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Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program 2012/13

The Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP) is a new equipment grants program for local emergency services volunteer groups. This program replaces the previous Community Safety Emergency Support Program. 

The VESEP aims to enhance the capability and safety of local volunteers when responding to emergencies. The program also provides the State with assets to continue to respond to the increase in significant events such as bushfires, floods and heatwaves.

To help recognise the significant contributions made by emergency services volunteers, VESEP funding will assist volunteers to purchase additional equipment, which includes trucks, tankers, vehicles, boats, trailers and other emergency equipment.

It is anticipated that the 2012/13 VESEP will open in April 2012.

Funding

The maximum grant under the VESEP is $100,000. The VESEP will contribute $2 for every $1 of funding up to $100,000.

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply for a VESEP grant, an emergency services volunteer group must, within the two years prior to the application being made:

• have performed a role or discharged a responsibility of an agency, as defined by the Emergency Management Act 1986,or
• be able to demonstrate a history of emergency services in Victoria.

Emergency services volunteer groups must also obtain independent expert confirmation that they meet this definition.

Application Process

Brochures and application packs will be delivered to agencies after the opening of the program. Agencies include the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Association, Country Fire Authority, Life Saving Victoria, Victoria State Emergency Service and other eligible volunteer emergency services groups.

Your agency representatives and their contact details are:

Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Association (Victoria)
Alan Hopkins
Email: cfo.vsc@coastguard.com.au
Mob: 0414 555 093

Country Fire Authority
Diane Frost
Email: d.frost@cfa.vic.gov.au
Tel: 03 9262 8630

Life Saving Victoria
Paul Shannon
Email: Paul.Shannon@lifesavingvictoria.com
Tel: 03 9676 6910

Victoria State Emergency Service
Lynette Connor
Email: Lynette.Connor@ses.vic.gov.au
Tel: 03 9684 6616

Other Volunteer Emergency Services Groups

The VESEP is managed by the Emergency Services Policy and Support (ESP&S) unit of the Department of Justice. ESP&S are available to assist other volunteer emergency services groups with the application process and can be contacted via telephone on 03 8685 1302 or email at vesep@justice.vic.gov.au.