Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal
35 first-responder organisations awarded grants
Thirty-five volunteer emergency services organisations supporting remote, rural and regional communities impacted by the 2019/20 bushfires are sharing $447,323 in grants for projects that will assist in their recovery and strengthen their emergency response capabilities ahead of the 2021/22 bushfire season.
Funded through FRRR’s Volunteer Emergency Services Fund (VESF) program, thanks to a generous private donor, grants range from $2,232 to maintain fire-crew hydration through the installation of a car fridge, to $25,000 to increase access to life saving equipment with the purchase
The VESF supports the ongoing bushfire recovery and preparedness taking place in eligible fire-affected communities across the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania and Victoria.
Natalie Egleton, FRRR’s CEO, said that these grants will support rural communities and protect the volunteers who are leading the path to recovery.
“Programs like this are crucial to the long-term resilience of these communities. Providing the necessary resources and support for these volunteers will not only bolster the preparedness of these fire-affected areas but will also enable our volunteers to recover, both physically and mentally, as they continue to serve rural Australia in the safest and most effective ways possible.
“In this round, we saw a lot of requests for support in purchasing and upgrading emergency equipment. Whether it’s additional firefighting trailers, community emergency messaging systems or emergency medical equipment, these organisations will be better equipped to save lives,” says Ms Egleton.
Some of the projects funded this round include:
- Wantagong Bushfire Brigade, NSW – Firefighting trailer and PMR Handheld Radio – $16,188 – Increase firefighting capacity with the provision of an additional tanker trailer and a handheld radio.
- Flinders Peak Rural Fire Brigade, QLD – Flinders Peak Station Security & Access Control – $13,682 – Improve facility access and security for local fire and SES organisations by installing a new integrated security and roller door system.
- Kangaroo Island Wildlife Network, SA – Fire Awareness Session and 4WD training – $5,580 – Build capability and equip a local wildlife organisation to operate effectively in a disaster with fire awareness and 4WD training, and new disaster response equipment.
- Wendoree Park Rural Fire Service, VIC – Wendoree Park Rural Fire Station Generator – $19,854 -Increase emergency power supply capability with the installation of an emergency backup generator ensuring continued access to power supply during emergencies.
- St John Ambulance Australia (Vic) Inc, Vic – Mental Health, Crisis and resilience training for volunteers deployed to bushfire events – $14,250 – Boost first responder wellbeing by delivering Mental Health, Crisis and Resilience training for volunteers deployed to bushfire events.
For more information, visit FRRR’s website – https://frrr.org.au/volunteer-emergency-services-fund-grant-program/. The next, and last, round of this program is expected to open in February, but details will be confirmed in the new year.
The full list of grant recipients and their projects are below.
| Organisation | Project | Location | Grant | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NEW SOUTH WALES | ||||||
| Bumbalong Valley Progress Association | Bumbalong Community Fire Unit 2021-2022 Strengthen emergency fire response capacity and communication with the provision of smaller mobile water storage solutions, pumps, hoses and radio equipment. | Bumbalong | $19,301 | |||
| Gulgong DC Rural Fire Brigade | Going Digital - A New Age for Gulgong DC RFB Enhance training and communications equipment by upgrading digital equipment to enhance operations. | Gulgong | $25,000 | |||
| Long Flat / Ellenborough Rural Fire Brigade | Kitchen Upgrade Improve kitchen facilities at the local RFS site to provide volunteers and community members with disability access and conditions to support serving safe, healthy food during disaster activations. | Long Flat | $20,503 | |||
| Narara Rural Fire Brigade | Refurbishment After 2019/20 Fires Increase brigade visibility and emergency communication by providing additional lighting towers, torches and fireground radios for use during emergency response activities. | Narara | $15,572 | |||
| RFS - Central Coast District Captain, Central Coast Trail Bike Unit | Enclosed Trail Bike Trailer for Rapid and Efficient Deployment Build organisational capacity with an additional trailer for transporting bikes increasing operational effectiveness. | Kariong | $18,244 | |||
