From 8am until 4pm on Saturday, Bendigo SES members will be rattling their tins at Pall Mall to raise funds for much-needed equipment. 

A new generator is high on the unit’s wish list, followed by a replacement to an ageing rescue vehicle.

Bendigo SES fundraising officer, Allison Williams-Rees, was hopeful the crowds expected for the Bendigo Blues and Roots Music Festival would boost donations.

She said the community had always been generous in its support.

“They do an amazing job helping us,” she said.

The unit receives support from the state and local government, but Ms Williams-Rees said it was “nowhere near enough” to meet the demands of the growing city.

Technology is also a factor in the funding mix, with the new generator needed to power stronger tools, and more of them.

The current generator is more than 12 years old.