Leopold Fire Brigade has welcomed a new medium tanker into its fleet thanks to funding from the Victorian Government’s Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP).

Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant today joined members of the Leopold Fire Brigade to officially hand over the new tanker and thank volunteers for their service to the local community.

The medium tanker is a valuable asset to the brigade with the capacity to carry 2350 litres of water to suppress fires and incorporates a crew protection system to help protect volunteers during a burnover.

The tanker has a 4WD crew cabin, which can fit up to five firefighters inside, and is fitted with a front-mounted monitor to fight fires from inside the vehicle, creating a safer environment for the volunteers when responding to an emergency.

Leopold Fire Brigade received more than $320,000 worth of VESEP funding in 2020-21 towards the purchase of the tanker, while the brigade generously contributed more than $58,000, bringing the total investment to $380,000.

VESEP is an annual grants program that supports Victorian emergency service volunteer groups to purchase essential equipment or make minor facility improvements so they can continue their work assisting the community in an emergency.

Founded in 1942, the Leopold Fire Brigade is home to 53 members, including 30 operational members who respond to around 154 incidents every year, including rescues, motor vehicle accidents, and scrub, grass and house fires.  

Located in District 2, the brigade forms part of the Bellarine Group which includes Barwon Heads, Ocean Grove, Portarlington and St Leonards-Indented Head.

This year’s VESEP grants are currently open for applications and close on Friday, 14 June 2024.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Emergency Services Jaclyn Symes

“Victoria’s emergency service volunteers are exceptionally dedicated to their communities and these grants ensure they have the equipment they need to continue their work safely.”

“VESEP grants have a positive impact in supporting our volunteer emergency services and we encourage eligible groups to apply for this year’s round.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant

“Leopold Fire Brigade provides an essential service to the Bellarine area, and I am pleased to officially handover this new medium tanker to these deserving volunteers.”