First-response volunteers across NSW agencies will be better supported with $723,000 of joint Commonwealth and State funding.
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The funding for 13 projects across nine agencies is part of the Emergency Volunteer Support Scheme, which backs programs that enhance the recruitment, retention and capability of the State’s emergency services.
The projects include the promotion of volunteering with the development and distribution of a newsletter, and statewide recruitment campaigns that would support the State Emergency Services, Rural Fire Service, and Marine Rescue.
Assistant Minister for Home Affairs Linda Reynolds said communities needed to become more resilient in the face of natural disasters. “I am very proud of the work our governments are doing to strengthen capabilities across different communities, such as keeping small fire brigades operating with more volunteers who are armed with better skills,” she said.
“More highly-trained volunteers on the front line means more helping hands in times of trouble, and during the aftermath when communities rebuild.”
“Our men and women on the front line carry out vital work,” NSW Minister for Emergency Services Troy Grant said. “This scheme supports public awareness projects that help recruit local volunteers, and may even target certain groups for future opportunities such as young people, while also strengthening the skills of the existing membership,” Minister Grant said.
Funding would also be used towards purchasing training equipment and the management of courses to upskill volunteers, as well as recruitment and retention.