Victoria’s hardworking volunteer emergency services have received another annual boost following the announcement of the 2020-21 Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP) grants.

The Andrews Labor Government has invested more than $14 million to provide essential operational equipment, vehicles and appliances and minor facility improvements across Victoria’s volunteer emergency services.

Acting Minister for Police and Emergency Services Danny Pearson announced that 240 grants have been allocated to units across Country Fire Authority (CFA), Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES), Life Saving Victoria (LSV) and Volunteer Marine Search and Rescue (MSAR).

Of the 240 grants, 145 have been allocated to the CFA, 42 to LSV, 29 to VICSES, 13 to MSAR and 11 to other organisations, including St John Ambulance, Red Cross and Bush Search and Rescue Victoria.

Under the program, the Labor Government matches every $1 paid by volunteer groups with a $2 co-contribution up to $150,000 per project.

The annual grants program gives volunteer emergency service groups the opportunity to apply for grants of up to $150,000 to purchase equipment including vehicles, trucks, tankers, watercraft and trailers, and for minor improvements including refurbishments and amenities, such as kitchens and change rooms.

Other operational equipment that can be funded includes chainsaws, generators, quick fill pumps and inflatable rescue boats and engines, to name a few.

Units such as Wangaratta CFA received a grant for a Field Command Vehicle, while Mallacoota’s grant will go towards a generator trailer, including an electrical upgrade.

Clubs including the Cape Paterson Surf Life Saving Club will be putting their grant allocation towards an Inflatable Rescue Boat (IRB) hull, motor, fuel cell and surf rescue kit.