| RFS - Blackheath Mt Victoria Rural Fire Brigade | Operational & Technology Capability Enhancements Enhance emergency response capability to provide volunteers with an appropriately appointed facility including turn out bay roller doors, air conditioning, technology upgrades and hose drying equipment. | Blackheath | $19,641 | |||
| RFS - Mount Fairy Rural Fire Brigade | Station Upgrade & Fit-Out Boost operational capacity and response capability by fitting out the facilities extension including training, kitchen and laundry areas. | Mount Fairy | $23,552 | |||
| St John Ambulance Australia (N.S.W.) | St John Ambulance Northern NSW Defibrillator Project Increase access to life saving equipment by providing Defibrillators for northern NSW communities impacted by Black Summer bushfires. | Armidale, Tamworth, Cessnock & Port Macquarie | $25,000 | |||
| Towamba Rural Fire Brigade | Capital Equipment for Fire Shed Strengthen volunteer vitality by upgrading Fire Brigade facilities to support efficient emergency response activities including attachment of the generator, lockers and training space. | Towamba | $10,500 | |||
| Volunteer Marine Rescue NSW | Marine Rescue Bermagui Base Refurbishment Upgrade the facilities of Marine Rescue Bermagui to improve operations for radio communications, training and power loss risk mitigation. | Bermagui | $24,933 | |||
| Wantagong Bushfire Brigade | Fire Fighting Trailer and PMR Handheld Radio Increase fire fighting capacity with the provision of an additional tanker trailer and a hand held radio. | Wantagong | $16,188 | |||
| Wendoree Park Rural Fire Service | Wendoree Park Rural Fire Station Generator Increase emergency power supply capability with the installation of an emergency backup generator ensuring continued access to power supply during emergencies. | Wendoree Park | $19,854 | |||
| Bega District Volunteer Rescue Group Incorporated | Battery Operated Rescue Tools and Associated Equipment Strengthen organisational capacity by providing battery, charger pack and charger chords for power tools used in emergency response activities. | Bega Valley | $3,482 | |||
| Midcoast Aviation Brigade | Midcoast Aviation Airbase Support Equipment Increase organisational capabilities in the field and support volunteers safety from the sun with the provision of a heavy duty gazebo and all terrain pallet jack. | Taree, Forster, Tuncurry, Wingham & Old Bar | $5,007 | |||
| RFS - Berkeley Vale Rural Fire Brigade Incorporated | Battery Operated Rescue Tools and Associated Equipment Enhance emergency response activities by providing hand held radio's, updated GPS units and a backpack resuscitator enhancing community safety. | Berkeley Vale & Broader Central Coast | $5,822 | |||
| RFS - Bredbo Rural Fire Brigade | Improving First-Aid Capability Increase volunteer skills and knowledge and capacity to respond to local emergencies with training in first aid and CPR and by providing first aid and snake bite kits for the Bredbo Rural Fire Brigade. | Bredbo | $3,860 | |||
| RFS - Buxton Volunteer Fire Brigade | Breathing Apparatus Cleaning Requirements, PPE and First Aid Supplies Strengthen the ability of volunteers to respond to emergencies by purchasing a hot water system and washing machine to wash members breathing apparatus, uniforms and personal protective equipment and providing PPE and first aid kit supplies. | Buxton | $9,150 | |||
| RFS - Colinton Rural Fire Brigade | Purchase of an Automated Emergency Defibrillator (AED) for the Training Room, and Training to Use Strengthen ability and skills to respond to sudden cardiac arrests in the community by purchasing an Automated Emergency Defibrillator for the Brigade training room and provide training for Brigade members and community members in its use. | Colinton | $2,650 | |||
| RFS - Wollondibby Fire Brigade | Wollondibby Bushfire Brigade Emergency Power Supply Ensure continuous power supply for an Emergency Power Supply for the Wollondibby Fire Shed by way of a backup Generator. | Jindabyne & Crackenback | $4,525 | |||
| RFS - Wyee Point Rural Fire Brigade | Community Awareness Notice Board and Online Training Television Boost community emergency messaging and volunteer training capabilities with the provision of a Community Notice Board and television for the Wyee Point RFB. | Wyee Point | $5,000 | |||
| Rylstone Kandos & District Volunteer Search and Rescue Organisation Inc | Defibrillator Upgrade Increase community safety with the provision of defibrillators to be housed at the Rescue Complex. | Rylstone & Kandos | $7,485 | |||
| QUEENSLAND | ||||||
| Flinders Peak Rural Fire Brigade | Flinders Peak Station Security & Access Control Improve facility access and security for local fire and SES organisations by installing a new integrated security and roller door system. | Peak Crossing | $13,862 | |||
