The Commonwealth Minister for Emergency Management, Robert McClelland and Victorian Deputy Premier, Peter Ryan have today encouraged organisations to apply for the 2012-13, Victorian Natural Disaster Resilience Grants Scheme.
Through a National Partnership Agreement between the Victorian Government and the Australian Government, the Natural Disaster Resilience Grants Scheme contributes grants towards a range of emergency management projects.
Mr McClelland said “55 projects were approved for funding in Victoria and the Commonwealth Government contributed over $4 million towards these projects.
“The partnership approach between all levels of government and the community is helping to build a culture of shared responsibility to natural disasters between governments, non-government agencies and communities,” Mr McClelland said.
“Disaster resilience within Australian communities is essential due to the natural environment of our country,” Mr McClelland said.
“One organisation supported in the most recent round includes a contribution to the Australian Red Cross for the Red Cross Emergency Preparedness for Vulnerable Communities (EPVC) Program. This program conducts training for community care workers,” said Mr Ryan.
“By working together, we can reduce the potentially devastating impacts of future natural disasters in Victoria and I encourage all eligible organisations to apply” Mr Ryan said.
For further details on eligibility for this program and an application form, visit www.oesc.vic.gov.au . Grant submissions are required by close of business, Wednesday 11 April 2012.
Information on the Natural Disaster Resilience Program can be found at www.em.gov.au.
Contact: Desmond Ko (McClelland) 02 6277 7667 & 0457 754 122
Claire Siddins (Ryan) 03 9651 1222 & 0429 507 541
