Funding boost to upskill emergency management volunteers

The Government has announced that it will double its investment in the Emergency Management Volunteer Scholarship program with a $1 million funding boost.

The funding expands the existing program for emergency management volunteers to access vocational and higher education qualifications in emergency and disaster management fields.

Minister for Law Enforcement and Cyber Security Angus Taylor, who has responsibility for Commonwealth disaster assistance, said the program has been very successful and this funding will support an additional round of applications.

“We are fortunate to have more than 200,000 emergency management volunteers around Australia, whose dedication and goodwill assists communities with response and recovery,” Mr Taylor said.

“Ongoing support and investment in our volunteers and their development is vital to strengthen our communities and build our national resilience.

“I encourage all volunteers working with an emergency management or disaster response agency to take advantage of this opportunity and consider applying.”

Eligible volunteers can apply for up to $25,000 for higher education, or up to $12,000 for vocational education and training, towards accredited emergency and disaster management qualifications.

The program is administered by the Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience on behalf of the Australian Government.

For more information about the program, visit www.aidr.org.au/scholarships