Sport
12 December, 2025
Funding boost for surf life saving club
EMERGENCY services volunteers across the south west are set to receive an equipment boost thanks to the recently announced state government Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP).
Member for Western Victoria Jacinta Ermacora welcomed the recipients of this year’s VESEP grants, which will deliver new vehicles, equipment and facility upgrades across Victoria.
This year’s round delivers more than $30 million in grants (believed to be the largest ever) across the CFA, SES, Life Saving Victoria, Volunteer Marine Search and Rescue, and other emergency service organisations.
Funding for this round includes almost $20 million for more than 40 vehicles, more than $5 million to update 15 facilities and more than $1 million for operational equipment across the state.
This will see $47,521 allocated to the Warrnambool Surf Life Saving Club for new equipment, including a Thundercat rescue boat, an all-terrain vehicle and a defibrillator.
Warrnambool Coast Guard will receive $12,500 for bollards, concreted exit surface and emergency vehicle parking.
Port Fairy Surf Life Saving Club will receive $5,807 for a Mercury 25 outboard, a Surf Spec Kit and mule wheel transporter.
A further $25,000 will go to the Port Fairy Marine Rescue Service for the purchase and fitting of hydrophilic trim tabs to the Rescue 202 vessel.
VESEP is an annual grants program that helps Victorian emergency services volunteer groups purchase essential equipment or make facility improvements so they can strengthen and support their vital work.
Volunteer groups can apply for grants of up to $250,000 – an increase of $100,000 from the previous maximum – with the government contributing $2 for every $1 raised by the local volunteer group.
According to the state government, thanks to the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund, VESEP funding will double over the next four years, with an additional $62 million invested to support volunteers.
In a release issued last week, the government said every dollar raised through the fund would go directly to emergency and disaster recovery services.
“These grants are incredibly popular every year, and we’ll keep backing in our volunteers, helping them focus on what they do best -protecting lives and property,” Minister for Emergency Services Viki Ward said.
“With more funding on offer than ever before (almost double) we’re showing our determination to support our hardworking emergency services volunteers.”
Member for Western Victoria Jacinta Ermacora said she believes these grants would make a real difference in the south west.
“These grants will deliver upgraded facilities, modern equipment and new vehicles so our volunteers can respond quickly and effectively during emergencies,” she said.