| SOUTH AUSTRALIA | ||||||
| Kangaroo Island Wildlife Network | Fire Awareness Session and 4WD Training Build capability and equip a local wildlife organisation to operate effectively in a disaster with fire awareness and 4WD training, and new disaster response equipment. | Kingscote | $5,580 | |||
| Mawson CFS Group | Thermal Imaging Camera for Community Safety Improve firefighting equipment to enhance operational effectiveness and safety through a Thermal imaging camera that assists with thorough management of fires on site, reduces volunteer risk in smoke filled environments. | Clarendon, Happy Valley, Kangarilla & Chandlers Hill | $2,525 | |||
| Mount Barker SES Unit | Emergency Response Equipment Strengthen volunteer emergency response capability by providing additional trauma and emergency medical treatment kits and a lifting bridle to support patient emergency treatment and evacuation. | Mount Barker, Woodside & Brukunga | $3,885 | |||
| VICTORIA | ||||||
| CFA - Violet Town Country Fire Service | Safe Powered Haven for the Violet Town Community Ensure constant power supply during emergency events and mains power outages with the provision of a diesel generator ensuring access to Emergency response facilities during power outages. | Violet Town | $19,592 | |||
| CFA - Nagambie Country Fire Service | Community Emergency Information Enhance community emergency messaging with a LED display board to be placed in the towns main thoroughfare for year round use, particularly during emergency events. | Nagambie | $13,000 | |||
| St John Ambulance Australia (Vic) Inc | Mental Health, Crisis and Resilience Training for Volunteers Deployed to Bushfire Events Boost first responder wellbeing by delivering Mental Health, Crisis and Resilience training for volunteers deployed to bushfire events. | Wodonga, Sale, Bairnsdale & Regional Victorian Divisions | $14,250 | |||
| Upper Murray Innovation Foundation - Thowgla Community Recovery Committee (CRC) | Thowgla Valley Fire Preparedness Project Strengthen emergency response capacity and increase emergency activity communication by providing additional fire fighting trailers and hand held radios. | Thowgla Valley | $22,928 | |||
| Victoria State Emergency Service Authority - Wodonga Unit | Update the Computer Hardware and Accessories at the Wodonga Unit Increase organisational capacity with the provision of upgraded IT equipment, software and accessories. | Wodonga | $19,957 | |||
| Victoria State Emergency Service - Bairnsdale Unit | Enhancing Response Capability Build operational capacity through battery and charger equipment to support portability of battery powered emergency equipment. | Bairnsdale | $25,000 | |||
| Victoria State Emergency Service Yackandandah Unit | Resilient Emergency Services in Yackandandah - Phase 3 Increase consistency of power supply with the provision of a diesel generator ensuring access to back up power during emergency response periods. | Yackandandah | $13,176 | |||
| CFA - Killawarra Country Fire Service | Cool Under Pressure Improve volunteer safety and wellbeing with the installation of a car fridge on the fighting tanker to maintain crew hydration. | Killawarra | $2,232 | |||
| CFA - Ruffy Country Fire Service | Fire Truck Driver Refresher Training Support emergency response safety with the delivery of volunteer driver training for members of the Ruffy Fire Brigade. | Ruffy | $3,600 | |||
| CFA- Upton Hill Country Fire Service | IT for Upton Hill to Boost Volunteerism and Volunteer Retention Boost organisational capacity by providing IT equipment supporting the day to operations and completion of administration functions for volunteers. | Upton Hill | $2,467 | |||
FRRR has awarded $311,049 in grants to volunteer emergency services organisations impacted by the 2019/20 bushfires for projects that will help them to respond to local disaster recovery needs and address preparedness priorities ahead of the 2021/22 bushfire season.
Funded through the Volunteer Emergency Services Grant Program, grants range from $4500 for Audio Visual Equipment, to $25,000 for the installation of a solar power battery backup system.
Made possible thanks to a generous private donation, funded initiatives will support fire-affected local volunteer emergency services and first-responder organisations in communities across New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, and Victoria.
Natalie Egleton, FRRR’s CEO, said that she was pleased to see this targeted funding going to initiatives that will build and strengthen the capacity of these vital members of impacted communities.
