Crucial cash earmarked for local CFAs, SES

EMERGENCY service organisations around Victoria will share in more than $30 million in grants via the Victorian Government’s Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP).

The organisations include the Country Fire Authority, Victoria State Emergency Service, Life Saving Victoria, Volunteer Marine Search and Rescue and other eligible volunteer emergency services groups as defined by the State Emergency Management Plan.

Funding includes almost $20 million for more than 40 vehicles, more than $5 million to update 15 facilities and more than $1 million for operational equipment across the state.

Locally, both the Goornong and Marong CFAs have been allocated $445,000 to purchase potentially lifesaving vehicles and appliances while Bendigo SES will receive $39,200 for minor facility improvements.

“These grants are incredibly popular every year, and we’ll keep backing in our volunteers, helping them focus on what they do best, protecting lives and property,” Minister for Emergency Services Vicki Ward said.

“With more funding on offer than ever before, we’re showing our determination to support our hardworking emergency services volunteers.”

VESEP is an annual grant program that helps Victorian emergency services volunteer groups purchase essential equipment or make facility improvements so they can strengthen and support their work.

An organisation’s core budget requirements, recurrent expenditure including maintenance, projects currently in progress and project overspends are not eligible.

A list of this year’s grant recipients can be accessed on the Emergency Management Victoria website.