Over $5 million boost for VICSES volunteers

13/10/2026, 2:09 PM
VICSES Senior Assistant Chief Officer Tim Connor joined VICSES Whitehorse Unit volunteers, Minister for Emergency Services Paul Edbrooke and Box Hill MP Paul Hamer at the VICSES Whitehorse Unit this week to acknowledge the unit's successfull Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP) application.

Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) volunteers will benefit from over $6.5 million in funding through the 2026/27 Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP), helping to ensure units have the equipment and resources they need to help keep Victorian communities safe.

As part of this week’s VESEP announcement, the VICSES Whitehorse Unit will receive more than $126,000 to support the purchase of a new four-wheel drive twin cab utility vehicle, three automated external defibrillators (AEDs), and new first aid kits.

The VICSES Bairnsdale Unit has been awarded more than $106,000 for upgrades to its facilities, including renovations to the kitchen, meeting and training room, communications area, and office spaces.

The VICSES Castlemaine Unit will also receive $110,000 in funding towards a new Ford Ranger 4WD utility vehicle, replacing its existing support vehicle and enhancing its operational capability.

These investments into VICSES will help ensure volunteers have access to reliable vehicles, equipment and essential medical supplies to support their operational activities and response to requests for assistance.

VESEP provides grants to volunteer emergency services organisations to help fund essential operational equipment, vehicles and facility upgrades, strengthening their ability to respond to emergencies and support their local communities.

This year’s VESEP round is delivering more than $31 million in funding, supporting 350 projects across VICSES, Country Fire Authority, Life Saving Victoria and Volunteer Marine Search and Rescue – including new emergency response vehicles, boats, operational equipment and facility improvements.

The funding for VICSES recognises the important role our volunteers play in protecting communities from storms, floods and other emergencies, while helping ensure units are equipped to meet the needs of the communities they serve.

A full list of VESEP recipients can be found on the Emergency Management Victoria website.