Dozens of fire trucks and hundreds of people gathered at Weeroona Oval in Bendigo on Sunday 14 September to protest against the State Government’s recently introduced Emergency Services Volunteer Fund (ESVF). Organised by the CFA Volunteers Group, the protest attracted people from across the region, many wearing CFA gear, with speakers denouncing the ESVF as a de facto tax that puts increased pressure on farmers who are already struggling.
Numerous speakers addressed the crowd, including Lee Harry from the CFA Volunteers Group, who called the gathering and other recent protests “the biggest rebellion in CFA volunteer history.” Mr Harry told the crowd: “We’re making a statement that we will not sit by while the government makes decisions that harm the very people that are here to protect.”
Bendigo Mayor Andrea Metcalf also spoke.
“Today I want to recognise your dedication to protecting lives and property,” she said. “The City of Greater Bendigo continues to lend its voice to advocating on your behalf.”
Captain of Marong CFA Michael Shay highlighted the mental health struggles faced by farmers, saying they don’t feel heard and appreciated by Premier Jacinta Allan. He described the ESVF as “the current State Government gouging money, with most going to Melbourne,” and said it added to the pressure and stress faced by farmers. It was a key theme of the day, with one speaker asking:
“Where is the money really going? Where is the transparency? Where is the accountability to rural communities?”
The reason for the rallies
Legislation to pass the Emergency Services and Volunteer Fund was passed in May and on 1 July it replaced the the Fire Services Property Levy. The State Government says the ESVF will fund numerous emergency services including the Country Fire Authority (CFA), Fire Rescue Victoria, Victoria State Emergency Service, Triple Zero Victoria and Emergency Management Victoria.
The ESVF includes a fixed charge based on property classification and a variable charge calculated using the capital improved value of the property. Those who oppose the ESVF say that the cost has increased, which is crippling to their farming businesses. They also object to emergency volunteers having to pay the ESVF; a rebate scheme is in place for eligible volunteers for their principal place of residence (PPR) or farm (volunteers can choose one property per financial year to claim).
In response to TT [Tarrangower Times] queries about how the funds will be used, a Victorian Government spokesperson said: “Every single dollar raised by the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund goes back into our emergency services — as enshrined in legislation that also ensures emergency services funding is protected and can’t be cut as it was under the Liberal/National Governments.”
Frequently Asked Questions about the volunteers rebate can be found here: https://service. vic.gov.au/find-services/housing-and-property/ eligible-volunteers-rebate-scheme/ faq.
Local involvement
Bruce Clements, 1st lieutenant (Acting Captain) Maldon Fire Brigade said that his team had discussed the issue; the brigade decided to focus on fire readiness and serving the community and did not send trucks. However, he made it clear that individual members are free to campaign or protest as they see fit for their own situations. From Newstead Fire Brigade, Captain Doug Richardson said that his team had sent trucks to gatherings in Melbourne, Ballarat and Bendigo to protest the ESVF. He said: “We have no problem with members attending the rally if they so wish.”
Fake Trump
It was an impassioned crowd at Weeroona Oval on Sunday, gathering to highlight the importance of agricultural workers in feeding Australians and assisting in emergencies. Given this serious local message about a Victorian State Government issue, it was an unexpected choice from the organisers to broadcast (to cheers from the crowd) a fake recorded message from the ‘President of the United States’ lambasting the “silly government” and “fake media”.
This article appeared in the Tarrangower Times, 19 September 2025.
