CFA is welcoming more than $22.6 million in grants for brigades and groups to share to purchase new equipment, helping to further protect their local communities.
The Victorian Government's 2025/26 Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP) funding was announced today, with dignitaries including CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan and local brigades.
The announcement took place at CFA's District 15 Headquarters (HQ) in Wendouree who received VESEP funding in this year's grants to purchase a new Breathing Apparatus (BA) support vehicle.
District 15 HQ brigade Captain Fabian McHoul said the new BA support vehicle would be a new addition to the brigade's existing support vehicle.
"We're a support brigade attending more than 50 support call-outs per year, particularly to fires where the need to refill and replace BA cylinders is required," Fabian said.
"BA is important for maintaining firefighter safety when working in hazardous and toxic smoke conditions. With the urban spread growth in this area, the need for BA has increased.
"It will be a great to have this new asset for the brigade, and we welcome this announcement today."
The new BA support vehicle cost around $104,000.[AS1] [LE2]
The VESEP funding announced today has been spread across 168 projects which included a range of facility upgrades and replacement vehicles for brigades including 14 Medium tankers, 12 Ultralight tankers and 31 Field Command Vehicles (FCV).
CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said VESEP grants help provide brigades with significant funding for vital equipment and facility improvements.
"This program provides $2 for every $1 of funding from the brigade thanks to the brigades' incredible fundraising efforts and generosity of their local communities," Jason said.
"The contribution from the government towards equipment means brigades have a great incentive to fundraise in their communities and apply for a VESEP grant.
"There are also Special Access Grants available to provide a further financial boost for brigades that face challenges with fundraising."
The full list of successful applicants has been published on the Emergency Management Victoria website.
