Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP)

About the Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program

The Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP) is an annual grants program funded by the Victorian Government, which provides funding to Victorian emergency services volunteer groups to purchase essential operational equipment, vehicles and appliances and minor facility improvements. 

Victorian Volunteer Emergency Service groups can apply for a grant up to a maximum of $150,000 excluding GST. The VESEP will provide $2 for every $1 of funding contributed by the local volunteer group.

Who can apply

The VESEP is open to the following organisations:

• Country Fire Authority
• Life Saving Victoria
• Victoria State Emergency Service
• Volunteer Marine Search and Rescue units
• other eligible volunteer emergency services groups as defined in the State Emergency Management Plan. 

What can be funded

Equipment purchased with the grant funding can include, but is not limited to vehicles, trucks, tankers, watercraft, trailers and can also include minor facility improvements.

Projects must begin on or after the start of the funding allocation and should be fully expended by the end of the grant’s financial year. 

The types of equipment funded under the program include:

Operational Equipment such as:

• Chainsaws
• Quick Fill Pumps
• Generators
• Inflatable Rescue Boats and engines
• Rescue and Safety Equipment

Vehicles and Appliances such as:

• Cars/4WD’s
• Lighting and Storm Trailers
• Light/Medium Tankers
• Big Fill Trucks
• Watercraft
• Rescue Trucks

Minor Facility Improvements such as:

• Refurbishments
• Amenities – such as: kitchens or change rooms
• Temporary and transition facilities

What will not be funded

• core budget requirements
• recurrent expenditure such as maintenance
• projects currently in progress
• project overspends

How applications are assessed

Applications are assessed against the following criteria:

• the asset will enhance operational capability
• the group has the appropriate resources to house, operate and maintain the asset
• the asset will provide a net community benefit
• funding for the asset has not been received under another program
• the group must meet their matched funding formula contribution
• the group can demonstrate that the make and model of all equipment meets agency standards.

An assessment panel (VESEP Panel) is chaired by Emergency Management Victoria and will comprise representatives from relevant emergency services organisations.

How to apply

Applications are currently closed. 

When a funding round opens, specific guidelines and application forms are made available for completion. Relevant financial plans, statements and responses to any agency specific key selection criteria will need to be provided by applicants. 

Click here to access the EMV SmartyGrants portal (External link)

VESEP grant recipients

View the full list of VESEP grant recipients.

More information 

For more information, please contact us by email at emvgrants@justice.vic.gov.au (External link).