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Grants and awards | April 26, 2021

Volunteer Emergency Service Equipment Grants available now

The Nationals Member for Lowan, Emma Kealy is encouraging local emergency service organisations to apply for funding through the latest round of the Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP).

VESEP is an annual grants program which provides funding to Victorian emergency services volunteer groups to purchase essential equipment including new vehicles, trucks, tankers and trailers and other operational equipment.

Volunteer groups can also put the money towards minor facility improvements, including refurbishments and amenities such as kitchens and change rooms.

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

“Our emergency services volunteers do a wonderful job in protecting the community and these grants will help ensure that when they are performing their roles, they have the equipment and facilities they need to do the job,” Ms Kealy said.

In the last round of funding grants totalling $1,115,611 were shared amongst 26 Country Fire Authority Brigades and State Emergency Services units in north-west Victoria, with Cavendish, Dunkeld, Natimuk, Nhill, Boort, Patchewollock and St Arnaud CFA Brigades and the Dartmoor, Mildura and Wycheproof SES sharing in $896,567 for new vehicles and appliances.

Other CFA brigades whose applications were successful included Digby, Mumbannar, South Lillimur, Henty, Lake Mundi, Lindsay, Lyons, Penshurst, Tahara, Green Lake, Minyip, Tarrington, Wonwondah and Donald.

“I encourage all our fantastic CFA brigades and SES units to consider applying for funding to ensure they have access to the best possible equipment and facilities to assist them in supporting our local communities in their time of need,” Ms Kealy said.

Volunteer organisations have until 17 June 2021 to apply.

For more information about how to apply for a grant through the program visit www.emv.vic.gov.au/vesep.