Police and Emergency Services Minister Bob Cameron today turned the first sod at the new Wyndham West VICSES headquarters in a $1.3 million Brumby Labor Government boost for Victoria’s fastest-growing municipality.
“This new $1.3 million home for the new Wyndham West unit will be a great asset to emergency services volunteers as they continue their great work in helping keep the Wyndham community safe,” Mr Cameron said.
“This modern VICSES unit will service the increasing demands of the Wyndham West region, which is the fastest-growing area in the state.”
“The Brumby Labor Government has a proud record of supporting Victoria’s emergency services.”
Once operational, the Wyndham West VICSES Unit will take the number of units in the VICSES Central Region to 34. It will initially operate as a satellite unit staffed by volunteers from Wyndham unit until new Wyndham West recruits complete their training.
The new unit is part of a Brumby Labor Government commitment to fund six new or refurbished VICSES headquarters and the development of training facilities at four CFA locations across Victoria.
Victoria has more than 5000 VICSES volunteers, stationed at 140 locations across the state. VICSES units attended an estimated 10,000 events in the past 12 months.
“The Brumby Labor Government has a proud record of supporting Victoria’s emergency services,” Mr Cameron said.
“Local volunteer agencies are the backbone of Victoria’s emergency services and the Brumby Labor Government recognises the role volunteers play in protecting and helping Victorians.
“Our Government is committed to providing local volunteer groups, like the soon-to-be Wyndham West VICSES, with the facilities and equipment they need to carry out their important work.”
This year, the Brumby Labor Government has provided VICSES with $813,000 in grants for the purchase of replacement trucks, vehicles, lighting trailers and to upgrade facilities.
“The grants are in addition to this year’s record emergency services budget aimed at ensuring Victorian communities are better prepared to deal with emergencies,” Mr Cameron said.
“Our government has also launched a $3.2 million campaign called ‘Vital, Valued, Volunteers’, highlighting the extraordinary skills, dedication and community-mindedness of our volunteers.”