From L-R: ACFO John Jugum, DCO Trevor Owen, Drouin brigade members Judy Brown, Darren Fox, Mark Dryden, Captain Peter Buur, Minister Jaclyn Symes, CFA Board member Peter Shaw, Mark Fox
CFA brigades and groups will share in almost $11.2 million funding to purchase new equipment to help protect their communities.
The Victorian Government’s 2024/25 Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP) funding was announced today, by the Minister for Emergency Services Jacyln Symes.
The announcement took place at the Drouin Fire Station who received VESEP funding in this year’s grants to purchase a new Field Command Vehicle (FCV).
Drouin Captain Peter Burr said the Field Command Vehicle would replace the brigades existing car.
“The FCV is a more appropriate vehicle that will benefit the Drouin community as well as the wider Baw Baw group,” Peter said.
“It will be a great asset for the brigade, and we welcome this announcement today.”
The Drouin Fire Brigade fundraised $35,500 and the VESEP funding contribution was $71,000.
The brigade was also successful in last year’s VESEP grants and recently purchased a thermal imaging camera. The camera is for the tanker and is used for fire and in urban environments to search out hotspots to efficiently contain and extinguish fires.
The VESEP funding announced today has been spread across 167 projects that included a range of replacement vehicles for brigades including an additional 11 new ultra light tankers, 6 Bigfills and 18 Field Command Vehicles.
CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said VESEP grants help provide brigades with significant funding for life-saving equipment.
“This program provides $2 for every $1 of funding from the brigade and helps with the purchase of equipment such as vehicles, trucks, tankers, watercraft, trailers, and can also include minor facility improvements,” CO Heffernan said.
“The contribution from the government towards equipment means brigades like Drouin 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 on the Emergency Management Victoria website.