Recipients of the 2020-21 Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP) grants have been announced.
The Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP) is an annual grants program funded by the Victorian Government, which provides funding to Victorian emergency services volunteer groups to purchase essential operational equipment, vehicles and appliances and minor facility improvements.
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.
Who can apply?
The VESEP 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 Emergency Management Manual Victoria.
What can be funded?
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:
1. Operational Equipment such as:
- Chainsaws
- Quick Fill Pumps
- Generators
- Inflatable Rescue Boats and engines
- Rescue and Safety Equipment
2. Vehicles and Appliances such as:
- Cars/4WD’s
- Lighting and Storm Trailers
- Light/Medium Tankers
- Big Fill Trucks
- Watercraft
- Rescue Trucks
3. Minor Facility Improvements such as:
- Refurbishments
- Amenities – such as: kitchens/change rooms
- Temporary and transition facilities
What will not be funded?
Core budget requirements such as:
- Recurrent expenditure such as maintenance
- Projects currently in progress
- Project overspends
How are applications assessed?
Applications are assessed against the following criteria:
- The asset will enhance operational capability
- The group has the appropriate resources to house, operate and maintain the asset
- The asset will provide a net community benefit
- Funding for the asset has not been received under another program
- The group must meet their matched funding formula contribution
- The group can demonstrate that the make and model of all equipment meets agency standards
An assessment panel (VESEP Panel) is chaired by Emergency Management Victoria and will comprise representatives from relevant emergency services organisations.
How to apply?
Applications are currently closed.
When a funding round opens, specific guidelines and application forms are made available for completion. Relevant financial plans, statements and responses to any agency specific key selection criteria will need to be provided by applicants.
Access the EMV SmartyGrants portal (External link).
2020-21 VESEP grant recipients
Below is a list of successful 2020-21 Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP) grant applications.
|
Agency |
Name |
Category |
VESEP contribution |
|
CFA |
Acheron |
Operational Equipment |
$2,263.00 |
|
CFA |
Alexandra |
Vehicles and Appliances |
$193,333.00 |
|
CFA |
Anglesea |
Vehicles and Appliances |
$120,833.00 |
|
CFA |
Avenel |
Vehicles and Appliances |
$41,094.00 |
|
CFA |
Bacchus Marsh |
Vehicles and Appliances |
$38,667.00 |
|
CFA |
Balnarring |
Vehicles and Appliances |
$53,333.00 |
|
CFA |
Beaconsfield Upper |
Minor Facility Improvements |
$46,667.00 |
|
CFA |
Beechworth |
Vehicles and Appliances |
$120,833.00 |
|
CFA |
Berringama |
Minor Facility Improvements |
$22,500.00 |
|
CFA |
Berriwillock |
Vehicles and Appliances |
$120,833.00 |
|
CFA |
Bessiebelle |
Vehicles and Appliances |
$55,000.00 |
|
CFA |
Boho |
Volunteer Amenities |
$1,573.00 |
|
CFA |
Bonnie Doon |
