Applications should be submitted to your District ACFO by Monday, 28th July 2025.
Applications are now open for the 2025 Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP), with the closing date fast approaching. VFBV has updated its VESEP Help Pack to assist brigades and groups with their VESEP applications.
VESEP provides grants of $2 for every $1 of Brigade or Group funding to assist brigades and groups in acquiring a wide range of additional equipment in recognition of the significant contribution emergency service volunteers provide in supporting Victorian communities. This year Brigades and Groups can apply for a grant of up to $250,000 - an increase on the previous maximum grant.
Now in its 25th year, VESEP first started out as the Community Safety Emergency Support Program in 2000 and was designed in close consultation with VFBV and volunteers, with the intent being a grants program designed by volunteers with minimal administration required from volunteers.
Since 2000, the program has funded over 2,800 projects totalling more than $170 million dollars, as an investment in maintaining and building volunteer capability by supporting volunteers through grants in five categories:
- Primary Response Appliances*
- Specialist and Support Vehicles
- Operational Equipment
- Volunteer Amenities under $5,000
- Minor Works under $250,000^
*as with previous years, CFA have advised that additions to the fleet will be afforded a low priority. An Addition to the Fire Fighting Fleet form will be required to be completed and have strong justification for the need which is approved by the District ACFO and Regional DCO.
^all minor works applications must be registered with the VESEP Land & Buildings Project Manager via email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by 14th July 2025. Applications not pre-registered for review will not be considered by the Steering Committee.
VFBV Help Pack
VFBV's VESEP Application Help Pack is again available in 2025 to assist Brigades and Groups in completing their application, with the pack divided into easily downloadable sections at the bottom of this page.
| VFBV VESEP Help Pack | Contains general information about VESEP and some handy hints on how to complete your application |
| Attachment 1 |
Application forms for Special Access Grant The Special Access Grant can reduce or in some cases eliminate all together the Brigade/Group contribution |
| Attachment 2 |
CFA VESEP Guidelines The Special Access Grant can reduce or in some cases eliminate all together the Brigade/Group contribution |
| Attachment 3 |
CFA Application Forms Provides Brigades and Groups with application forms for Part A: Vehicles and Operational Equipment, Part B: Volunteer Amenities and Minor Works and Addition to the Fire Fighting Appliance Fleet Operational Justification. |
| Appendix |
CFA Information Sheets Collates all information sheets produced by CFA to assist with Brigade and Group applications and ideas. |
Key Dates
| Program Dates | Process |
| 3rd June 2025 | Program opened |
| 14th July 2025 |
Registrations close for Minor Works Applications. Email registration to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. |
| 28th July 2025 |
Applications Close. All applications to be forwarded to District ACFO |
| by 18th August 2025 | DPC Meetings to review and endorse applications. |
| 7th October 2025 | CFA Steering Committee meeting to review/endorse projects |
| Nov/Dec 2025 | Anticipated Ministers announcement of successful projects |
Additional Support
If you need any assistance with you Application please contact your local VFBV State Councillor, VFBV Support Officer of the VFBV Office. You can also email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
If you would like a printed copy of the VFBV 2025 VESEP Application Help Pack please call the VFBV office on 03 9886 1141 and we will post one out.
Information is also available from CFA Members Online https://www.members.cfa.vic.gov.au/programs/vesep
VFBV wishes all CFA Brigades and Groups well with your applications and thank you for your untiring service to Victoria!
