Member for Bathurst Gerard Martin presented the volunteers with a new Mitsubishi Triton dual cab diesel utility fitted with specially constructed storage bins to carry equipment used in their storm damage work.

"The State Government is pleased to assist Lithgow City Council with the purchase of this new vehicle, worth $75,000," he said.

Mr Martin congratulated the volunteers for their hard work and commitment to protecting and assisting their community in times of emergencies and natural disasters.

"The 30 volunteers in the Portland SES Unit play a vital role in the protection of our community during emergencies, as well as assisting other agencies, such as the NSW Police Force," he said.

"In the past 12 months, the unit has responded to 92 requests for assistance due to storm damage and given 2900 hours of their time to training and helping the community.

"Safe and reliable vehicles are essential when volunteers are called to respond to emergencies locally or further afield.

"This new vehicle will enable the SES to respond to both local and out-of-area requests for assistance from the public more efficiently and safely.

"The State Government is pleased to support the volunteers with this subsidy.

“It is an investment in the safety of residents of Portland and surrounding areas including Wallerawang, Capertee and Sunny Corner and, importantly, of our volunteers."

Local Controller Gary Wilcox said the new vehicle would be of great assistance to the unit and the local community.

"The Portland Unit plays a key role in the safety of the local community," Mr Wilcox said.

"The addition of a reliable vehicle such as this will significantly boost our ability to respond to requests for assistance such as storm damage, searches and Driver Reviver."

Mr Martin said that like every SES unit, Portland's volunteers were ready around the clock to help when they were needed, often in the most trying and inclement conditions.

"No matter what time of day or night or how far they have to travel, the volunteers are there for their community.

“They deserve our gratitude and thanks," he said.

"I'm confident this new vehicle will prove of tremendous value in assisting the volunteers in their response to disasters."