FIVE local CFA brigades have received much-needed equipment through the 2015/16 Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP). Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes made $12.5 million announcements last Friday and said the VESEP grants would fund operation and safety equipment, such as trucks, tankers, 4WDs, watercraft, trailers and minor facility improvements for volunteer groups in Northern Victoria. Under the program, the Labor Government contributed $2 for every $1 contributed by local volunteer groups. These grants will help give our volunteers in Northern Victoria the equipment they need to save lives and protect our community, Ms Symes said. The equipment needed to respond to emergencies is a big cost burden and this funding will go a long way towards reducing these pressures on our volunteers. Volunteers are the backbone of our country community who help protect the lives of more than 3.3 million Victorians and deserve our support. Bright CFA will receive $39,767 from VESEP and will be able to purchase a Landcruiser Field Command vehicle, Porepunkah CFA will receive $98,667 for the purchase of an Ultra Light Tanker, and Mt Beauty CFA will receive $35,253 to upgrade their Field Command vehicle. Mudgegonga CFA will put their $2989 VESEP funding towards obtaining an Automated External Defibrillator and training equipment and the Ovens-Eurobin CFA will use their $1830 on purchasing safety glasses, a fridge/freezer and LED television.