“We saw strong demand for equipment and infrastructure improvements through this round of applications. Providing safe and secure facilities and equipment not only allows these services to better support their communities and respond to emergencies and future disasters, but they are also important to the recovery of the volunteers, building their resilience and caring for their mental health and wellbeing.
“The mental health and wellbeing of the volunteers will also be supported through funded training and education projects. These initiatives will increase the capacity of these volunteer-run emergency services, so that they are better equipped to care for their local community as they continue to recover from the bushfires,” Ms Egleton said.
Some of the projects awarded this round include:
- Tinonee Rural Fire Brigade, NSW – Disaster Response Go Bags for Support Vehicles – $6,713 – Improve the capacity and enhance the safety of volunteers through the provision of fire safety equipment for community evacuation notifications and emergencies.
- South Eastern Region QLD Rural Fire Service Division, QLD – Upgrade Emergency Services Response Command Vehicle – $25,000 – Boost operational capacity of the Beaudesert RFB Group through the upgrade of the Group Command vehicle.
- Country Fire Authority – St Arnaud CFA, VIC – Connecting Our Group – $5,000 – Support volunteer capability through the provision of a laptop computer for operations at the St Arnaud CFA.
- Onkaparinga CFS Group, SA – Onkaparinga CFS Group Tablet Grant – $19,628 – Enhance organisational capacity through the provision of information technology equipment at the Onkaparinga CFS.
- Surf Life Saving Lower North Coast Branch Incorporated, NSW– Provision of emergency response equipment for frontline lifesavers during bushfire emergencies – $25,000 – Improving preparedness and capability for Surf Life Saving volunteers in the Lower North Coast.
The next round of the Volunteer Emergency Services Fund Grant program will open 24 September 2021. For more information, visit – https://frrr.org.au/volunteer-emergency-services-fund-grant-program/.
The full list of grant recipients and their projects are below.
| Organisation | Project | Location | Grant | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NEW SOUTH WALES | ||||||
| Emmaville Rural Fire Brigade | Lockers for Firefighters at Emmaville RFS Shed Enhance emergency response times through the provision of volunteer lockers at the Emmaville Rural Fire Brigade. | Emmaville | $6,200 | |||
| Far South Coast Branch Surf Life Saving Association of Australia Inc | Disaster Preparedness for Volunteer Lifesavers and the Community Increase organisational capacity through the provision of Bushfire Response Kits for South Coast Surf Life Saving clubs. | Bermagui | $23,411 | |||
| Merriwa and District Rescue Squad Inc | It's a Long Way to the Top, if You've Tripped and had a Fall! Increase organisational capacity through the provision of vertical rescue equipment for the Merriwa and Districts Rescue Squad. | Merriwa | $22,000 | |||
| Liverpool Ranges RFS NSW Rural Fire Service | Group 1 Liverpool Range Strengthen local volunteer emergency groups and their activities through facility and equipment upgrades for the Cassilis RFS. | Merriwa | $16,587 | |||
| Pambula Beach Surf Life Saving Club Inc | Expansion of Pambula Surf Life Saving Club Patrol and Emergency Search and Rescue Capabilities Increase organisation capacity with an additional IRB Zodiac to ensure timely volunteer emergency response. | Pambula | $24,979 | |||
| Surf Life Saving Lower North Coast Branch Incorporated | Provision of Emergency Response Equipment for Frontline Lifesavers During Bushfire Emergencies Improve volunteer emergency response capability wiith items including a defibrillator and portable radios. | Forster | $25,000 | |||
| Tarana Volunteer Bushfire Brigade | Install Solar Power Battery Backup System Boost organisational capacity through the provision of a solar power system including backup battery. | Tarana | $25,000 | |||
| Tinonee Rural Fire Brigade | Disaster Response Go Bags for Support Vehicles Improve the capacity and enhance the safety of volunteers through the provision of fire safety equipment for community evacuation notifications and emergencies. | Tinonee | $6,713 | |||
| QUEENSLAND | ||||||
| Beaudesert Rural Fire Brigade Group South Eastern Region QLD Rural Fire Service Division | Upgrade Emergency Services Response Command Vehicle Boost operational capacity of the Beaudesert RFB Group through the upgrade of the Group Command vehicle. | Scenic Rim Regional Council Area | $25,000 | |||
