2026
On 18 June, the Emergency Services Foundation (ESF) brought together 180 supporters, partners and emergency services personnel for a special luncheon celebrating the completion of ESF Board Director Tony Pearce’s 2,400km Paddle for Awareness.
The event provided an opportunity to recognise Tony’s extraordinary achievement, which raised more than $50,000 to fund an additional ESF Residential Wellbeing Program, while also highlighting the importance of mental health and wellbeing support across Victoria’s emergency services community.
Guests heard from keynote speaker Graeme Simpfendorfer, who shared his personal journey from Victoria Police detective to mental health advocate, challenging traditional ideas of resilience and emphasising the importance of seeking support. Attendees also heard powerful lived-experience stories from former Residential Wellbeing Program participants Matt Pulin and Carolyn Young, who spoke about the lasting impact the program has had on their lives.
The event also recognised the generous support of APT Luxury Travel, whose contribution played a significant role in helping Tony achieve his fundraising goal.
Together, the stories shared throughout the day highlighted the transformative impact of the Residential Wellbeing Program and the importance of creating opportunities for emergency service workers to connect, reflect and prioritise their wellbeing.
2024
On August 14, the Emergency Services Foundation, Hawthorn Football Club, and members and supporters of the Emergency Services community came together for the 2024 Better Together Luncheon.
The Luncheon was held in the lead up the AFL Emergency Services Match to celebrate the 139,000 Victorians who serve our community in times of need.
In a conversation led by Richelle Hunt from ABC Radio, attendees heard how funds raised in 2023 have contributed to ESF’s groundbreaking Residential Wellbeing Program Pilot designed to support those deeply affected by the work they must do. Funds raised from this event will contribute to the development of a Lived Experience Program which, through storytelling, will address stigma and encourage early help-seeking to minimize more serious mental harm.
Congratulations to our raffle prize winners!
- 18 carat white gold, topaz, sapphire, diamond ring handmade by More is More – Winner Greg Dean
- Sofitel on Collins accommodation and breakfast package – Winner Chennell Allan
- Hawthorn FC signed jersey – Winner Tony Walker
- Richmond FC signed jersey – Winner Marica Calati
- Two magnums of Pizzini Prosecco – Winner Greg Dean
2023
2022
ESF brought the sector and many of its supporters together in the lead up to the 2022 AFL Emergency Services Match. The match is a Hawthorn Football Club initiative to celebrate the contribution Victorian emergency service workers make to our community.
ESF CEO Siusan MacKenzie reminded the gathering that while we celebrate, we must also acknowledge the terrible mental toll emergency work can have. Whether they are preparing for, responding to, or helping our community recover from disasters, people can be harmed by what they experience. ‘For too long the focus has been on treating sick people and that is obviously very important, but as a sector we must give more attention upstream to prevent serious and debilitating mental illness,’ she said.
Age journalist John Silvester spoke with four people from the sector who bravely shared heartfelt stories of being profoundly affected by the job and how their journey to recovery invariably involved a strong support crew. They each described a different personal experience that created a ripple effect to impact those around them. These stories illustrated how important it is to recognise the signs and symptoms of distress and to get help early.
