Funding up to $250,000 to support volunteer emergency services groups across Victoria by providing funding for essential operational equipment, vehicles, appliances, and minor facility improvements.
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What is the Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program?
The Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP) is a Victorian Government initiative administered by Emergency Management Victoria. The program supports volunteer emergency services groups across the state by providing funding for essential operational equipment, vehicles, appliances, and minor facility improvements.
VESEP aims to enhance operational capability, safety, and service efficiency of volunteer emergency services, ensuring they are well-equipped to respond to emergencies and disasters across Victoria.
Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program level of support
The VESEP operates under a co-contribution model, where:
- The Victorian Government contributes $2 for every $1 contributed by the applicant
- This results in a maximum government grant of $250,000 per project
- For the full amount, the organisation must contribute $125,000, bringing the total project value to $375,000
Applicants must clearly demonstrate their capacity to meet the co-contribution requirement.
Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program important dates
- Round 4 closes 28 July 2025
- Register your interest with GrantHelper
Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program objectives
The Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program is designed to:
- Strengthen the operational capability and capacity of Victoria’s volunteer emergency services
- Ensure volunteers have access to modern, fit-for-purpose equipment to support emergency response efforts
- Enhance volunteer safety and service delivery through improved infrastructure and equipment
- Provide an equitable funding model that enables shared investment between government and community
- Support community resilience and preparedness by equipping frontline volunteers with the tools they need to protect lives, property, and the environment
Projects and expenditure eligible for Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program support
Funding can be used for the purchase of new or upgraded operational resources and improvements to facilities. Eligible expenditure includes:
Operational Equipment
- Chainsaws
- Quick fill pumps
- Generators
- Inflatable rescue boats and engines
- Rescue and safety equipment
Vehicles and Appliances
- Cars / 4WDs
- Lighting and storm trailers
- Light/medium tankers
- Big fill trucks
- Watercraft
- Rescue trucks
Minor Facility Improvements
- Facility refurbishments
- Amenities (e.g. kitchens or change rooms)
- Temporary or transitional facilities
Ineligible Expenditure
The following costs will not be funded:
- Core budget expenses
- Recurrent or maintenance costs
- Projects already commenced or in progress
- Overspend above the approved funding amount
Projects must commence after the funding allocation and must be completed by the end of the financial year of the grant period.
Other Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program support
The program is open to volunteer organisations operating in Victoria, including:
- Country Fire Authority (CFA)
- Life Saving Victoria
- Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES)
- Volunteer Marine Search and Rescue units
- Other eligible emergency services groups as outlined in the State Emergency Management Plan
Applicants may be non-government organisations, community groups, or health-aligned volunteer services. DGR status is not required.
See the guidelines for full details of organisational requirements.
Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program assessment criteria
Applications will be assessed by the VESEP Panel, which is chaired by Emergency Management Victoria and includes representatives from each relevant emergency service agency. The evaluation process includes two stages:
1. Agency Review and Prioritisation
Each agency will first assess and prioritise applications based on internal priorities and strategic needs.
2. Panel Assessment
The VESEP Panel will evaluate prioritised applications using the following criteria:
- Operational Enhancement
Whether the proposed asset significantly enhances the group’s operational capability. - Capacity to Manage
Whether the applicant has appropriate facilities and resources to house, operate, and maintain the asset. - Community Benefit
The expected net benefit to the local or broader Victorian community. - No Double Funding
Assurance that the asset has not been funded by another program. - Matching Contribution
The group’s ability to meet the required matched funding ratio. - Standards Compliance
Confirmation that the proposed equipment meets agency technical and operational standards.
Note: No specific weighting or percentages are provided for individual criteria.
How do I get the Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program?
Applicants must:
- Read and understand the guidelines.
- Ensure eligibility for the funding. Applicants that do not meet all the eligibility criteria will not be considered.
- Deliver the project/s as outlined in the application.
- Provide complete information requirements.
Information to prepare for the Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program application
Before submitting an application, organisations should prepare the following:
- Access and complete the relevant agency application form
- Provide detailed financial plans and supporting documentation
- Address key selection criteria (as set by the agency)
- Include specifications for the proposed asset or facility
- Demonstrate compliance with agency and safety standards
- Provide evidence of the ability to meet co-contribution obligations
Applying for the Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program
Log in to your agency’s application portal and complete the application form there.
Register your interest with GrantHelper to explore your alignment with this grant and how we can assist you to increase your chances of success.
Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program resources
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