Vehicles and Appliances |
$120,833.00 |
|
CFA |
Bookaar |
Vehicles and Appliances |
$60,000.00 |
|
CFA |
Boort |
Vehicles and Appliances |
$38,000.00 |
|
CFA |
Bostocks Creek |
Minor Facility Improvements |
$64,667.00 |
|
CFA |
Bullioh |
Operational Equipment |
$909.00 |
|
CFA |
Bunyip |
Minor Facility Improvements |
$64,474.00 |
|
CFA |
Buxton |
Minor Facility Improvements |
$48,000.00 |
|
CFA |
Callignee |
Volunteer Amenities |
$903.00 |
|
CFA |
Cardigan & Windermere |
Vehicles and Appliances |
$53,333.00 |
|
CFA |
Cardinia |
Volunteer Amenities |
$2,233.00 |
|
CFA |
Cavendish |
Vehicles and Appliances |
$321,667.00 |
|
CFA |
Cohuna |
Minor Facility Improvements |
$8,000.00 |
|
CFA |
Condah |
Volunteer Amenities |
$1,371.00 |
|
CFA |
Corack East |
Volunteer Amenities |
$503.00 |
|
CFA |
Corangamite |
Operational Equipment |
$1,472.00 |
|
CFA |
Corryong |
Volunteer Amenities |
$1,624.00 |
|
CFA |
Dargo |
Volunteer Amenities |
$725.00 |
|
CFA |
Darnum & Ellinbank |
Volunteer Amenities |
$2,110.00 |
|
CFA |
Deans Marsh |
Minor Facility Improvements |
$5,691.00 |
|
CFA |
Dereel |
Volunteer Amenities |
$2,621.00 |
|
CFA |
Derrinallum |
Vehicles and Appliances |
$321,667.00 |
|
CFA |
Diamond Creek |
Vehicles and Appliances |
$130,833.00 |
|
CFA |
Digby |
Operational Equipment |
$1,280.00 |
|
CFA |
District 10 DPC |
Operational Equipment |
$18,000.00 |
|
CFA |
District 10 DPC |
Volunteer Amenities |
$32,665.00 |
|
CFA |
District 11 Headquarters |
Vehicles and Appliances |
$225,000.00 |
|
CFA |
District 12 Headquarters |
Vehicles and Appliances |
$120,000.00 |
|
CFA |
District 18 DPC |
Volunteer Amenities |
$1,500.00 |
|
CFA |
District 18 DPC |
Operational Equipment |
$8,182.00 |
|
CFA |
District 24 Headquarters |
Vehicles and Appliances |
$40,298.00 |
|
CFA |
District 27 DPC |
Operational Equipment |
$1,468.00 |
|
CFA |
District 5 DPC |
Minor Facility Improvements |
$65,455.00 |
|
CFA |
Donald |
Minor Facility Improvements |
$20,000.00 |
|
CFA |
Dunkeld |
Vehicles and Appliances |
$120,833.00 |
|
CFA |
Eaglehawk |
Vehicles and Appliances |
$53,333.00 |
|
CFA |
Elphinstone |
Volunteer Amenities |
$2,261.00 |
|
CFA |
Ferntree Gully |
Vehicles and Appliances |
$193,333.00 |
|
CFA |
Fryerstown |
Vehicles and Appliances |
$193,333.00 |
|
CFA |
Glenorchy Estate |
Volunteer Amenities |
$542.00 |
|
CFA |
Glenroy & Merrijig |
Vehicles and Appliances |
$53,333.00 |
|
CFA |
Green Lake |
Minor Facility Improvements |
$45,000.00 |
|
CFA |
Greendale |
Vehicles and Appliances |
$120,833.00 |
|
CFA |
Grovedale |
Vehicles and Appliances |
$39,333.00 |
|
CFA |
Henty |
Volunteer Amenities |
$542.00 |
|
CFA |
Highton |
Volunteer Amenities |
$2,061.00 |
|
CFA |
Hyland |
Operational Equipment |
$828.00 |
|
CFA |
Irymple |
Operational Equipment |
$1,667.00 |
|
CFA |
Johnsonville |
Minor Facility Improvements |
$53,334.00 |
|
CFA |
Kangaroo Ground |
Vehicles and Appliances |
$38,000.00 |
|
CFA |
Knowsley |
Volunteer Amenities |
$767.00 |
|
CFA |
Kongwak & District |
Volunteer Amenities |
$2,333.00 |
|
CFA |
Kooloonong |
Operational Equipment |
$1,111.00 |
|
CFA |
Lake Mundi |
Volunteer Amenities |
$542.00 |
|
CFA |
Leneva |
Minor Facility Improvements |
