The Allan Labor Government has opened its biggest ever Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP) funding round worth over $31 million to strengthen emergency services across Victoria.

This funding is about backing the volunteers who show up for our communities every day. It will help deliver new trucks, better equipment and upgraded facilities so that our hardworking emergency services volunteers can continue to help keep communities safe.

Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes, is encouraging local volunteer organisations to apply, highlighting grants of up to $250,000 to strengthen frontline capability and volunteer safety.

Eligible services include the Country Fire Authority (CFA), Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES), Life Saving Victoria, and Volunteer Marine Search and Rescue units.

This program is about supporting the people who support us. The Allan Labor Government will contribute $2 for every $1 raised locally, ensuring communities get more value from every dollar raised.

With support from the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (the Fund), VESEP funding has been doubled over four years with an additional $62 million to support emergency services volunteers. Every dollar raised through the Fund is going directly into emergency and disaster response.

Some recent grant recipients include Echuca Moama Search & Rescue Squad, Nangiloc Fire Brigade, Chiltern SES, Seymour Fire Brigade, Kinglake SES, Mount Beauty Fire Brigade and many more across the Northern Victoria region.

Applications for the 2026–27 VESEP round are now open and close Thursday 11 June 2026.

For more information and application details, visit www.emv.vic.gov.au/vesep.

Quotes attributable to Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes

“We’ve seen how demanding and unpredictable the fire season can be. Our emergency services volunteers are always there when communities need them, and this funding makes sure they have the vehicles, equipment and facilities they need to keep people safe.”

“I strongly encourage our local volunteer organisations to apply and take advantage of this record investment.”