17 Aug 2016 Ovens and Murray Advertiser, Wangaratta VIC (General News) BEECHWORTHS State Emergency Service unit is one of four in Victorias north to secure a $100,000 Victorian Government grant to upgrade or refurbish facilities or equipment. Jaclyn Symes (MLC, North Victoria) announced the grants on Thursday as part of a $2.2 million volunteer emergency services equipment program. The funding for the Beechworth unit which amounts to $2 from the government for every $1 raised by volunteer groups to help the local SES to buy additional equipment, vehicles or upgrade buildings will be used to refurbish its town hub. Indigo mayor James Trenery has also welcomed another grant $35,000 to restore and build resilience in the Indigo Valley community following last Decembers scorching bushfire. The Barnawartha-Indigo Creek fire destroyed three homes, cars and farm vehicles, over 28 sheds and outbuildings, hundreds of kilometres of fencing, 600 sheep, a handful other livestock, over 3000 bales of fodder and more than 7000 hectares of grassland, Mayor Trenery said. Thats just the physical damage. Residents, whether directly or indirectly effected, are still feeling the psychological distress of this event. It was traumatic but it brought out the very best in the local community. And that continues with the way the community and Indigo Shire Council have worked together to strengthen the community in the valley. Mayor Trenery said the funding responded to the good work of valley residents in recognising what needed to happen now. Continued page 2 State makes SES, recovery grants From page 1 Regional Victoria parliamentary secretary Danielle Green said Indigo council, in consultation with local community, identified eight activities to strengthen the community. Some of the key initiatives include a photographic book capturing post-fire images and a community-run calendar of events to improve engagement and communication in the region. The funding will also support an Indigo Valley Country Fire Authority centenary celebration to promote the communitys strengths and the role of the CFA in the area, and a calendar of creative initiatives that will add value to a regular craft evening already taking place at the Indigo Valley CFA shed. An oral history project will allow individuals to tell their own story about the bushfires and has the potential to become an important part of the healing process for members of the community. A scholarship fund for primary and secondary aged children to attend 15 Mile Creek leadership camp and Mittagundi 10-day leadership program is another key recovery initiative. The project has been developed and will be delivered by the Indigo Council, the valley community recovery committee and the wider community. Ms Green said Indigo council and the valley community had done an exceptional job so far . Ms Symes said the SES grant would help local brigades do what they do best keeping Victorians safe when floods and storms strike and other emergencies occur. Licensed by Copyright Agency. You may only copy or communicate this work with a licence.