Lakes Entrance CFA brigade ‘need a hand’ for fundraising amid bushfires and drop in tourists
A volunteer fire brigade on the front line of East Gippsland’s ferocious fires needs a hand to make sure “our communities are looked after”. Here’s how you can help.
VIC News
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A volunteer fire brigade battling East Gippsland’s ferocious fires “need a hand”.
The crew from Lakes Entrance has “been everywhere, man” as fires ripped through the region, with volunteers at the fire fronts, in the incident control centre and checking on local communities.
The brigade hoped to carry out its fundraising drive over summer as thousands of tourists packed the region.
But with holiday-makers evacuated as bushfires raged, brigade support committee chairwoman Bianca Bassett said they now “need a hand”.
Ms Bassett had raised concerned that the brigade might struggle to raise $80,000 needed for a new rescue truck, under a grants agreement that sees the state government give $2 for every $1 rustled together by volunteer groups.
But the CFA has confirmed that the brigade has the money needed for the Isuzu 4x4.
“The perception is that we are given what we need but that is not the case at all,” Ms Bassett said.
“Even basic equipment we have to fight for sometimes.
“Every country station has to do it.
“I know the state government has to be careful with what and where they spend.
“If they gave everyone everything they wanted they wouldn’t have any money left.
“But we also need to make sure our communities are looked after.”
Classed as a “rescue brigade”, the crew from Lakes Entrance respond to road and steep-angle emergencies from Stratford to the NSW border.
The crew may need to go off road in East Gippsland’s wilderness, rugged terrain that could be more easily reached in a new customised 4x4.
CFA chief officer Steve Warrington said the authority provided the equipment brigades needed, including primary fire trucks, training, pagers and welfare support.
He said that the Transport Accident Commission funded rescue trucks.
“Our brigades are the strength of our community,” Mr Warrington told 3AW.
“If they want to value add, and in this case they want an additional vehicle to support the rescues ... they will fundraise in their community.
“The reality is that the brigade have the money for this truck but let’s be fair about this - our brigades rely heavily for fundraising.”
Mr Warrington added: “tourism down that way is struggling ... the brigade is saying ‘we are also going to be short on what we would normally do with fundraising’.”
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Ms Bassett urged anyone considering donating to Australia’s bushfire crisis to contribute directly to brigades.
“They are the ones volunteering all year round and on call 24/7 for your communities,” she said.
“And they need your help.”
HOW YOU CAN DONATE DIRECTLY TO LAKES ENTRANCE CFA BRIGADE:
BSB: 063 225
Account #: 1022 0603
Reference: Lakes Entrance
Note: You must use Lakes Entrance as the reference for the donation to be made directly to the brigade.