Community cash boosts Ocean Grove fire safety

Ocean Grove residents can now feel even safer thanks to a much-needed upgrade to the local fire brigade’s firefighting equipment.

Ocean Grove Fire Brigade was one of six local organisations to share in more than $13,000 allocated through the Ocean Grove Community Enterprise (OGCE) in May.

The brigade received $3000 towards a Storz coupling project which helps make connecting hoses to hydrants much quicker than with traditional threaded couplings. The brigade’s three trucks as well as all hydrants and hoses have now been upgraded thanks to the OGCE funding.

Ocean Grove Fire Brigade treasurer Martin Geerings said the upgrade had been identified as a major priority for the year, as other brigades throughout the region were moving over to the Storz connections. He believes Wallington is now the only brigade still using the traditional threaded connections.

The new Storz couplings enable connections to be made with a speedy click rather than several turns required using the old connections.

“The beautiful thing is that the hose just clicks on, meaning a 30 or 40 second saving, and when you’re looking at saving house that can mean all the difference,” Mr Geerings said.

“We’re grateful to the Ocean Grove Community Enterprise for giving us the opportunity to put in for the grant. This makes a big difference to our ability to fight fires and keep the town safe,” he said.

Owned and operated by the residents, Ocean Grove Community Enterprise has been handing out cash grants to local groups since 2008. Over the past two years, the organisation has distributed $38,800 to the Ocean Grove community.

Other local groups to receive funding allocations in May include the Ocean Grove’s Men’s Shed, Ocean Grove Tri Inc, Ocean Grove Uniting Church, Ocean Grove Art Network and Ocean Grove Neighbourhood Centre.

OGCE raises money through a dividend provided by the Bendigo Bank when customers nominate it as their chosen charity. Funds are also raised when businesses in Ocean Grove choose the Geelong Community Telco as their phone and data provider. This funding pool helps local groups like Ocean Grove Fire Brigade achieve big things in the community.

Grants are allocated twice a year. Applications for the next round close September 30, 2011. Visit http://www.oceangrovece.org/ to download the application form.

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For more information contact:
Jon Mamonski, Chairman, Ocean Grove Community Enterprise, ph 0419 507 513.