APPLICATIONS have opened for $12.8 million of grants through the Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP).
\nThe program offers grants up to $100,000 for emergency service volunteer groups to assist them when responding to emergencies such as related incidents.
\nThe grants are used to purchase extra operational equipment, vehicles, trucks, tankers, watercraft and trailers and to support minor facility improvements.
\nThe state government will contribute $2 for every $1 of funding contributed by the local volunteer groups.
\nThe program is open to Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Association, Country Fire Authority, Life Saving Victoria, State Emergency Service, and other eligible volunteer emergency services Several groups in the Geelong region have been Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria (VFBV) chief executive office Andrew Ford says his association worked with the state government on the design of the VESEP program, helping to make it as simple and practical as possible.
\n\u201cVFBV appreciates the government\u2019s recognition of the professionalism and essential services provided by Victoria\u2019s emergency management volunteers.
\n\u201cVESEP is a great government investment in maintaining and building volunteer capability, from Victoria\u2019s most remote communities to its largest cities, with CFA volunteer brigades regional cities and all of country Victoria.\u201d
\nThe state government says its $12.8 million towards the program is almost $300,000 more than the previous year.
\n\u201cOur local emergency service volunteers are Emergency Services Jane Garrett said.
\n\u201cWe rely on them to protect our communities \u201cI strongly encourage all eligible groups to apply for VESEP funding, particularly local to their resources.\u201d
\nFor more information on the program, head to emv.vic.gov.au.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
APPLICATIONS have opened for $12.8 million of grants through the Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP). The program offers grants up to $100,000 for emergency service volunteer groups to assist them when responding to emergencies such as related incidents. The grants are used to purchase extra operational equipment, vehicles, trucks, tankers, watercraft and trailers and […]<\/p>\n