system that allows members to easily switch out a breathing apparatus (BA), gas flare-off or an FCV module depending on the incident. The vehicle also has its own computer system.
“The field command pod includes tabards, whiteboards and a computer which allows us to effectively support incident control at grass and scrub fires during the fire danger period.”
With matching funding courtesy of the brigade’s fire equipment maintenance (FEM) work, Jason said the vehicle allowed members to better support their community and fellow brigades. “The modular nature of the FCV means we can get out the door more frequently and easily provide support at different types of incidents,” Jason said.
PHOTOS: KEITH PAKENHAM AFSM
“We’re a BA brigade so for structure fires we can slot in the BA module within minutes and provide that additional support at incidents and to neighbouring brigades.
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