Firefighters at three stations in Melton and Moorabool will be better supported to respond to emergencies after their brigades received state government Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program
(VESEP) grants.
Emergency Services Minister Jaclyn Symes said the government had allocated more than $15 million to the VESEP grants to enable emergency services to purchase new equipment, improve emergency response capability and support community safety.
Rockbank CFA received $00,000 for change room facilities, an equipment clean room and shower facilities.
The government also allocated $71,000 for vehicles and appliances at Ballan CFA and $288,333 – also for vehicles and appliances – at Greendale CFA.
CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan said VESEP grants help provide brigades with significant funding for life-saving equipment.
“This program provides $2 for every $1 of funding from the brigade and helps with the purchase of equipment such as vehicles, trucks, tankers, watercraft, trailers, and can also include minor facility improvements,” Mr Heffernan 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.”
Kororoit MP Luba Grigorovitch said the new facilities at Rockbank would allow volunteers to better assist the community during an emergency.
“Congratulations to Rockbank CFA and all their deserving volunteers in Kororoit on receiving this grant. The Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program is an important annual program providing a critical boost to local volunteers, ensuring their equipment and facilities are up-to-date,” she said.
Through this round of grants, CFA brigades received more than $11 million, Victoria State Emergency Service units received more than $2.5 million, Life Saving Victoria’s surf lifesaving clubs received more than $879,000 and Marine Search and Rescue crews received more than $368,000.
There were 268 projects to receive a grant as part of the 2024-25 program.
“We know this funding will a vital boost for our selfless volunteers who are always there for Victorians when they need them,” Ms Symes said.
“Volunteers look forward to the VESEP grants every year – we’re proud to support the vital fundraising work they do with this program.”
