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Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP)

Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP)

  • Maximum funding: Up to $250,000 per application
  • $31 million funding pool
  • Funding ratio: 2:1 (Government : volunteer group contribution)
  • Applications close: 11 June 2026

The Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP) is an annual Victorian Government grant program that funds volunteer emergency service groups to purchase essential operational equipment, vehicles and appliances, and to undertake minor facility improvements. The program supports improved emergency response capability, community safety and resilience across Victoria.

Key Requirements

  • Applicants must be eligible Victorian emergency services volunteer organisations.
  • Projects must deliver a clear improvement to operational capability and community safety.
  • Applicants must meet the 2:1 matched funding requirement.
  • Equipment must meet relevant agency and operational standards.

What is eligible for funding?

Operational equipment, such as:
  • Chainsaws
  • Quick‑fill pumps
  • Generators
  • Inflatable rescue boats and engines
  • Rescue and safety equipment
Vehicles and appliances, including:
  • Cars and 4WDs
  • Lighting and storm trailers
  • Light or medium tankers
  • Big fill trucks
  • Watercraft
  • Rescue trucks
Minor facility improvements, including:
  • Refurbishments
  • Amenities such as kitchens or change rooms
  • Temporary and transition facilities

What companies are eligible for funding?

  • Country Fire Authority (CFA)
  • Life Saving Victoria
  • Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES)
  • Volunteer Marine Search and Rescue units
  • Other eligible volunteer emergency service groups as defined in the State Emergency Management Plan

Is this grant competitive or entitlement based?

Competitive. Your application will be assessed among other applications by a judging panel.

How can I increase my chances of winning this grant?

By engaging an accredited government grants consultant, such as Avant Group.

Competitive grants often require significant business case development and project analysis to support the application, this may include detailed presentations supporting the project’s merit, projected sales, cost-benefit analysis and more.

As part of your engagement with Avant Group, your account manager will assess the required documents and will provide the following as needed to support your grant submission.

Grant application writeup including a detailed presentation illustrating how the grant funding will contribute to your project, how the funding will contribute to the project’s budget, a project milestone plan, delivery timeline, impact on employment if applicable and a breakdown of the management and leadership team for the project

  • Industry analysis presentation
  • Competitor Analysis Presentation
  • Marketing and Sales Analysis Presentation
  • 3-5 year Cashflow Forecast
  • 3-5 year Balance Sheet Forecast
  • Cost-Benefit Analysis of Grant Funding
  • End-to-end grant application including information collating, analysis and application writing
  • CAPEX (Capital Expenditure) cost-benefit analysis
  • Stakeholder relations and Risk Mitigation Plans
  • Any other relevant forecasting that will support your application

How can I get help with my application? Or know if I’m likely to win funding?

Avant Group offers a no-obligation assessment of your eligibility for funding and will assess your likelihood of a successful grant application.