November 1st, 2024Funding boost for local emergency service volunteers

Volunteer emergency services organisations in the state electorate of Macedon have received a funding boost as part of the Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP) grants.

The state’s Minister for Emergency Services Jaclyn Symes has announced the 2024-25 VESEP grant
recipients that will share in more than $15 million to purchase new equipment, improve emergency response capability and support community safety.

Eight grants, with a total value of $491,913 were awarded to volunteer emergency services organisations in Macedon including:

CFA Franklinford Thermal Imaging Camera $2,340
CFA Benloch Thermal Imaging Camera $2,340
CFA Bullengarook Ultra Light Tanker $140,833
CFA Malmsbury Field Command Vehicle – XLT $71,000
CFA Porcupine Ridge Station Extension $125,000
CFA Romsey External Station Renovations & Generator Upgrade $46,900
CFA Romsey Marquee & Table Clothes $2,000
VICSES Gisborne Toyota Hilux – Gisborne Support 2 (2014 Ford Ranger) Replacement $101,500

VESEP is an annual grants program that provides funding to Victorian emergency services
volunteer groups to purchase essential operational equipment, vehicles and appliances and
undertake minor facility improvements.

Through this round of grants, Country Fire Authority brigades have 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 are 268 projects to receive a grant as part of the 2024-25 program.