Biggest Ever Grants For Emergency Services Volunteers

Victoria’s hardworking emergency services volunteers will receive more trucks, equipment and modern facilities to help keep communities safe – thanks to the Allan Labor Government’s Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP).

Minister for Emergency Services Vicki Ward today announced the recipients of this year’s VESEP grants while visiting District 15 Headquarters Brigade in Wendouree, which will receive $104,000 for a new breathing apparatus support vehicle.

This year’s round delivers more than $30 million in grants – the largest ever – across the Country Fire Authority (CFA), Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES), Life Saving Victoria, Volunteer Marine Search and Rescue and other emergency service organisations.

Funding for this round includes almost $20 million for more than 40 vehicles, more than $5 million to update 15 facilities and more than $1 million for operational equipment across the state.

Some of this year’s recipients include Wingeel Fire Brigade in Colac Otway Shire, receiving $210,000 to extend its training and meeting room facilities and Amphitheatre Fire Brigade in Pyrenees Shire which received $150,000 for a new Big Fill unit.

VESEP is an annual grant program that helps Victorian emergency services volunteer groups purchase essential equipment or make facility improvements so that they can strengthen and support their vital work.

Groups can apply for a grant of up to $250,000 – a $100,000 increase from the previous maximum – with the Government contributing $2 for every $1 raised by the local volunteer group.

Thanks to the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund, VESEP funding will be doubled over the next four years with an additional $62 million invested to support volunteers. Every dollar raised through the Fund goes directly to emergency and disaster recovery services.

Over the past decade, the Labor Government has invested more than $168 million in VESEP grants, ensuring volunteers have the resources they need to protect Victorians.

A full list of this year’s VESEP grants is available at emv.vic.gov.au/vesep.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Emergency Services Vicki Ward

“These grants are incredibly popular every year, and we’ll keep backing in our volunteers, helping them focus on what they do best – protecting lives and property.”

“With more funding on offer than ever before – almost double – we’re showing our determination to support our hardworking emergency services volunteers.”

Quote attributable to Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison

“This investment will make a real difference here in Wendouree and across the state – delivering upgraded facilities and modern equipment so our volunteers can respond quickly and effectively during emergencies.”

Quote attributable to Member for Eureka Michaela Settle

“By doubling VESEP grants, we're delivering even more trucks, more equipment and improved facilities for volunteers – because when disaster strikes, they're the ones who step up for all of us."

Quote attributable to Member for Ripon Martha Haylett

“These grants are backing emergency service volunteers across our region and state who work so hard every day to protect our communities – giving them the new vehicles and equipment they deserve.”