What is the Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program?
The Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP) is an ongoing, annual program that provides emergency services volunteer groups with grants to help fund operational equipment, including the purchase of new vehicles, trucks, tankers, watercraft and trailers.
Background
Over the past seven years, the Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program has provided more than $90 million to volunteer groups around the state.
Recent grant recipients include Beechworth fire brigade receiving a grant for an Ultra-Light Tanker, while Mallacoota’s SES Unit received a grant towards a generator trailer, including an electrical upgrade. Mallacoota’s lifesaving club also received a grant for two outboard engines, equipment and a beach trailer.
Volunteer organisations can apply for the latest grants, which includes:
- more than $10.4 million for volunteer CFA brigades
- more than $2.35 million for Victoria State Emergency Service units
- more than $340,000 for Marine Search and Rescue, including the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Association
- more than $820,000 for Life Saving Victoria clubs
- more than $380,000 for other volunteer agencies.
Funding
Victorian Volunteer Emergency Service groups can apply for a grant up to a maximum of $150,000 excluding GST. The VESEP will provide $2 for every $1 of funding contributed by the local volunteer group.
Eligible Projects
Equipment purchased with the grant funding can include, but is not limited to vehicles, trucks, tankers, watercraft, trailers and can also include minor facility improvements.
Projects must begin on or after the start of the funding allocation and should be fully expended by the end of the grant’s financial year.
The types of equipment funded under the program include:
Operational Equipment such as:
- Chainsaws
- Quick Fill Pumps
- Generators
- Inflatable Rescue Boats and engines
- Rescue and Safety Equipment
Vehicles and Appliances such as:
- Cars/4WD’s
- Lighting and Storm Trailers
- Light/Medium Tankers
- Big Fill Trucks
- Watercraft
- Rescue Trucks
Minor Facility Improvements such as:
- Refurbishments
- Amenities – such as: kitchens/change rooms
- Temporary and transition facilities
The program will not fund core budget requirements such as:
- Recurrent expenditure such as maintenance
- Projects currently in progress
- Project overspends
Eligible Applicants
The program is open to the following organisations:
- Country Fire Authority
- Life Saving Victoria
- Victoria State Emergency Service
- Volunteer Marine Search and Rescue units
- Other eligible volunteer emergency services groups as defined in the State Emergency Management Plan.
Timing
Applications close 17 June 2021.
More Information
Latest News
03 November 2021 – New Equipment for the Volunteer Emergency Services
Minister for Emergency Services Jaclyn Symes today announced more than 300 Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP) grants worth over $14 million to CFA, VICSES, Life Saving Victoria (LSV) and Marine Search and Rescue (MSAR) units across the state.
The boost will help units to buy operational equipment, vehicles and appliances and make the minor facility improvements they need to respond to emergencies and protect lives and property.
