Emergency services volunteer groups in northern Victoria will share in $12.5 million to purchase much needed equipment as part of the 2015/16 Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP). Member for Northern Victoria, Jaclyn Symes, said the VESEP grants would fund operational and safety equipment, such as trucks, tankers, 4WDs, watercraft, trailers and minor facility improvements for volunteer groups. More than $3 million in government funding will be spent on vital equipment for the CFA, SES, coast guard and search and rescue organisations in the Benambra, Ovens Valley, Euroa, Shepparton, Eildon and Murray Plains regions. Under the program, the state government contributed $2 for every $1 contributed by local volunteer groups. Locally, the Corryong CFA Group will use the funding to purchase an automated external defibrillator, as will the Coryong Fire Brigade valued at $2240 each. The Nariel Valley CFA will use its funding to seal the car park at its facility at a cost of$5313. 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 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, Ms Symes said.