This Saturday, join us at the MCG for the AFL Emergency Services Match. This annual showcase helps raise funds and awareness for the Emergency Services Foundation (ESF). The money raised will fund programs to tackle mental health and wellbeing across the emergency services sector.
Before Hawthorn and Melbourne take to the field, a Fan Zone and pre-game entertainment will offer fun for the whole family. The Fan Zone will operate at Yarra Park from 12:30. While you check out the emergency service vehicles and installations, look out for team mascots and your favourite Paw Patrol characters.
From 2:45pm the focus moves inside the MCG for live entertainment leading up to a motorcade and colourful pre-game ceremony, featuring emergency service crews from:
- Ambulance Victoria
- Country Fire Authority
- Emergency Management Victoria
- ESTA 000
- Fire Rescue Victoria
- Forest Fire Management Victoria
- Life Saving Victoria
- Marine Search and Rescue
- Red Cross Australia
- St John Ambulance
- VCC Emergencies Ministry
- Victoria Police
- Victorian State Emergency Service
Whatever team you barrack for, you can celebrate the same goal of supporting Victoria’s emergency management sector, while having a great day out.
Acting Emergency Management Commissioner Chris Stephenson said it was a great opportunity to celebrate people across our sector on Victoria’s biggest sporting stage.
“Emergency service workers – volunteers and career staff – do amazing work year in and year out”, he said. “As well as recognising their hard work, the Emergency Services Match also acknowledges the importance of their mental health and wellbeing."
“We thank the Hawthorn and Melbourne football clubs for recognising and celebrating the contribution of Victoria’s emergency services, with such a special sporting event.”
The department acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the Traditional Custodians of the land and acknowledges and pays respect to their Elders, past and present.