$12,391.00 |
|
CFA |
Leopold |
Vehicles and Appliances |
$321,667.00 |
|
CFA |
Lindsay |
Volunteer Amenities |
$814.00 |
|
CFA |
Little Yarra |
Volunteer Amenities |
$2,460.00 |
|
CFA |
Loch Sport |
Minor Facility Improvements |
$66,667.00 |
|
CFA |
Longwood |
Minor Facility Improvements |
$48,000.00 |
|
CFA |
Lyons |
Volunteer Amenities |
$1,169.00 |
|
CFA |
Manangatang |
Operational Equipment |
$5,007.00 |
|
CFA |
Mannerim |
Volunteer Amenities |
$1,547.00 |
|
CFA |
Merri |
Operational Equipment |
$1,086.00 |
|
CFA |
Minyip |
Minor Facility Improvements |
$6,827.00 |
|
CFA |
Molyullah |
Vehicles and Appliances |
$120,833.00 |
|
CFA |
Montrose |
Operational Equipment |
$6,483.00 |
|
CFA |
Mossi - Tambo |
Minor Facility Improvements |
$66,500.00 |
|
CFA |
Mount Rouse |
Volunteer Amenities |
$1,405.00 |
|
CFA |
Mount Cottrell |
Volunteer Amenities |
$3,333.00 |
|
CFA |
Moyhu |
Vehicles and Appliances |
$120,833.00 |
|
CFA |
Mt Alexander |
Vehicles and Appliances |
$20,836.00 |
|
CFA |
Mumbannar |
Operational Equipment |
$2,065.00 |
|
CFA |
Nagambie |
Minor Facility Improvements |
$8,967.00 |
|
CFA |
Narrawong |
Volunteer Amenities |
$1,000.00 |
|
CFA |
Narre Warren East |
Minor Facility Improvements |
$20,000.00 |
|
CFA |
Natimuk |
Vehicles and Appliances |
$70,000.00 |
|
CFA |
Nhill |
Vehicles and Appliances |
$193,333.00 |
|
CFA |
Noojee |
Minor Facility Improvements |
$37,867.00 |
|
CFA |
Otway |
Vehicles and Appliances |
$120,833.00 |
|
CFA |
Pakenham Upper |
Vehicles and Appliances |
$120,833.00 |
|
CFA |
Patchewollock |
Vehicles and Appliances |
$142,500.00 |
|
CFA |
Penshurst |
Volunteer Amenities |
$3,321.00 |
|
CFA |
Pomborneit & Dist |
Vehicles and Appliances |
$120,833.00 |
|
CFA |
Port Fairy |
Minor Facility Improvements |
$33,333.00 |
|
CFA |
Pound Creek |
Operational Equipment |
$3,987.00 |
|
CFA |
Pyramid Hill |
Volunteer Amenities |
$1,900.00 |
|
CFA |
Pyrenees |
Vehicles and Appliances |
$46,234.00 |
|
CFA |
Queenscliff |
Minor Facility Improvements |
$14,755.00 |
|
CFA |
Raglan |
Vehicles and Appliances |
$193,333.00 |
|
CFA |
Romsey |
Vehicles and Appliances |
$321,667.00 |
|
CFA |
Ruby |
Vehicles and Appliances |
$193,333.00 |
|
CFA |
Rushworth |
Vehicles and Appliances |
$321,667.00 |
|
CFA |
Sarsfield |
Vehicles and Appliances |
$130,833.00 |
|
CFA |
Shelford |
Minor Facility Improvements |
$99,750.00 |
|
CFA |
South Lillimur |
Operational Equipment |
$13,390.00 |
|
CFA |
St Arnaud |
Vehicles and Appliances |
$26,500.00 |
|
CFA |
Stradbroke |
Vehicles and Appliances |
$57,900.00 |
|
CFA |
Stratford |
Vehicles and Appliances |
$38,333.00 |
|
CFA |
Strathbogie |
Vehicles and Appliances |
$193,333.00 |
|
CFA |
Swift's Creek |
Vehicles and Appliances |
$120,833.00 |
|
CFA |
Tahara |
Volunteer Amenities |
$542.00 |
|
CFA |
Tallangatta Valley |
Vehicles and Appliances |
$120,833.00 |
|
CFA |
Tarrington |
Minor Facility Improvements |
$40,000.00 |
|
CFA |
Tatura |
Vehicles and Appliances |
$37,000.00 |
|
CFA |
Traralgon East |
Volunteer Amenities |
$3,027.00 |
|
CFA |
Traralgon West |
Vehicles and Appliances |
$40,000.00 |
|
CFA |
Truganina |
Vehicles and Appliances |
$94,000.00 |
|
CFA |
