Emergency services agencies and volunteers will get the resources and equipment they need to keep serving and protecting their communities, with another round of the popular Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP) now open.
On Monday, April 24, Emergency Services Minister, Jaclyn Symes announced applications are open for the latest round of VESEP, an annual grants program that provides funding to Victorian emergency services volunteer groups to purchase essential operational equipment such as chainsaws, generators, pumps and rescue and safety equipment. Hume and Whittlesea based volunteer groups that provide emergency services are also eligible to apply for the grants.
VESEP funding can also be used by volunteer organisations to purchase vehicles and appliances such as 4WD vehicles, light and medium tankers, rescue trucks and lighting trailers and can also fund minor facility improvements such as refurbishments and amenity upgrades.
This year almost $15 million in grants is available to volunteer organisations across the state from the CFA, VICSES, Life Saving Victoria, Volunteer Marine Search and Rescue units and other volunteer emergency service groups.
Victorian volunteer emergency service groups can apply for a grant of up to $150,000 with the Government providing $2 for every $1 of funding contributed by the local volunteer group.
“These grants are all about helping ensure our selfless volunteers have the latest equipment to do what they do best – protect communities and save lives,” Ms Symes said.
“These grants have been going strong since they were first set up more than twenty years ago – communities will continue to proudly contribute to local fundraising efforts, but we want to help reduce that task and back our volunteers.”
Applications are open for submission until Friday, June 16.
Details: emv.vic.gov.au/vesep.
