Local emergency services have received vital funds to help purchase essential equipment including Beaconsfield and Kooweerup CFA.
The CFA welcomed more than $22.6 million in grants for brigades and groups as part of the Victorian Government’s 2025/26 Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP) funding.
The VESEP funding announced has been spread across 168 projects which included a range of facility upgrades and replacement vehicles for brigades including 14 Medium tankers, 12 Ultralight tankers and 31 Field Command Vehicles (FCV).
Locally, Beaconsfield will receive $445,000, Kooweerup received $145,833 and Westernport $71,000 with the brigades using their funding towards vehicles and appliances.
While VICSES Emerald will receive $108,247.
This year’s round delivered more than $30 million in grants across the Country Fire Authority (CFA), Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES), Life Saving Victoria, Volunteer Marine Search and Rescue and other emergency service organisations.
CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said VESEP grants help provide brigades with significant funding for vital equipment and facility improvements.
“This program provides $2 for every $1 of funding from the brigade thanks to the brigades’ incredible fundraising efforts and generosity of their local communities,” Jason said.
“The contribution from the government towards equipment means brigades have a great incentive to fundraise in their communities and apply for a VESEP grant.
“There are also Special Access Grants available to provide a further financial boost for brigades that face challenges with fundraising.”
Groups can apply for a grant of up to $250,000 – a $100,000 increase from the previous maximum – with the Government contributing $2 for every $1 raised by the local volunteer group.
The government claims the newly introduced Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund, which has drawn serious criticism from emergency services such as CFA as well as farmers throughout the state, will see VESEP funding doubled over the next four years with an additional $62 million.
The fund is collected through council rates.
