Presidents Message

2025 VPESG Presidents Message

As the President of the Victoria Police Games Federation (VPGF), I proudly invite all police and emergency services personnel to participate in the upcoming 2025 Victoria Police and Emergency Services Games in venues across Melbourne and regional Victoria.

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 2025 Games mark our 44th year where it will host 40 sports comprising over 175 unique events catering for about 3,000 participants in age groups from 18 to 80+. It is pleasing to see our consistent numbers and there is room to grow across all sports.

Congratulations to everyone who took part in the 2024 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 2025 Games. Last year we saw the introduction of 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.

Ultimate is a fun, dynamic, non-contact team sport with 7 a side, on a field and played with a flying disc (Frisbee). Ultimate mirrors the spirit of fair play, and collaboration promoted by the VPES Games as players are responsible for upholding the rules and for resolving fouls and violations themselves. What is Ultimate?

I am grateful for the sustained support of our corporate partners and thank them for their investment in the 2025 Games. ESS Super, APS Benefits and BankVic are continuing as valued partners.

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 2025 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.