Wallan |
Minor Facility Improvements |
$29,297.00 |
|
CFA |
Wangaratta |
Vehicles and Appliances |
$16,261.00 |
|
CFA |
Warragul |
Minor Facility Improvements |
$43,333.00 |
|
CFA |
Warrandyte |
Minor Facility Improvements |
$29,729.00 |
|
CFA |
Wesburn-millgrove |
Vehicles and Appliances |
$120,833.00 |
|
CFA |
Whittlesea |
Vehicles and Appliances |
$53,333.00 |
|
CFA |
Wirrate |
Vehicles and Appliances |
$120,833.00 |
|
CFA |
Wollert & District |
Minor Facility Improvements |
$41,134.00 |
|
CFA |
Won Wron |
Volunteer Amenities |
$571.00 |
|
CFA |
Wonwondah |
Minor Facility Improvements |
$60,000.00 |
|
CFA |
Woodend |
Vehicles and Appliances |
$321,667.00 |
|
CFA |
Woodvale |
Minor Facility Improvements |
$1,765.00 |
|
CFA |
Yackandandah |
Volunteer Amenities |
$2,980.00 |
|
CFA |
Yallourn North |
Volunteer Amenities |
$1,797.00 |
|
CFA |
Yanakie |
Vehicles and Appliances |
$36,667.00 |
|
CFA |
Yarragon |
Minor Facility Improvements |
$66,667.00 |
|
CFA |
Yeungroon |
Operational Equipment |
$9,247.00 |
|
CFA |
Yinnar South |
Vehicles and Appliances |
$193,333.00 |
|
CFA |
CFA Statewide |
Vehicles and Appliances |
$450,000.00 |
|
CFA |
CFA Statewide |
Vehicles and Appliances |
$30,000.00 |
|
CFA |
CFA Statewide |
Operational Equipment |
$285,000.00 |
|
CFA |
CFA Statewide |
Minor Facility Improvements |
$95,000.00 |
|
CFA |
CFA Statewide |
Minor Facility Improvements |
$100,000.00 |
|
CFA |
CFA Statewide |
Vehicles and Appliances |
$45,396.00 |
|
CFA |
CFA Statewide |
Operational Equipment |
$120,324.00 |
|
CFA |
CFA Statewide |
Operational Equipment |
$690,976.00 |
|
LSV |
13th Beach Surf Life Saving Club |
Operational Equipment |
$19,916.00 |
|
LSV |
Altona Life Saving Club |
Operational Equipment |
$17,431.00 |
|
LSV |
Anglesea Surf Life Saving Club |
Minor Facility Improvements |
$27,205.39 |
|
LSV |
Beaumaris Life Saving Club |
Minor Facility Improvements |
$40,000.00 |
|
LSV |
Black Rock Surf Life Saving Club |
Operational Equipment |
$14,055.00 |
|
LSV |
Brighton Life Saving Club |
Operational Equipment |
$24,366.00 |
|
LSV |
Cape Paterson Surf Life Saving Club |
Operational Equipment |
$13,603.00 |
|
LSV |
Carrum Surf Life Saving Club |
Operational Equipment |
$2,991.00 |
|
LSV |
Chelsea Longbeach Surf Life Saving Club |
Minor Facility Improvements, Vehicles and Appliances |
$38,055.00 |
|
LSV |
Edithvale Life Saving Club |
Operational Equipment |
$13,919.00 |
|
LSV |
Elwood Life Saving Club |
Operational Equipment |
$13,036.00 |
|
LSV |
Fairhaven Surf Life Saving Club |
Operational Equipment, Minor Facility Improvements |
$6,847.33 |
|
LSV |
Frankston Life Saving Club |
Operational Equipment |
$2,360.00 |
|
LSV |
Inverloch Surf Life Saving Club |
Operational Equipment, Minor Facility Improvements |
$16,820.60 |
|
LSV |
Jan Juc Surf Life Saving Club |
Operational Equipment, Minor Facility Improvements |
$36,680.67 |
|
LSV |
Kennett River Surf Life Saving Club |
Operational Equipment |
$967.00 |
|
LSV |
Lakes Entrance Surf Life Saving |
Operational Equipment, Vehicles and Appliances |
$38,004.67 |
|
LSV |
Mallacoota Surf Life Saving Club |
Operational Equipment |
$20,542.00 |
|
LSV |
Mentone Life Saving Club |
