Victoria’s hardworking emergency services volunteer agencies will receive almost $15 million in funding for modern equipment and resources to help them protect local communities thanks to support from the State Government.
Minister for Emergency Services Jaclyn Symes last week announced the 2023-24 Victorian Emergency Service Equipment Program (VESEP) grants, which will help volunteer emergency services agencies across the state to purchase equipment and improve their emergency response capability.
Sarsfield and Mallacoota fire brigades will each receive $100,000 towards the upgrade of their volunteer headquarters, while Paynesville Coast Guard will receive more than $20,000 to purchase new camera equipment and accessories.
The Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) will receive more than $2.4 million, with Corio, Kaniva and Phillip Island units among others to receive grants of more than $80,000 to replace utility vehicles. The Falls Creek Unit will use its grant of more than $34,000 to purchase a replacement snowmobile and stretcher sled.
“Volunteers look forward to the VESEP grants every year – we’re proud to support the vital fundraising work they do with this program,” Minister Symes said.
“Our selfless emergency services volunteers are there when we need them most and these grants are all about helping ensure they have the latest equipment to do what they do best – protect communities and save lives.”
