Presidents Message

As the Interim President of the Victoria Police Games Federation (VPGF), I proudly invite all police and emergency services personnel to participate in the up-coming 2024 Victoria Police and Emergency Services Games in venues across Melbourne and regional Victoria. On that note, the VPGF sincerely thanks our former President, Emergency Management Commissioner Rick Nugent APM for his 5 years of leadership, commitment and passion in driving the VPGF and VPESG to what it is today. We also thank our outgoing Sports Administrator, Amy Woodland for her time in the role over the past two years and welcome our new Sports Administrator, Phil Shelley.  

We all know the benefits of an active lifestyle and the positive impact it can have on our physical and mental health and wellbeing. Finding time for family, friends, sport, or exercise is a challenge we all face, but it is particularly important for those working in the emergency management sector. The Victoria Police and Emergency Services Games are about more than competition – they are an opportunity for us to come together, prioritise our own physical and mental health, and invest in the friendships that characterise the spirit of the Games.

The 2024 Games mark our 43^rd year where it will host 42 sports comprising 178 unique events catering for about 4,000 participants in age groups from 18 to 80+. It is pleasing to see our numbers are progressing each year to our pre-Covid numbers.

Congratulations to everyone who took part in the 2023 Games. There was wonderful camaraderie between the agencies and participants which confirmed why these Games are so important to Emergency Services personnel.

The VPGF Committee and its stakeholders and importantly our sporting events coordinators are hard at work preparing for the 2024 Games. I am excited to introduce Pickleball which is enjoying a significant surge in popularity, both globally and in Australia. Pickleball combines elements of tennis, table tennis and badminton, and has become particularly appealing due to its accessibility and social nature. I also look forward to continuing our strong partnerships with venues, local clubs and associations, local councils, and state and national sporting associations.

I am extremely grateful for the sustained support of our corporate partners and thank them for their investment in the 2024 Games. ESSSuper, APS Benefits and BankVic are continuing as valued partners. Web developers FUSESport will again provide their generous support for our online registration portal and Games website. Their contribution is vital and will ensure that up-to-date information is available for all events and activities throughout the eight days of competition.

To our participating agency CEOs, senior executives, and leaders, thank you for continuing to encourage your members to prioritise their health and wellbeing by taking part in the Games.

Lastly, the Games are significant due to the diverse range of competitors coming together from participating agencies to be part of the fun.  I encourage everyone to consider how they may contribute in the 2024 Games to ensure they are a resounding success. Join with a friend, form a team, make a commitment to compete yourself, or encourage others to participate or volunteer.