General News
7 December, 2025
Amphitheatre CFA secures major grant for new ‘Big-Fill’ trailer
AMPITHEATRE CFA brigade has received a significant boost after successfully securing funding through the Victorian Emergency Service Equipment Program (VESEP) for $150,000, allowing the team to replace its ageing 1970s quick-fill trailer with a modern Big-Fill vehicle. The brigade, which has more than 60 active members, submitted the grant application after concerns were raised about the ageing trailer’s compliance and efficiency.
Captain Allan Anderson said the decision to apply for the upgrade came after several incidents highlighted the limitations of the old unit.
“We had a couple of fires, and a couple of the commanders said to us, ‘your quick fill is really non-compliant’,” he said.
“Our trailer was 40 years old, and we’ve updated bits and pieces on it ever since.”
He said the trailer had been upgraded over the years, but remained difficult to operate, particularly for older members who preferred to support the brigade by managing the quick-fill equipment.
“It took two fit people to lift the quick-fill unit onto the trailer, it’s too hard for them,” Mr Anderson said.
The new Big-Fill vehicle will dramatically reduce turnaround times on the fireground, filling a tanker in just three to four minutes, compared with the 10 to 12 minutes needed by a standard quick-fill.
The CFA’s broader goal is for every group across the region to eventually have access to at least one Big-Fill unit.
Securing the grant means Amphitheatre is now on track to work towards that target.
The brigade was thrilled to learn their application had been approved.
“We put in a grant for it, and we got it. It might be here in 12 to 18 months, but we still got the grant,” he said.
Once in service, the vehicle will be an asset across the entire Pyrenees group.
“It won’t just be for here, it’ll be for everywhere,” Mr Anderson said.
“If there’s a fire at the other end of the group, that quick-fill will be engaged to go to that. It will be manned by other brigades in our group, which is no problem.”
Mr Anderson said the funding represents an important step forward for the brigade and the wider region.
“It's an excellent asset for the group,” offering a faster, safer and more efficient way to support firefighting operations.
Member for Ripon Martha Haylett said other brigades across Pyrenees Shire also did well out of the latest round of grants.
Burnbank Fire Brigade will receive $145,833 towards the purchase of a Bill Fill Vehicle.
Smaller grants were also awarded to Redbank Fire Brigade - $2,452 for an upgrade to the security camera system, Landsborough Fire Brigade - $2,800 to replace existing hot water system and fridge and Warrenmang Fire Brigade - $2,100 for an upgrade to a security camera system.
VESEP is an annual grants program that helps Victorian emergency services volunteer groups purchase essential equipment or make facility improvements so they can strengthen and support their vital work.
Volunteer groups can apply for grants of up to $250,000 – an increase of $100,000 from the previous maximum – with the Government contributing $2 for every $1 raised by the local volunteer group.
Ms Haylett said the grants back volunteers and help them protect local communities.
“This funding boost will make a real difference and give so many CFA brigades and SES units across our region the modern equipment and vehicles they deserve,” Ms Haylett said.