20 Dec 2017 Yea Chronicle, Yea VIC (General News) VOLUNTEER firefighting brigades in Northern Victoria can now apply for grants of up to $250,000 thanks to a new $10 million program funded by the state government. The program will be administered by the CFA to support vital volunteer brigade equipment and facility upgrades, as well as local initiatives that strengthen volunteerism and brigade culture. Grants will be provided to projects that address a range of key criteria, including addressing immediate needs and enhancing operational capability, improving culture, diversity and fairness, strengthening volunteer leadership skills, encouraging recruitment, retention and recognition of volunteers, and reflecting the evolving needs and demographics of the communities that volunteer brigades serve. I encourage brigades in Northern Victoria to take advantage of this new program and apply right away, State Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes said. We are supporting volunteers by providing them with more funding than ever before because that is exactly what they deserve. The grants program has been funded through the additional $60 million that the state government announced for Victorias fire services in October. Brigades in Northern Victoria have until the end of February 2018 to apply. For more information, visit cfa.vic.gov.au Licensed by Copyright Agency. You may only copy or communicate this work with a licence.