Emergency service providers across Central Gippsland, including CFA, SES, Life Saving Victoria, and Marine Search and Rescue have received substantial funding to support their ongoing service to the local community as part of the Victorian Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP) grants, which provides funding for these groups to purchase essential operational equipment, vehicles and appliances and minor facility improvements. 

Minister for Emergency Services Jaclyn Symes announced the 2023-24 VESEP grant recipients that will share in almost $15 million to purchase equipment and enhance emergency response capability to ensure community safety.  

Maffra CFA will use their $223,333 in VESEP funding to purchase a brand-new light tanker, which will allow them to better assist the community during an emergency. Briagolong CFA will be acquiring a big fill trailer with $51,667 in assistance through the fund. 

Seaspray Surf Life Saving Club will be acquiring a new 2023 Can-Am Defender off-road vehicle to assist in beach rescue operations, thanks to $20,644 in funding, while Maffra SES are receiving $64,900 to replace their UTV with an Argo. 

Since 2015 the Allan Labor Government has provided $123 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, CFA brigades have received more than $10.8 million, Victoria State Emergency Service units received more than $2.4 million, Life Saving Victoria’s surf lifesaving clubs received more than $850,000 and Marine Search and Rescue crews received more than $350,000.  

These service providers are just some of the 233 applicants to receive a grant as part of the 2023-24 program. For a full list of all recipients in Central Gippsland, see the table below. 

For more information or to view the full list of grant recipients, visit emv.vic.gov.au/vesep. 

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh 

“Emergency service volunteers work incredibly hard and put their lives on the line to keep us safe, and they deserve the best equipment and facilities possible.”  

“Congratulations to all the groups receiving grants. We are all so grateful for the work you do to protect our communities.” 

Groups in Central Gippsland Receiving Funding