2026
Government House Event
The Emergency Services Foundation was honoured to host a special event at Government House, made possible through the support of our Patron, the Governor of Victoria, Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC. Driven by Her Excellency’s strong interest in supporting the mental health and wellbeing of Victorian emergency services workers, the event recognised the often-unseen role families play in supporting frontline personnel.
Four hundred people gathered in the magnificent ball room – a place that reflects service, community and leadership. Minister for Emergency Services, Vicki Ward, and Parliamentary Secretary, Ryan Batchelor, also recognised the important role families play in supporting Victoria’s emergency service personnel.
We know emergency service work affects not only those on the frontline, but also the families who stand beside them through long hours, operational pressures, deployments and recovery from difficult experiences. This of course means families of volunteers as well as paid staff whether they sign up or not they too become enmeshed in the commitment of community service.
Families often carry uncertainty, disruption, worry and accumulated stress alongside the people they love, while continuing to hold together homes, routines and relationships. Through the research ESF has done we have heard many stories of important family celebrations missed and how community service seems to always come first.
The event was an opportunity to recognise that resilience, sacrifice and contribution.
Family Day at Gumbuya World
Thanks for joining us at ESF’s Families Matter Day at Gumbuya World!
It was wonderful to see so many emergency service families come together to celebrate and be acknowledged for the incredible contribution you all make to keep our community safe. We hope you and your loved ones enjoyed the activities, lunch and opportunity to connect with others.
If you were lucky enough to join us on the weekend, feel free to share your thought: What you enjoyed, what could be improved, and any ideas you have for future Families Matter events.
Your insights will help us shape future experiences for emergency service families like yours.
2025
The 2025 Emergency Services AFL Match was a highlight for the sector – capturing big smiles from all those involved and well-deserved recognition for all that the emergency services community does.
2024
Thank you to everyone who came out to the Emergency Services AFL Match and our first ever Family Matters Expo!
The MCG’s Yarra Park Fan Zone came alive yesterday as emergency service workers and their families connected with other emergency service families, enjoyed fun kids’ activities, spoke to experts about mental fitness, and enjoyed a lunch from our amazing sponsors!
Thank you also to The Victorian Government, Gallagher Basset, WorkSafe, Officeworks, and our fantastic volunteers who made the day possible. See you next year!
Thank you to our supporting partner:
