Community Grant Boosts SES’s Vital Work in Community

Councillor George Fortune, Mount Isa SES Group Leader Chantelle Muston and Mayor Joyce McCulloch.

Published: 4th February 2020

The capability of the Mount Isa State Emergency Service’s four-wheel-drive ute and storm trailer has been significantly enhanced thanks to a $5000 Community Grant provided by Council.

The grant was provided to the Mount Isa SES last year and went towards buying new shock absorbers and leaf-spring suspension for the ute, raising the clearance of the storm trailer by several inches.

This height increase means the ute and custom-built trailer, which the SES have been using for the past couple of years, can now drive to a greater number of sites or in conditions it previously wouldn’t have been able to travel in.

Mount Isa SES Group Leader Chantelle Muston recently visited Council to thank Mayor Joyce McCulloch and Council and to explain how helpful the new shock absorbers and suspension have been for the State Emergency Service.

“The aim of it is that it can also be used by the police or the firies, if they need it,” Mrs Muston said.

The trailer comes equipped with a variety of supplies, equipment and tools that can be used in emergency situations, including a chainsaw used for clearing away fallen trees after a storm, for example, and a lighting tower that enables SES crews and emergency services officers to work at night.

Cr McCulloch said that with Round 2 of Council’s Community Grants and Major Events Sponsorship programs open as of February 1, now is the perfect time for local groups and organisations to get their applications in.

“Round 2 applications will only be open for one month, until March 1, so I urge groups that may benefit from either the Community Grants Program or the Major Events Sponsorship Program to apply now,” Cr McCulloch said.

“There are many more examples of our Community Grants being of great assistance to local groups, clubs and organisations, and it’s always wonderful to hear of these sorts of success stories.

“If anyone has any queries about the grant-application process and would like some further advice or information, they are more than welcome to get in touch with Council’s Community Development Officer, who would be happy to help, on 4747 3200."

For more information about Council's Community Grants or Major Events Sponsorship programs, visit https://www.mountisa.qld.gov.au/homepage/63/community-grants