01 Aug 2018 Alexandra Eildon Marysville Standard, Alexandra VIC (General News) EMERGENCY management volunteers will share in $10 million of grants, as the state government continues to fund the training, equipment and facilities needed to keep communities safe. Labor Upper House Member for Northern Victoria, Jaclyn Symes, today announced that applications are open for the 2018-19 Emergency Services Volunteer Sustainability grants program. The program, which is funded through the Victorian Budget 201819, 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. 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 the 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