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Applications for the 2026-27 round of the Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP) open on 16 April 2026.
This year the government has announced a record $31 million in funding for VESEP.
Under the program, the Victorian Government matches every $1 paid by volunteer groups with a $2 co-contribution to a maximum contribution of $250,000.
CFA Acting Chief Officer Alen Slijepcevic AFSM encourages brigades and groups from across the state to apply for the life-saving equipment to boost their equipment and further protect communities.
"VESEP grants support volunteers by providing funding to replace or purchase equipment such as vehicles, trucks, tankers, watercraft, trailers, and can also include minor facility improvements," Alen said.
There are five categories under which funding is available:
- Tankers
- Specialist and Support Vehicles
- Operational Equipment
- Volunteer amenities costing less than $5,000
- Minor works costing less than $250,000
One of the key focuses of the program will be aiding those brigades that have not previously benefitted under VESEP and may have limited capacity to fundraise.
In the previous round of funding, CFA received more than $22 million across 168 successful VESEP projects, including 14 medium tankers, 12 Ultralight tankers, and the replacement of 28 Field Command Vehicles.
The 2025-26 round also funded 35 brigades grants for minor works at their station.
Brigades/Groups can only apply for one project per funding round as per Emergency Management Victoria guidelines.
Applications for the 2026-27 funding round close on Thursday 11 June 2026, noting minor works pre-registration close on Thursday 28 May, with the announcement of successful projects expected in later in the year.
