Thursday, 24 October 2024

Volunteer emergency services organisations have received a funding boost to support their ongoing service to the local community as part of the Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP) grants. 

Minister for Emergency Services Jaclyn Symes today announced the 2024-25 VESEP grant recipients that will share in more than $15 million to purchase new equipment, improve emergency response capability and support community safety.

9 grants, with a total value of over $400,000, were awarded to volunteer emergency services organisations in northern Victoria, including CFA and VICSES stations.

Recipients include:

• CFA District 12 Headquarters has received funding for minor upgrades
• Mooroopna CFA has received funding for a Field Command Vehicle
• Balmattum CFA has received funding for upgrades at the station
• Molka CFA has received funding for purchasing equipment
• Sheans Creek CFA has received funding for a roller door and hose drying racks
• Violet Town CFA has received funding for a Field Command Vehicle
• Seymour SES has received funding for a 4x4 replacement vehicle
• Shepparton Search and Rescue has received funding for a Hino Truck Build
• St John Ambulance Goulburn Valley Division has received funding for interior upgrades at the facility
• Glenloth CFA has received funding to upgrade electrical equipment
• Litchfield CFA has received funding to purchase new equipment
• Bamawm Extension CFA has received funding for a station extension and to upgrade kitchen facilities
• Northern Campaspe CFA has received funding for a Big Fill
• Wyuna CFA has received funding for a hose winder and other equipment
• Echuca Village CFA has received funding for a Light Tanker
• Carwarp CFA has received funding for upgrading facilities at the station
• Ouyen CFA has received funding to upgrade lighting
• Red Cliffs CFA has received funding for a Field Command Vehicle
• Underbool CFA has received funding for an Ultra Light Tanker
• Manangatang CFA has received funding for a Big Fill
• Piangil CFA has received funding for upgrading equipment
• Waitchie CFA has received funding for 45,000 liter water tank
• Rochester CFA has received funding for a 4x4 Vehicle replacement
• Kerang SES has received funding for an amenities upgrade at the station
• Mildura SES has received funding for rescue equipment
• Echuca Moama Search and Rescue has received funding for upgrades to the office/communication facility
• Molesworth CFA received funding for a station extension
• Terip Terip CFA received funding for minor equipment upgrades
• Wattle Glen CFA received funding to purchase traffic warning signs
• Yarck CFA received funding for a station extension
• Yea CFA received funding to upgrade tools and equipment
• Kinglake SES received funding to replace an operational vehicle.
• Dederang CFA has received funding for a big fill trailer pub
• Benalla CFA has received funding for a hose winder
• Goorambat- Stewarton CFA has received funding for assorted equipment
• Swanpool CFA has received funding to purchase a chainsaw
• Tatong CFA has received funding for an Ultra Light Tanker
• Rutherglen CFA has received funding for a Big Fill
• Stanley CFA has received funding to upgrade amentiies at their station
• Merrijig CFA has received funding for an Ultra Light Tanker
• Strathmerton CFA has received funding for an Ultra Light Tanker
• Tolmie and District CFA has received funding for electrical equipment
• Wilby CFA has received funding to purchase new equipment
• Yarroweyah CFA has received funding to carry out an extension to their changerooms
• District 23 Headquarters in Wangaratta has received funding to upgrade lighting
• Edi CFA has received funding for a concrete pad
• Everton CFA has received funding for a hose washer
• South Wangaratta CFA has received funding to upgrade furniture at the station
• Bonegilla CFA has received funding for an Ultra Light Tanker
• Numurkah SES has received funding for upgrades at the station
• Tallangatta SES has received funding for a 4x4 utility vehicle replacement
• Mt Hotham Volunteer Ski Patrol has received funding for three snowmobile trailers

VESEP is an annual grants program that provides funding to Victorian emergency services volunteer groups to purchase essential operational equipment, vehicles and appliances and undertake minor facility improvements.

Since 2015, the Government has provided $138 million in VESEP grants, ensuring volunteer groups throughout the state have the resources, equipment and facilities they need to continue their vital work supporting  local communities.

Through this round of grants, Country Fire Authority brigades have received more than $11 million, Victoria State Emergency Service units received more than $2.5 million, Life Saving Victoria’s surf lifesaving clubs received more than $879,000 and Marine Search and Rescue crews received more than $368,000.

There are 268 projects to receive a grant as part of the 2024-25 program.  

Quotes attributable to Minister for Emergency Services Jaclyn Symes

“The Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program provides volunteers with the equipment and facilities they need to continue their selfless work safely.”

“Our emergency services volunteers work incredibly hard to keep our communities safe, which is why we’ve invested more than $138 million in VESEP grants to support the critical work they do.”

“Congratulations to all the deserving volunteer groups in receiving grants. The Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program is an important annual program providing a critical boost to local volunteers, ensuring their equipment and facilities are up to date.”