Grants open for local emergency volunteers

LOCAL Life Saving Victoria clubs, CFA brigades, SES units and Marine Search and Rescue teams will share in a record $30 million grant pool as the Victorian Government opens its latest round of volunteer emergency funding.

The Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP) now offers grants of up to $250,000, with the government contributing $2 for every $1 raised locally — a $100,000 increase on the previous funding cap.

Emergency Services Minister Vicki Ward said the funding would give volunteers the tools they need to protect their communities.

“These grants give volunteers the freedom to determine the best way to benefit their service, ensuring they receive precisely what they need to help support and protect their communities,” she said.

The grants can be used to purchase vital equipment such as generators, rescue trucks, pumps and utility vehicles, or to fund station refurbishments and amenity upgrades.

The $30 million pool is double last year’s allocation, made possible by the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund. An additional $62 million has been committed over four years to continue expanding the program.

“It’s really exciting to be able to offer volunteers the most funding ever through VESEP,” Ward said.

The program has supported more than $138 million in upgrades over the past decade.

Applications close July 28.