01 Aug 2018 Benalla Ensign, Benalla VIC (General News) Emergency management volunteers will share in $10 million of grants, as the Victorian Government continues to fund the training, equipment and facilities needed to keep communities safe. State Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes recently announced that applications were open for the 2018-19 Emergency Services Volunteer Sustainability grants program. The program, which is funded through the Victorian Budget 2018-19, is open to volunteers from: Victoria State Emergency Service; Life Saving Victoria; volunteer Marine Search and Rescue units; and other emergency management organisations identified in the Emergency Management Manual Victoria. The CFA has its own government-funded grants program for volunteer firefighters, with more than half of the $10 million Enhancing Volunteerism Grants Program already allocated to brigades. I encourage emergency service organisations in Northern Victoria to apply for these grants that help volunteers keep our country communities safe, Ms Symes said. Labor is providing volunteers with the training, equipment and facilities they need, which is why weve funded the $10 million Emergency Services Volunteer Sustainability grants program. Ms Symes said ESVS grants were available across a range of criteria, including training and development, community engagement, operational equipment, education and minor facilities upgrades. Applications can be made by an individual volunteer, unit or club, or an agency/organisation. Grants of up to $50 000 are available. Applications close on Wednesday, August 22. The ESVS announcement follows on from the state governments launch earlier this year of the $13.34 million Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP). For more information on how to apply for an ESVS grant, visit emv.vic.gov.au/esvsgrants