VESEP grants open for Victoria’s emergency services volunteer groups

24 April 2023
A composite image featuring four photos of different volunteer groups, including Life Saving Victoria, VICSES, CFA and VMR.

The latest Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP) funding round is now open for Victoria’s volunteer emergency services.  

VESEP is an annual grants program providing emergency services groups with funds to purchase operational equipment, minor repairs and vehicles, including rescue trucks, tankers and trailers, ensuring that volunteers have the resources and equipment needed to continue protecting their communities and saving lives. 

The Victorian Government is committing almost $15 million to the program this round, with grants of up to $150,000. VESEP will provide $2 for every $1 in funding contributed by the local volunteer group. 

This year’s grants include: 

  • more than $10.8 million for CFA fire brigades

  • more than $2.4 million for Victorian State Emergency Service units

  • almost $860,000 for Life Saving Victoria clubs

  • nearly $360,000 for marine search and rescue units, including the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Association

  • more than $390,000 for other volunteer agencies. 

Since 2015, the government has invested almost $110 million in VESEP grants to volunteer groups across the state. 

Last year, groups across the Country Fire Authority, Life Saving Victoria, marine search and rescue and VICSES received grants. See the complete list of 2022–23 recipients (External link).

Applications are open until Friday 16 June 2023. 

Visit VESEP (External link) for more information about the grant application process.