Volunteer emergency services organisations in Bellarine have received a funding boost to support their ongoing service to the local community as part of the Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP) grants.
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.
Member for Bellarine visited Drysdale CFA today to announce four grants, with a total value of $123,963 were awarded to volunteer emergency services organisations in Bellarine.
CFA Drysdale has received funding for a new Field Command Vehicle which will allow volunteers to better assist the community during an emergency. CFA Mannerim also received funding to go towards required equipment.
Barwon Heads Thirteenth Beach Surf Life Saving Club received funding for an IRB Thundercat Inflatable and an IRB motor, while Ocean Grove Surf Life Saving Club received funding to support a new vehicle, 2 x rescue boards and 4 x rescue tubes.
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.
Since 2015, the Allan Labor Government has provided $138 million in VESEP grants, ensuring volunteer groups throughout the state have the resources, equipment and facilities they need to continue their vital work supporting local communities.
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.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Emergency Services Jaclyn Symes
“We know this funding will a vital boost for our selfless volunteers who are always there for Victorians when they need them.”
“Volunteers look forward to the VESEP grants every year – we’re proud to support the vital fundraising work they do with this program.”
Quote attributable to Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant
“Congratulations to all the volunteer groups in Bellarine receiving grants. 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.”
Quote attributable to Drysdale CFA Captain Brendan MacDonald
"We are extremely grateful and excited that we were successful in this years VESEP grant. It is a great initiative by the Victorian Government. It allows volunteer emergency services to get that extra equipment without having to fundraise for total cost. Our local and also wider communities will greatly benefit from this updated purpose built vehicle."
