Community
4 December, 2025
Tanker set for an upgrade
MORTLAKE Fire Brigade will say farewell to a more than 25-year-old tanker affectionately nicknamed MacLeod thanks to almost $450,000 in State Government funding.
Brigades across the district were big winners when the Victorian Government last week announced its annual Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP) recipients.
The program is the Victorian Government’s annual grants program for volunteer emergency services groups, funding essential equipment, vehicles, appliances and minor facility upgrades.
Among the funding recipients this year was Cobrico CFA ($586), District 6 CFA ($183,500), Ecklin and District CFA ($1796), Mortlake CFA ($445,000) and Terang CFA ($71,000).
CFA Mortlake Group brigade administration support officer Melissa Mueglitz said the funding would provide an upgrade to the brigade’s existing tanker.
The brigade had originally purchased the existing tanker, named after a nearby property owner, following a fundraiser which drew widespread support from organisations, groups, businesses and community members such as the Mount Shadwell Masonic Lodge, the Uebergang Foundation, Mortlake Ladies Hospital Auxiliary, Mortlake Lions Club, Mortlake Rotary Club and the Apex Club of Mortlake.
While the MacLeod tanker has kept volunteers safe over its lifespan, Mrs Mueglitz said the time was right for an upgrade.
“It’s a replacement tanker for the existing brigade-owned tanker,” she said.
“The brigade has two tankers – one is CFA owned while the other is brigade owned after they had previously fundraised successfully to get a second truck.
“That truck is now 27 years-old so we put in an application through this year’s VESEP round to see if we could get it replaced.
“I always say there’s not guarantees with securing grant funding so you might have to apply a few times before you get it, but we were fortunate to be successful.”
Mrs Mueglitz said while the current tanker remains operational, the new tanker would provide a range of safety and comfort features which support volunteers as they carry out their duties.
“The main bonus with this truck will be that it’s a crew cab design, so all the volunteers will be inside the cabin whilst travelling,” she said.
“The current truck is two people in the cabin and then the crew on the back of the truck – and while there is seating and seatbelts, it is open to the air.
“From a crew-protection, safety and comfort perspective they will be inside the air-conditioned cabin going to and from the fire ground.
“They’re much more protected in the event of a burnover situation or entrapment if the fire changes direction and they’re overrun.”
Mrs Mueglitz said the current MacLeod tanker would still be rolling into any fire grounds while the new tanker is built.
“It’ll probably be 18-months away at this stage by the time the vehicle is built and distributed,” she said.
“The truck they’ve got is still completely serviceable and able to be utilised on the fireground.”
CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan said the VESEP grants help provide brigades with significant funding for vital equipment and facility improvements.
“This program provides $2 for every $1 of funding from the brigade thanks to the brigades’ incredible fundraising efforts and generosity of their local communities,” he said.
“The contribution from the government towards equipment means brigades have a great incentive to fundraise in their communities and apply for a VESEP grant.
“There are also Special Access Grants available to provide a further financial boost for brigades that face challenges with fundraising.”
The CFA is always looking to welcome new members.
To learn more about volunteering visit https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au.
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