Applications for the 2025-26 round of the Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP) are now open.
This year the government has announced an additional $15 million in funding for VESEP.
Under the program, the Victorian Government matches every $1 paid by volunteer groups with a $2 co-contribution to a maximum contribution of $250,000 (up from $150,000).
CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan said brigades and groups from across the state are encouraged to apply for the life-saving equipment which help protect communities.
“VESEP supports volunteers by providing funding to replace or purchase equipment such as vehicles, trucks, tankers, watercraft, trailers, and can also include minor facility improvements,” Jason said.
There are five categories under which funding is available:
– Tankers
– Specialist and Support Vehicles
– Operational Equipment
– Volunteer amenities costing less than $5000
– Minor works costing less than $250,000
“One of the key focuses of the program will be aiding those brigades that have not previously benefitted under VESEP and may face challenges with fundraising,” Jason said.
In the previous round of funding, CFA received more than $11 million across 167 successful VESEP projects, including six light tankers, 15 Ultralight tankers, six new Big Fills and the replacement of 18 Field Command Vehicles.
Application documents, vehicle flyers, the program guidelines and further information is available on Members Online.
Applications for the 2025-26 funding round close July 28, with the announcement of successful projects expected later in the year.
