RECORD VESEP FUNDING TO BACK LOCAL EMERGENCY VOLUNTEERS

The Allan Labor Government is delivering its biggest ever investment in emergency services volunteers, with a record more than $31 million available through the latest round of the Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP).
‍
Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas today welcomed the announcement, highlighting the opportunity for local emergency services volunteers to access funding for new vehicles, equipment and station upgrades.
‍
Local Macedon Country Fire Authorities (CFA) and Victoria State Emergency Services (VICSES) are expected to benefit from the program, which provides grants of up to $250,000 to support frontline capability and safety.
‍
VESEP funding can be used to purchase vehicles, equipment, technology upgrades and improvements to stations or facilities for volunteer organisations including the CFA, VICSES, Life Saving Victoria (LSV) and Volunteer Marine Search and Rescue (MSAR).
‍
The VESEP program backs volunteers who back their communities, with the Allan Labor Government contributing $2 for every $1 raised locally, ensuring communities get more value from every dollar raised.
‍
Since 2015, the Labor Government has invested more than $168 million through VESEP, backing the volunteers who protect lives and property every day.

‍
Thanks to the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund, VESEP funding has been doubled over four years with an additional $62 million to support volunteers.

‍
Every dollar raised through the ESVF goes directly into emergency and disaster response.

‍
Applications for the 2026–27 VESEP round open Thursday 16 April 2026 and close Thursday 11 June 2026.
For more information and application details, visit www.emv.vic.gov.au/how-we-help/grants-and-awards/volunteer-emergency-services-equipment-program-vesep
‍
Quotes attributable to Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas:
“This funding backs the volunteers who put themselves on the line for our community, making sure they have the equipment and facilities they need to keep people safe.”
‍
“I encourage local volunteer organisations to apply and take advantage of this record investment.”
‍
Quotes attributable to Minister for Emergency Services, Vicki Ward:
"Just as Victoria's emergency services volunteers are always there for our communities, the Labor Government is there for them, backing them in with record funding support.
‍
“With this being the biggest VESEP funding round ever, volunteers will have even more resources to respond when communities need them most.”

‍