Emergency services volunteers across the region 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).

Member for Ripon Martha Haylett today welcomed the announcement of this year’s VESEP grants, which will deliver new vehicles, equipment and facility upgrades across Victoria.

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.

In the Ripon electorate, this includes:

• Redbank Fire Brigade – $2,452 for an upgrade to the security camera system.
• Amphitheatre Fire Brigade – $150,833 for a Bill Fill Vehicle.
• Burnbank Fire Brigade - $145,833 for an Ultralight tanker.
• Birch Fire Brigade - $106,500 for a Field Command Vehicle.
• Carisbrook Fire Brigade -$145,833 for an Ultralight tanker.
• Landsborough Fire Brigade - $2,800 to replace existing hot water system and fridge.
• Mollongghip Fire Brigade - $1,580 for a portable fridge.
• Warrenmang Fire Brigade - $2,100 for an upgrade to the security camera system.
• Maryborough SES - $235,767 for a replacement medium rescue truck.
• Wedderburn SES - $21,160 for equipment and security upgrades.

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.

Over the past decade, the Allan 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 Ripon Martha Haylett

“This funding boost will make a real difference and give so many CFA brigades and SES units across our region the modern equipment and vehicles they deserve.”