Eligible volunteer emergency service Brigades, Groups and Units (BGUs) are able to apply for the Emergency Services Volunteer Fuel Card (ESVFC) after applications opened last week.
The ESVFC is made possible by Royalties for Regions, to support the work of regional emergency service volunteers and acknowledge their valuable contribution to the community.
Nationals Member for the Agricultural Region Martin Aldridge MLC said new applications for the card are open for BGUs not currently receiving the card.
“If your BGU has not received the Fuel Card in the past, you can make an application for the 2016/17 financial year,” Mr Aldridge said.
“BGUs already receiving the card need not apply again, and a card will be issued shortly.”
Mr Aldridge said the card is one of the ways the State Government and Royalties for Regions is supporting emergency service volunteers.
“Volunteers are a vital component of our regional communities, particularly in emergency services,” he said.
“They are often the first on the scene when we need them, and routinely put their lives on the line to protect others.
“The ESVFC recognises the commitment of our emergency volunteers, which often leaves them out of pocket.”
Only the volunteer officer-in-charge is able to apply for the fuel card on behalf of their BGU.
The volunteer officer-in-charge is considered to be the elected or appointed Commander/Captain/Unit Leader/Local Manager of a BGU or a recognised volunteer leader in a St John Ambulance Sub-Centre/Division.
Applications close on 30 June 2016 and can be made through the DFES website at: www.dfes.wa.gov.au/fuelcards
For media enquiries please contact Martin Aldridge MLC on (08) 9324 3155 or email martin.aldridge@mp.wa.gov.au