The funding will allow brigades across Victoria to purchase new trucks, equipment and modern facilities, to help keep communities safe.
State Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes congratulated the recipients of this year’s VESEP grants.
“This investment will make a real difference — delivering upgraded facilities, modern equipment and new vehicles so our volunteers can respond quickly and effectively during emergencies,” Ms Symes said.
This year’s round delivers more than $30 million in grants — the largest ever — across the CFA, Victoria SES, 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.
This includes:
- Boho Fire Brigade received $145,833 for an ultra-light tanker
- Benalla Fire Brigade received $71,000 for a field command vehicle
- Winton Fire Brigade received $13,334 for a hose drying rack and hose washer
- Violet Town Fire Brigade received $3334 for IT equipment
- Euroa SES received $95,649 for a replacement vehicle
VESEP is an annual grants program that helps Victorian emergency services volunteer groups purchase essential equipment, or make facility improvements so they can strengthen and support their vital work.
Volunteer groups can apply for grants of up to $250,000 — an increase of $100,000 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 double 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.
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