Emergency services volunteers across the state will share in more than $13.3 million in grants for life-saving equipment, thanks to the Andrews Labor Government.
Minister for Emergency Services James Merlino has announced 230 new grants as part of the 2018-19 Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP).
The program funds operational equipment in addition to vehicles, trucks, tankers, watercraft, trailers and minor facility upgrades.
Under the VESEP, the Labor Government matches every dollar paid by volunteer groups with a $2 co-contribution – this year increasing the maximum contribution from $100,000 to $150,000.
Contributions this year include:
- almost $9.8 million for volunteer Country Fire Authority brigades
- more than $2.1 million for State Emergency Service units
- more than $315,000 for Marine Search and Rescue, including the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Association
- almost $800,000 for Life Saving Victoria clubs
- almost $340,000 for other volunteer agencies.
For more information about the VESEP, visit the Emergency Management Victoria website at emv.vic.gov.au.
As noted by Minister for Emergency Services James Merlino
“Volunteers make a vital contribution to our emergency services, responding to thousands of incidents every year.”
“The Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program helps these brigades, units and clubs carry out their important work by providing them with the modern equipment they need.”
“I congratulate all the successful applicants in this round of funding and thank them for their ongoing contribution to a safer Victoria.”
