- Published:
- Tuesday 3 June 2025
Hardworking volunteers right across Victoria will benefit from more money for trucks, equipment and modern facilities to help keep themselves and their communities safe with the Allan Labor Government’s Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP) opening today.
Minister for Emergency Services Vicki Ward today announced that $30 million is available for this year’s grants –double last year’s amount and the most ever available in one round – thanks to the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund.
Over the next four years, an additional $62 million is being provided from the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund to double the VESEP – just one of the ways money raised through the Fund is being used to support volunteers.
Every single dollar raised by the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund will support our emergency and disaster recovery services.
VESEP is an annual grant program that helps Victorian emergency services volunteer groups to purchase essential equipment or make facility improvements so that they can strengthen and support their vital work in emergency response.
Groups can apply for a grant of up to $250,000 – a $100,000 increase on the previous maximum – with the Government contributing $2 for every $1 raised by the local volunteer group.
Volunteer groups can purchase equipment including generators, pumps, utility vehicles, tankers and rescue trucks. They can also fund minor refurbishments or amenity upgrades to their station, club or unit.
Eligible services include the Country Fire Authority (CFA), Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES), Life Saving Victoria, and Volunteer Marine Search and Rescue units.
Over the past decade, the Government has invested more than $138 million in VESEP grants to volunteer groups across the state.
Recent VESEP recipients include CFA Bullengarook, Forrest, Laharum and Toongabbie brigades, which all received more than $140,000 each for new ultra-light tankers, and VICSES Warracknabeal, Goroke, Sunbury and Terang units, which received more than $100,000 each to replace utility vehicles.
The 2025-26 VESEP applications are now open and close on 28 July 2025. For more information about VESEP and to find out how to apply for a grant visit emv.vic.gov.au/vesep(opens in a new window).
Quotes attributable to Minster for Emergency Services Vicki Ward
“It’s really exciting to be able to offer volunteers the most funding ever through VESEP – this popular program receives a high amount of applications each year, so it’s fantastic this change will allow even more groups to access the support they need.”
“These grants give volunteers the freedom to determine the best way to benefit their service, ensuring they receive precisely what they need to help support and protect their communities.”