Community
5 December, 2025
Camperdown SES wins in VESEP grants
CAMPERDOWN’S State Emergency Services (SES) unit was among 168 recipients across emergency services across Victoria to share in grant funding recently.
he Victorian Government’s 2025-2026 round of the Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP) saw funds of $22.6 million distributed to Country Fire Authority (CFA) units, SES units, Marine Search and Rescue units, Life Saving Victoria clubs and other emergency services.
Camperdown’s SES unit received $98,085 to go towards the purchase of a new vehicle.
Unit controller Bray Wright said he was pleased to see the grant reaching a large pool of units this year.
“A lot of units like us were due for new vehicles, and it looks like everyone in the area was successful in being able to get approval for the grant to fund their new vehicle or other lifesaving tools,” he said.
“Our VESEP grant money will be going towards a replacement for our support vehicle, which is currently a Ford Ranger – we’ll be upgrading to a new dual-cab Toyota Hilux for the unit.
“This will mean a newer fleet, which will be more reliable in the long term.
“It’ll mean our response times and our turnouts will be a lot smoother – not that our old vehicle affected it, but it’s getting a bit old.
“It’s good to have our new vehicle to make sure we can keep serving the community.”
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,” he 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 online at www.emv.vic.gov.au/how-we-help/grants-and-awards/volunteer-emergency-services-equipment-program-vesep.