Operational Equipment |
$39,400.00 |
|
LSV |
Mordialloc Life Saving Club |
Operational Equipment, Vehicles and Appliances |
$3,592.00 |
|
LSV |
Mornington Life Saving Club |
Minor Facility Improvements |
$4,833.00 |
|
LSV |
Mount Martha Life Saving Club |
Operational Equipment, Minor Facility Improvements |
$15,942.00 |
|
LSV |
Ocean Grove Surf Life Saving Club |
Operational Equipment |
$13,088.00 |
|
LSV |
Point Leo Surf Life Saving Club |
Operational Equipment, Vehicles and Appliances |
$14,801.00 |
|
LSV |
Point Lonsdale Surf Life Saving Club |
Operational Equipment, Minor Facility Improvements |
$29,500.00 |
|
LSV |
Port Fairy Surf Life Saving Club |
Operational Equipment, Vehicles and Appliances |
$15,812.67 |
|
LSV |
Port Melbourne Life Saving Club |
Vehicles and Appliances |
$11,026.00 |
|
LSV |
Sandridge Life Saving Club |
Operational Equipment |
$14,767.00 |
|
LSV |
Seaford Life Saving Club |
Operational Equipment |
$1,380.00 |
|
LSV |
South Melbourne Life Saving Club |
Operational Equipment |
$12,355.00 |
|
LSV |
St Kilda Life Saving Club |
Operational Equipment |
$4,921.00 |
|
LSV |
Venus Bay Surf Life Saving Club |
Operational Equipment |
$17,630.00 |
|
LSV |
Waratah Beach Surf Life Saving Club |
Minor Facility Improvements, Vehicles and Appliances |
$44,376.67 |
|
LSV |
Waratah Beach Surf Life Saving Club - Marine Search and Rescue |
Minor Facility Improvements |
$19,316.67 |
|
LSV |
Waratah Beach Surf Life Saving Club - Marine Search and Rescue |
Vehicles and Appliances |
$59,376.00 |
|
LSV |
Warrnambool Surf Life Saving Club |
Operational Equipment, Vehicles and Appliances |
$15,094.00 |
|
LSV |
Wonthaggi Life Saving Club |
Operational Equipment, Vehicles and Appliances |
$27,071.00 |
|
LSV |
Woodside Beach Surf Life Saving Club |
Vehicles and Appliances |
$15,388.00 |
|
LSV |
Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club |
Vehicles and Appliances |
$19,147.33 |
|
LSV |
Wye River Surf Life Saving Club |
Minor Facility Improvements |
$15,173.00 |
|
LSV |
Life Saving Victoria |
State-wide Initiative |
$14,000.00 |
|
LSV |
Life Saving Victoria |
State-wide Initiative |
$36,000.00 |
|
MSAR |
Australian Volunteer Coast Guard - Gippsland Squadron |
Operational Equipment |
$3,876.00 |
|
MSAR |
Carrum Coast Guard VF7 |
Minor Facility Improvements |
$2,504.00 |
|
MSAR |
Frankston Coast Guard VF1 |
Vehicles, Appliances, Vessels |
$32,450.00 |
|
MSAR |
Mallacoota Coast Guard VF15 |
Vehicles, Appliances, Vessels |
$48,000.00 |
|
MSAR |
Marlo Coast Guard VF21 |
Operational Equipment |
$7,323.00 |
|
MSAR |
Port Albert Coast Guard VF19 |
Operational Equipment |
$28,304.00 |
|
MSAR |
Port Welshpool Coast Guard VF20 |
Operational Equipment |
$7,398.00 |
|
MSAR |
Portland Surf Life Saving Club MSAR unit |
Operational Equipment |
$20,093.00 |
|
MSAR |
Torquay Marine Rescue |
Operational Equipment |
$11,813.00 |
|
MSAR |
Torquay Marine Rescue |
Vehicles, Appliances, Vessels |
$88,000.00 |
|
MSAR |
Volunteer Marine Rescue - Mornington |
Operational Equipment |
$20,118.00 |
|
MSAR |
Volunteer Marine Rescue - Mornington |
Operational Equipment |
$12,460.00 |
|
MSAR |
Western Port Coast Guard VF4 |
Vehicles, Appliances, Vessels |
