Volunteer emergency services organisations in Western Victoria have received a funding boost to support their ongoing service to the local community as part of the Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP) grants.
Labor Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney today announced the recipients of the 2024-25 VESEP grants across the region that will share in more than $15 million to purchase new equipment, improve emergency response capability and support community safety.
A total of 21 grants, with a total value of nearly $905,000, have been awarded to volunteer emergency services organisations in the region (see list below):
This funding will allow volunteers to better assist the community during an emergency.
VESEP is an annual grants program that provides funding to Victorian emergency services volunteer groups to purchase essential operational equipment, vehicles and appliances and undertake minor facility improvements.
Since 2015, the Allan Labor Government has provided $138 million in VESEP grants, ensuring volunteer groups throughout the state have the resources, equipment and facilities they need to continue their vital work supporting local communities.
Through this round of grants, Country Fire Authority brigades have received more than $11 million, Victoria State Emergency Service units received more than $2.5 million, Life Saving Victoria’s surf lifesaving clubs received more than $879,000 and Marine Search and Rescue crews received more than $368,000.
There are 268 projects to receive a grant as part of the 2024-25 program.
Quote attributable to Member for Western Victoria
“This new equipment will make a real difference to the work that our volunteers do daily to keep our communities safe.”
“Congratulations to the dedicated volunteer groups across Western Victoria who are receiving grants. Your tireless efforts in our communities are deeply appreciated. The Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program plays a vital role in supporting local volunteers, ensuring they have up-to-date equipment and facilities to carry out their important work.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Emergency Services Jaclyn Symes
“We know this funding will a vital boost for our selfless volunteers who are always there for Victorians when they need them.”
“Volunteers look forward to the VESEP grants every year – we’re proud to support the vital fundraising work they do with this program.”
| Camperdown CFA | Field Command Vehicle | $71,000 |
| Deans Marsh CFA | Renovations in motor room | $2,917 |
| Forrest CFA | Ultra Light Tanker | $140,833 |
| Highton CFA | Motorised roller door for external shed | $1,500 |
| Irrewarra CFA | Electronic Message Board | $27,600 |
| Lismore CFA | Field Command Vehicle | $71,000 |
| Lorne CFA | Audio Visual Upgrades in LCF | $3,156 |
| Wurdale CFA | Culvert Replace & Widened | $10,000 |
| Lismore VICSES | Ford Ranger – Replace unit owned 2014 4WD Utility | $101,434 |
| Terang VICSES | Toyota Hilux – Replacement Twin Cab | $101,685 |
| Torquay VICSES | Ford Ranger – Twin Cab replacement | $94,044 |
| Winchelsea VICSES | Ford Ranger – Replacement vehicle | $98,946 |
| Anglesea Surf Life Saving Club | IRB Gen III Thundercat, Soft Rescue Boards | $15,544 |
| Apollo Bay Surf Life Saving Club | ATV – CAN-AM Defender HD9 XU – 2024 model; IRB trailer – fully galvanised with ATV rims and tyres and marine carpeted timber skids for boat transport | $22,464 |
| Bancoora Surf Life Saving Club | 1x Tohatsu 25HP Outboard motors, Boat IRB racks, Offroad motor trolleys | $8,463 |
| Fairhaven Surf Life Saving Club | Operational equipment including Patrol A-Frame signs, Beach Signage (Patrol Direction), Rescue Water Craft Signage, Binoculars and NEANN Spinal Board Straps | $990 |
| Jan Juc Surf Lifesaving Club | Operational equipment including Bennet soft rescue Boards, Wilsco fuel cells, A-Frame safety warning patrol boards, patrol red/yellow feather flags and Black/white watercraft warning flags | $7,922 |
| Lorne Surf Life Saving Club | ATV with towbar; Operational equipment including Rescue Tubes, Rescue Boards, Patrol flags, signs, whistles, radio pouches, bum bags, binoculars, swim fins, Loudhailer, patrol shelters, Patrol Equipment Racks, IRB equipment racks, Defib & Case, Defib Trainers, Seven Cases, Pad sets, Little Baby QCPR 4 pack, Little Junior QCPR units, Little Anne QCPR, Airway trainer and sets of airways, Suction Pump, Snake bandages for training, TrueClot Basic Packing trainer, Resuscitation Masks | $38,963 |
| Port Campbell Surf Life Saving Club | Can Am Side by side vehicle | $19,272 |
| Torquay Surf Life Saving Club | Upgrade security to patrol and first aid rooms; RB road and beach trailer; Operational equipment including Radios and Multibay desktop chargers, Gen III IRB Hulls; BOB Manikin Competition, IRB Boat cans, Wilsco Triangular fuel cells, Pro-pell Prop Guard, Marquees | $43,178 |
| Wye River Surf Life Saving Club | 1 x SSV/ATV; Operational equipment including Advanced Resuscitation Kits, Defibrillators, First Aid Kits, Rescue Tubes | $22,716 |
