$3m to help volunteers fight disasters
by Ernie Davitt, National Affairs Editor, ASM
The Federal Government has provided $3 million in funding grants to boost the recruitment, retention and training of volunteer organisations at the front line of emergency management.
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, said money was provided for 183 projects across Australia through the National Emergency Volunteer Support Fund.
The Rudd Government allocated $18.6 million for 2008 09 to help communities better protect themselves against the effects of floods, storms, bushfires and other natural disasters.
The 2008-2009 program consists only of the National Emergency Volunteer Support Fund (NEVSF).The Local Grants Scheme is not being offered.
The NEVSF focuses on emergency management volunteers in recognition of their needs and the significant front line role they play in reducing vulnerability and enhancing community safety.
“Australia has a proud history of volunteering, particularly in the emergency services sector.
"Some 500,000 people in Australia volunteer their time in some emergency management capacity, with 350,000 of those in the front line during times of natural disaster – principally through the various rural fire services and State Emergency Services,” Mr McClelland said.
“In a country like Australia that experiences floods and fires on an annual basis, volunteers are worth their weight in gold.
"It’s essential that Governments assist their great work as much as they can.”
The projects funded under the program range from the purchase of audio-visual training equipment and enhancing the quality of training provided to volunteers, to recruitment campaigns, targeted volunteer training activities, and the construction and fit-out of dedicated training facilities.
Details of projects funded by the National Emergency Volunteer Support Fund can be found on the Emergency Management Australia website: www.ema.gov.au/communityengagement