Six Great Southern volunteer bushfire brigades receive grants from Western Power to improve vital services

Six volunteer bushfire brigades from across the Great Southern have received grants to help improve their services. The State Government is supporting hundreds of bushfire volunteers with $70,000 in grants provided by Western Power. Volunteers from 43 brigades across the Mid West, Perth, Peel, Wheatbelt, South West and Great Southern have received the funding through Western Power’s annual Bushfire Volunteers Grants Program. Successful Great Southern volunteer brigades were Mt Lindesay, Peaceful Bay, Katanning Central, Kojonup, Narrikup and East Ravensthorpe in the latest grant announcements. The grants recognise the critical role volunteer bushfire brigades play in protecting communities and the environment. Previous grants have enabled brigades to purchases items like water tanks and pumps, four-wheel-drive recovery tools, snake handling courses, mosquito defence gear and other items. Narrikup Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade was one of the brigades that received money. The brigade’s fire control officer Chris Norton said the money will be used to help increase cell service for the firefighters by having a cell booster attached to the fire trucks. “Phones are sometimes pretty bad on fire sites so it’s like a signal booster so we have better reception which will make it easier to know where to go and will also keep us safe,” he said. “We will get two cell file kits for the fire trucks. “It should be happening immediately and they will come and fit it to our trucks . . . they will be mounted with magnets so it’s flexible. “It’s really just about improving easy communication and increasing safety.” Emergency Services Minister Paul Papalia said the government acknowledges how important volunteer brigades are for regional communities. “Our volunteer bush fire brigades are at the heart of community safety across WA,” he said. “The Cook Government recognises their critical role and is providing support that will strengthen the future of our emergency response capability.” Bushfire Volunteers president Dan Sanderson thanked Western Power for the funding boost. “Bushfire volunteers is proud to collaborate with Western Power once again to deliver grant funding to both the association and its incredible member brigades,” he said.