Applications for the 2025-26 round of the Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP) have opened.
This year the state government has announced an additional $15 million in funding for VESEP.
Under the program, the Victorian Government matches every $1 paid by volunteer groups with a $2 co-contribution to a maximum contribution of $250,000 (up from $150,000).
Country Fire Authority (CFA) Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said brigades and groups from across the state are encouraged to apply for the life-saving equipment which help protect communities.
“VESEP supports volunteers by providing funding to replace or purchase equipment such as vehicles, trucks, tankers, watercraft, trailers, and can also include minor facility improvements,” Chief Officer Heffernan said.
“One of the key focuses of the program will be aiding those brigades that have not previously benefitted under VESEP and may face challenges with fundraising.”
In the previous round of funding, CFA received more than $11 million across 167 successful VESEP projects, including six light tankers, 15 ultralight tankers, six new big fills and the replacement of 18 field command vehicles.
The 2024-25 round also funded more than 40 brigades received grants for minor works at their station.
Brigades and groups can only apply for one project per funding round as per Emergency Management Victoria guidelines.
Applications for the 2025-26 funding round close July 28, with the announcement of successful projects expected later in the year.
Further information is available at: https://www.members.cfa.vic.gov.au/brigades-operational/brigades/vesep