| Gatton State Emergency Service Social Club Inc | Capability Enhancement Program Boost organisational capacity through the replacement of electric tool, batteries and radio holsters at the Gatton SES. | Gatton | $10,178 | |||
| Maroochydore State Emergency Service Support Association Incorporated | Audio Visual Equipment for Volunteer Training Boost capacity of the Maroochydore SES with the provision of technology equipment to enhance the training of volunteers. | Maroochydore | $4,500 | |||
| Woodhill Rural Fire Brigade | Firefighting ATV Increase community safety with the provision of an off road ATV and emergency response trailer for Woodhill Rural Fire Brigade. | Kooralbyn | $25,000 | |||
| SOUTH AUSTRALIA | ||||||
| Onkaparinga CFS Group | Onkaparinga CFS Group Tablet Grant Enhance organisation capacity through the provision of information technology equipment at the Onkaparinga CFS. | Lobethal | $19,628 | |||
| VICTORIA | ||||||
| Buffalo River CFA Country Fire Authority - Headoffice | Buffalo River Scrolling Electronic LED Notice Board Increase community awareness by installing a scrolling notice board for public safety announcements and information sharing at the Buffalo River CFA shed. | Myrtleford | $12,400 | |||
| Porepunkah CFA Country Fire Authority - Headoffice | IT Training Equipment and Kitchen Appliances Support volunteer training and wellbeing with technology and appliance upgrades at the Porepunkah CFA Shed. | Porepunkah | $10,875 | |||
| St Arnaud CFA Country Fire Authority - Headoffice | Connecting Our Group Support volunteer vitality through the provision of upgraded information technology equipment at the St Arnaud CFA. | St Arnaud | $5,000 | |||
| Corryong Ambulance and Walma Ambulance Ambulance Victoria | Corryong Ambulance Community Officer and Walwa Community Emergency Response Team Uplift Support organisational capacity of the organisation through the provision of training and operation equipment. | Corryong | $17,928 | |||
| Mallacoota SES Victoria State Emergency Service Authority | Mallacoota-Genoa Community Emergency Preparedness and Resilience Project Enhance community safety through the provision of portable fire fighting equipment and PPE for emergency volunteers in the Genoa community. | Genoa | $12,650 | |||
| Tallangatta SES Victoria State Emergency Service Authority | Turn Out Bay Upgrade Boost community safety through turn out bay upgrades at the Tallangatta SES. | Tallangatta | $18,000 | |||
Grants available for services supporting communities impacted by Black Summer bushfires
A generous private donation of $1 million will fund FRRR‘s new Volunteer Emergency Services Fund Grant Program. The Program will fund volunteer emergency services to support their recovery needs from the 2019/20 bushfires and help them prepare for future challenges.
The Volunteer Emergency Services Fund will offer grants to local volunteer emergency services and first responder organisations in 2019/20 fire-affected regions across rural, regional, and remote Australia. Funds will help them to respond to local disaster recovery needs and address preparedness priorities ahead of the 2021/22 bushfire season.
Grants of up to $25,000 are available for projects including practical improvements and upgrades to facilities and equipment so that these services are better able to respond to future disasters. Initiatives that support the mental health and wellbeing of first responder volunteers, as well as projects that provide training and build the capacity of these services can also be funded.
Natalie Egleton, CEO of FRRR, said that an integral part of the recovery process is preparing for future disasters and adapting to changing conditions after a disaster.
“We know that disasters, like bushfires, are not isolated events. They are increasing in frequency and severity; and it is vital for our volunteer-led emergency services groups to be equipped,” Ms Egleton said.
“Throughout the 2019/20 summer bushfires, volunteer emergency and first responder services worked tirelessly to protect and save their communities. They literally saved lives.
“These grants will support those who support the community by funding projects that will help these volunteers process and heal from the trauma of the bushfires, as well as build resilience and preparedness for future disasters.
“We look forward to assisting these vital members of impacted communities and helping to build and strengthen the emergency services they so generously give their time to be a part of,” Ms Egleton said.
The Volunteer Emergency Services Fund Grant Program is now open. Applications close 5pm AEST 7 July 2021 with grants to be announced August 2021. For more information, visit FRRR’s website – https://frrr.org.au/funding/disaster-resilience-and-climate-solutions/volunteer-emergency-services-fund-grant-program/