$45,954.00 |
|
Other |
Ambulance Victoria |
Operational Equipment |
$579.00 |
|
Other |
Australian Red Cross Society |
Operational Equipment, Minor Facility Improvements |
$61,403.00 |
|
Other |
Australian Red Cross Society |
Operational Equipment |
$57,957.00 |
|
Other |
Bush Search and Rescue Victoria, Bushwalking Victoria |
Operational Equipment |
$3,206.00 |
|
Other |
Echuca Moama Search and Rescue Squad |
Operational Equipment |
$61,573.00 |
|
Other |
Mt Hotham Volunteer Ski Patrol Incorporated |
Operational Equipment |
$30,267.00 |
|
Other |
St John Ambulance Victoria |
Operational Equipment |
$16,190.00 |
|
Other |
St John Ambulance Victoria |
Operational Equipment |
$20,203.00 |
|
Other |
St John Ambulance Victoria |
Operational Equipment |
$81,603.00 |
|
Other |
St John Ambulance Victoria |
Minor Facility Improvements |
$9,774.00 |
|
Other |
Victorian Council of Churches (VCC) Emergencies Ministry |
Operational Equipment, Minor Facility Improvements |
$21,750.00 |
|
VICSES |
Bacchus Marsh |
Vehicles and Appliances |
$150,000.00 |
|
VICSES |
Bannockburn |
Vehicles and Appliances |
$62,389.00 |
|
VICSES |
Bellarine |
Vehicles and Appliances |
$128,700.00 |
|
VICSES |
Bendigo |
Vehicles and Appliances |
$63,575.00 |
|
VICSES |
Bendoc |
Vehicles and Appliances |
$63,015.00 |
|
VICSES |
Broadmeadows |
Vehicles and Appliances |
$150,000.00 |
|
VICSES |
Cann River |
Vehicles and Appliances |
$64,397.00 |
|
VICSES |
Cobden |
Vehicles and Appliances |
$13,750.00 |
|
VICSES |
Craigieburn |
Vehicles and Appliances |
$9,460.00 |
|
VICSES |
Dartmoor |
Vehicles and Appliances |
$62,202.00 |
|
VICSES |
Erica |
Vehicles and Appliances |
$69,148.00 |
|
VICSES |
Essendon |
Vehicles and Appliances |
$60,980.00 |
|
VICSES |
Falls Creek |
Vehicles and Appliances |
$25,206.73 |
|
VICSES |
Frankston |
Vehicles and Appliances |
$128,700.64 |
|
VICSES |
Healesville |
Vehicles and Appliances |
$150,000.00 |
|
VICSES |
Hobsons Bay |
Minor Facility Improvements |
$105,835.33 |
|
VICSES |
Mallacoota |
Vehicles and Appliances |
$31,790.16 |
|
VICSES |
Manningham |
Vehicles and Appliances |
$150,000.00 |
|
VICSES |
Maroondah |
Vehicles and Appliances |
$45,202.00 |
|
VICSES |
Mildura |
Vehicles and Appliances |
$150,000.00 |
|
VICSES |
Murrayville |
Minor Facility Improvements |
$26,000.00 |
|
VICSES |
Northcote |
Vehicles and Appliances |
$66,003.00 |
|
VICSES |
Rosedale |
Vehicles and Appliances |
$65,443.00 |
|
VICSES |
Seymour |
Vehicles and Appliances |
$60,604.00 |
|
VICSES |
Stratford |
Vehicles and Appliances |
$61,993.00 |
|
VICSES |
Tambo Valley |
Vehicles and Appliances |
$64,448.00 |
|
VICSES |
Warragul |
Vehicles and Appliances |
$150,000.00 |
|
VICSES |
Wycheproof |
Vehicles and Appliances |
$71,234.00 |
|
VICSES |
Yarrawonga |
Vehicles and Appliances |
$65,978.00 |
All previous VESEP grant recipients
More information
For more information, please contact Emergency Management Victoria via email at emvgrants@emv.vic.gov.au (External link).
The department acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the Traditional Custodians of the land and acknowledges and pays respect to their Elders, past and present.