BIGGEST EVER GRANTS FOR EMERGENCY SERVICES VOLUNTEERS

26 November 2025

Emergency services volunteers across Northern Victoria will receive more trucks, equipment and modern facilities to help keep communities safe – thanks to the Allan Labor Government’s Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP).

Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes congratulated the recipients of this year’s VESEP grants, which will deliver new vehicles, equipment and facility upgrades across Victoria.

This year’s round delivers more than $30 million in grants – the largest ever – across the Country Fire Authority (CFA), Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES), Life Saving Victoria, Volunteer Marine Search and Rescue, and other emergency service organisations.

Funding for this round includes almost $20 million for more than 40 vehicles, more than $5 million to update 15 facilities and more than $1 million for operational equipment across the state.

Across Northern Victoria, this includes:

Rutherglen Fire Brigade received $71,000 for a field command vehicle
Corryong Fire Brigade received $71,000 for a field command vehicle
Kiewa Fire Brigade received $170,000 for an extension to their station
Allans Flat Fire Brigade received over $166,000 for upgrades to the station’s amenities
Bullioh Fire Brigade received $2,340 to purchase a thermal imaging camera
Wodonga SES received $102,786 to purchase a Toyota Hilux
Chiltern SES received $59,800 for a lighting trailer replacement
Moira West Fire Brigade has received $150,833 for a Big Fill
District 23 DPC has received $59,100 for a hose testing trailer
South Wangaratta Fire Brigade has received $225,000 for a shed extension
Tungamah Fire Brigade has received $150,833 for a Big Fill
Eldorado Fire Brigade has received $145,833 for an ultra-light tanker
Mt Beauty Fire Brigade has received $77,200 for a rescue support vehicle
Burramine Fire Brigade has received $4,700 for CCTV installation
Peechelba Fire Brigade has received $4,500 for CCTV installation
Milawa Fire Brigade has received $4,022 for operational safety equipment
Almonds Fire Brigade has received $3,334 for CCTV installation
Everton Fire Brigade has received $2,340 for a thermal imaging camera
Mudgegonga Fire Brigade has received $2000 to install CCTV
Yabba North Fire Brigade has received $2,000 to install CCTV
Tarrawingee & District CFA has received $334 to purchase a freezer
Falls Creek SES has received $29,333 for a snowmobile replacement
Merton Fire Brigade – $96,500 for field command vehicle
Mansfield Fire Brigade– $445,000 for medium tanker
Jamieson Fire Brigade– $145,833 for an ultra-light tanker
Terip Terip Fire Brigade– $250,000 for a station upgrade
Koriella Fire Brigade– $240,000 for station extension
Strath Creek/Reedy Creek Fire Brigade- $101,500 for a field command vehicle
Limestone Fire Brigade- $88,750 for a field command vehicle
Alexandra Fire Brigade- $69,334 for a BA support vehicle
Molesworth Fire Brigade- $4,500 for station upgrades
Kinglake SES- $235,767 for a MRT 4x4 replacement
Alexandra SES- $31,863 for building works.
Shepparton Search & Rescue Squad– $95,000 for a new fully equipped vehicle
Cogs Fire Brigade– $71,000 for a field command vehicle
Tatura SES- $30,887 for upgrades to a vehicle and trailer
Murchison SES- $108,439 for a ford ranger replacement
Rushworth SES– $10,295 for replacement of training room furniture
Stanhope Fire Brigade- $13,334 for equipment replacement
Northern Campaspe Fire Brigade- $71,000 for a field command vehicle
Echuca Moama Search & Rescue Squad- $155,962 to upgrade and renovate facilities
Kyabram SES- $33,000 to renovate the pergola and outdoor training facilities
Mildura Life Saving Club– $100,000 for planning for a clubhouse redevelopment project
Nangiloc Fire Brigade– $145,833 for an ultra-light tanker
Jeffcott Fire Brigade-$50,000 for station roller door
Annuello Fire Brigade-$40,000 for 30,000lt tank, plumbing and gravel
Patchewollock Fire Brigade- $2,340 for a thermal imaging camera
Wycheproof Fire Brigade- $1,143 for minor equipment
Hopetoun West Fire Brigade- $760 for minor equipment
Robinvale SES- $3,761 for minor equipment
District 20 DPC- $33,000 for a generator installation
Lake Boga Fire Brigade- $150,833 for a big fill.
Swan Hill Fire Brigade- $71,000 for a field command vehicle
Barraport-gredgwin Fire Brigade- $2,340 for a thermal imaging camera
Seymour Fire Brigade received $445,000 for a medium tanker
Boho Fire Brigade received $145,833 for an ultra-light tanker
Benalla Fire Brigade received $71,000 for a field command vehicle
Nagambie Fire Brigade received $71,000 for a field command vehicle
Winton Fire Brigade received $13,334 for a hose drying rack and hose washer
Creightons Creek Fire Brigade received $4,873 for IT training equipment
District 12 Headquarters received $4,739 for a generator replacement
Earlston Fire Brigade received $3,334 for IT equipment
Upton Hill Fire Brigade received $3,334 for equipment
Kelvin View Fire Brigade received $790 for equipment
Violet Town Fire Brigade received $3,334 for IT equipment
Euroa SES received $95,649 for a replacement vehicle
Seymour SES received $1,253 for equipment
Strath Creek/Reedy Creek Fire Brigade received $101,500 for a field command vehicle
Shepparton Search & Rescue Squad– $95,000 for a new fully equipped vehicle
Cogs Fire Brigade– $71,000 for a field command vehicle
Tatura SES- $30,887 for upgrades to a vehicle and trailer
Murchison SES- $108,439 for a ford ranger replacement
Rushworth SES– $10,295 for replacement of training room furniture
Stanhope Fire Brigade- $13,334 for equipment replacement
Northern Campaspe Fire Brigade- $71,000 for a field command vehicle

VESEP is an annual grants program that helps Victorian emergency services volunteer groups purchase essential equipment or make facility improvements so they can strengthen and support their vital work.

Volunteer groups can apply for grants of up to $250,000 – an increase of $100,000 from the previous maximum – with the Government contributing $2 for every $1 raised by the local volunteer group.

Thanks to the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund, VESEP funding will double over the next four years, with an additional $62 million invested to support volunteers. Every dollar raised through the Fund goes directly to emergency and disaster recovery services.

Over the past decade, the Allan Labor Government has invested more than $168 million in VESEP grants, ensuring volunteers have the resources they need to protect Victorians. A full list of this year’s VESEP grants is available at emv.vic.gov.au/vesep.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Emergency Services Vicki Ward

“These grants are incredibly popular every year, and we’ll keep backing in our volunteers, helping them focus on what they do best – protecting lives and property.”

“With more funding on offer than ever before – almost double – we’re showing our determination to support our hardworking emergency services volunteers.”

Quote attributable to Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes

“This investment will make a real difference here northern Victoria– delivering upgraded facilities, modern equipment and new vehicles so our volunteers can respond quickly and effectively during emergencies.”