Welcome to the 2008 Victoria Police and Emergency Service Games

Friday, 28 March to Thursday, 10 April 2008

PATRON'S MESSAGE

The Victoria Police and Emergency Services Games has evolved into a spectacular sporting event, bringing together thousands of police officers, fire fighters, correctional service and customs officers from across the state each year.

In 2008, 42 sporting events will be on offer in both metropolitan and regional Victoria.

It is important to note that this fantastic sporting event is about much more than competing and winning medals.

The Games offer all participants such a great sense of camaraderie, friendly competition and personal accomplishment.

The event allows emergency service workers to take a much deserved break from serving the Victorian community and become engaged in a friendly and fulfilling team atmosphere.

The Games also offer great opportunities for competitors to gain a better understanding of how to prevent injuries, and to maintain a good level of fitness and health.

Victoria Police has recently implemented new strategies under the banner of the 'Protecting Our People' campaign to assist with the development of a safety-first culture throughout the workplace.

The overriding aim of these strategies is to encourage people to think and talk about safety to achieve a safer working environment for all.

In tandem with this campaign, the Games Federation has also introduced a risk management policy which will assess potential risks and act to reduce the likelihood or consequence of them occurring.

Preparing and participating in the Games will certainly enable participants to further improve their health and fitness.

I am pleased that the Games Federation has adopted risk management practices to support and enhance the respective sporting events, particularly in the area of participant safety.

I encourage all Sport Co-ordinators to support the specific working groups to ensure that all event venues are 'fit for purpose' and competitors have a safe and enjoyable time at the Games.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the increasing number of member agencies for their financial assistance to the Games.

Your contribution is most appreciated, and reflects a greater awareness of not only the individual benefits gained by emergency workers, but also the growing costs to stage the Games each year.

The importance of the role of Games volunteers cannot be underestimated. I was delighted with the introduction of the 'Volunteer of the Year' award for the 2007 Games, and would like to congratulate Mr Brian Neal from the Country Fire Authority who was named the inaugural winner of this award. I look forward to hearing who will be the winner for the 2008 Games.

I wish to further congratulate the winner of the Chief Commissioner's Trophy for the 2007 Games - the Traffic and Transport Department, and the winner of the Inter-Services Trophy - Vic Roads Transport Safety Services.

As the Games continue to grow in stature, I encourage you all to participate in the 2008 Games, and enjoy the wonderful competition and friendship that have become synonymous with this fantastic sporting event.

I wish you all the best of luck.

Christine Nixon, APM
Chief Commissioner
Victoria Police