More emergency equipment funding available for volunteers

By Gabriel Garcia

May 12, 2023

Emergency service brigades across Victoria, including ones in Cobram and its surrounding districts, are being urged to take the opportunity to strengthen their inventory with the latest round of the popular Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP).

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The grants provide funding to Victorian emergency service volunteer groups such as the SES and CFA to ensure they are able to purchase essential operational equipment, such as chainsaws, generators, pumps and rescue and safety equipment for use in any future emergencies.

VESEP funding can also be used by volunteer groups to help increase or maintain their vehicle fleet strength with funding available to help purchase four-wheel drive vehicles, light and medium tankers, rescue trucks and lighting trailers.

The grants can also be used to fund minor facility improvements such as refurbishments and amenity upgrades.

Victorian Emergency Services Minister Jacyln Symes said the grants would help keep communities safe.

“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.”

This year just under $15 million in grants is available to organisations across the state from the CFA, VICSES, Life Saving Victoria, Volunteer Marine Search and Rescue units and other volunteer emergency service groups.

Groups can apply for a grant of up to $150,000 with the Victorian Government providing $2 for every $1 of funding contributed by the local volunteer group.

Ms Symes said the program would help alleviate local fundraising efforts.

“These grants have been going strong since they were first set up more than 20 years ago — communities will continue to proudly contribute to local fundraising efforts, but we want to help reduce that task and back our volunteers.”