I want to express my sincere appreciation for all the SES units across the Euroa electorate who continue to show incredible courage, composure, and expertise even in the most challenging circumstances.
Last sitting of Parliament, I called on the Treasurer to offer our SES units protection from further funding cuts, and that he does what he can to alleviate the very real stress that they are under already.
In towns like Euroa, Seymour, Benalla, Heathcote, Murchison, and Kilmore, the local SES units have been at the forefront of all recovery efforts, from floods, storms, power outages, and car accidents.
So often, with accidents in small towns the first responders are neighbours, family, friends, and loved ones – making this an incredibly tough role for these volunteers to have.
In January, the Euroa SES diligently responded to over 50 callouts in a single night after heavy storms wiped out power for much of the town, while Kilmore’s unit had already responded to 191 requests for assistance in the year so far.
Ensuring these volunteers are properly supported through Government funding is essential and I will continue to call on the Treasurer to provide financial security to all of our regional emergency service units.