Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP)

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 State Emergency Management Plan. 

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

Core budget requirements such as:

• Recurrent expenditure such as maintenance
• Projects currently in progress
• Project overspends

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.

1. Agencies will distribute specific guidelines and application forms.
2. You need to complete the application form, attaching relevant financial plans, statements and responses to agency specific key selection criteria.
3. Submit your application by the due date.

Application portals can be accessed through the below links, some may require members to log in first.

• Country Fire Authority applications (External link)
• Life Saving Victoria applications  (External link)
• Volunteer Marine Search and Rescue unit applications (External link)
• Other eligible volunteer organisations applications (External link)
• Victoria State Emergency Service applications (External link)

What happens next?

1. Your application will be reviewed and prioritised by your agency. 
2. The VESEP Panel will assess applications and forward recommendations to the Minister for Police and Emergency Services. 
3. Following the Minister’s decision, you will be advised of the outcome of your application in writing.
    

View the list of all previous VESEP grant recipients.