09 Aug 2018 Ovens and Murray Advertiser, Wangaratta VIC (General News) EMERGENCY service organisations and their volunteers are eligible for a share in $10 million worth of grants from the State Government this year. The SES and its members are eligible for the 2018-19 Emergency Services Sustainability grants program Jaclyn Symes (MLC, Norther Victoria) recently announced. Other groups who can apply include 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 with grants up to $50,000 available. For more information on how to apply for an ESVS grant, visit emv.vic.gov.au/esvsgrants. Applications close on Wednesday, August 22.