Record $31 Million Boost For Emergency Services

Victoria’s emergency services volunteers will receive $31 million to upgrade trucks, equipment and facilities through the Allan Labor Government’s Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP).

Minister for Emergency Services Vicki Ward today encouraged volunteer brigades, units and rescue organisations to begin preparing their applications ahead of the VESEP grant round opening on 16 April.

The $31 million package marks the biggest VESEP funding round ever.

Grants of up to $250,000 are available for volunteer organisations including the Country Fire Authority (CFA), Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES), Life Saving Victoria (LSV) and Volunteer Marine Search and Rescue (MSAR).

Funding can be used for vehicles, operational equipment, technology and station or facility upgrades.

Last year’s VESEP funding delivered major upgrades across the state, including:

• More than $160,000 for station upgrades at CFA brigades in Boneo, Campbells Creek and Melton
• Over $100,000 each for new vehicles at VICSES Cobden, Emerald and Heidelberg
• $150,000 for a new rescue vessel at Queenscliff Coast Guard
• Over $65,000 for new equipment at Lorne Surf Life Saving Club.

The VESEP program backs volunteers who back their communities, with the Labor Government contributing $2 for every $1 raised locally.

Since 2015, the Labor Government has invested more than $168 million through VESEP, backing the volunteers who protect lives and property every day.

Thanks to the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund, VESEP funding has been doubled over four years with an additional $62 million to support volunteers.

Every dollar raised through the ESVF goes directly into emergency and disaster response.

Applications for the 2026–27 VESEP round open Thursday 16 April 2026 and close Thursday 11 June 2026.

For more information and application details, visit emv.vic.gov.au/vesep.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Emergency Services Vicki Ward

"Just as Victoria's emergency services volunteers are always there for our communities, the Labor Government is there for them, backing them in with record funding support.

“With this being the biggest VESEP funding round ever, volunteers will have even more resources to respond when communities need them most.”