The Ilford-Running Stream area was at the forefront during the devastating bushfire season and now three community organisations who've been a part of the fight - and the recovery - have been acknowledged.
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In the thick of the emergency was the Ilford-Running Stream Rural Fire Service (RFS). The Brigade has received $5,000 in funding which will go towards storage, shelves and a television for training local volunteers in preparation for future bushfire seasons.
The funding was provided through the Australian Government's 2019-20 Volunteer Grants program.
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Federal Member for Calare and Minister for Decentralisation and Regional Education, Andrew Gee - happy to visit again during a quieter time - said it's important to support those volunteers after seeing their work during the exhausting campaign.
"Captains like Matt Maude and every firie and volunteer who risked their lives to fight the horrific Black Summer bushfires deserve every dollar we can give them to support their operations," he said.
"I kept calling for more boots on the ground when the fires hit, so the training equipment that the funding is going towards couldn't be more vital before next summer.
"I will offer whatever support I can to the Ilford-Running Stream RFS and to all the brave firies and volunteers who put their lives on the line for our communities."
The Ilford-Running Stream Country Women's Association (CWA) also played a vital role throughout the bushfires and recently raised $26,500 for local fencing in the aftermath.
They received $1,500 in funding to purchase a new laptop, printer and card reader terminal. The latter meaning they can more easily raise money for their community work in an increasingly cash-free society - particularly during COVID.
"These ladies were constantly feeding and watering our weary firies and emergency personnel, and for that, we are forever grateful," Mr Gee said.
"Assisting them to purchase essential office equipment will certainly help the CWA to continue to service our community."
As the fires raged, the firefighters were fed at the Ilford Hall. And Mr Gee said he saw what the facility needed as hundreds of volunteers poured through last summer.
So the hall will get much-needed equipment such as a fridge, bain-marie and vacuum, to the value of $2,500.
"The members of the Ilford Hall Trust are highly active community members who wholeheartedly deserve this funding," Mr Gee said.
"The Hall is home to many community groups in the Ilford and Running Stream area, so installing kitchen essentials and a vacuum to keep the place in check is an excellent use of the grant funding."
