AV staff showcase sporting skills at 2025 Victoria Police and Emergency Services Games

More than 200 Ambulance Victoria (AV) staff will swap their uniforms for sports gear as they take on colleagues from across the state at this year’s Victoria Police and Emergency Services (VPES) Games.

For the past 44 years the Games have provided the opportunity for staff from emergency service agencies to come together and go head-to-head in friendly competition.

With the Games now underway, AV's sporting stars are going for gold across 46 different sports, showcasing their broad skill sets and passions beyond helping those on the frontline.

Senior Team Manager Carmel Rogers is gearing up for her fifth time competing in the Games and is also an Event Coordinator for the equestrian competition.

While Carmel was always passionate about horses, she didn’t start competing in dressage until later in life. Now, this annual gathering is a highly anticipated event on her calendar.

“Without a doubt, the best part of competing in the Games is the comradery and friendships that you build with other competitors,” she said.

“There are people who I only get to catch up with once a year at the games, but the equestrian competition is like a huge group of friends who get to hang out with each for two days each year. That we get to do it while spending time with our horses is a definite bonus.

“It also provides the opportunity to spend time with people from other organisations and is a great chance to share experiences and build really special friendships.”

Advanced Life Support (ALS) paramedic Thomas Orchard is also looking forward to competing on behalf of AV, with his chosen sport being the handgun and practical handgun shooting events.

With 15 years of experience under his belt, Thomas said he finds the sport to be a challenging hobby that’s great for clearing his head.

“It requires a great deal of focus and hand-eye coordination and is very fast paced. I really enjoy that the competition is mostly with myself as it’s about improving my accuracy and speed each time,” he said.

Having previously won a medal at the VPES Games, Thomas said he can’t wait to compete alongside other emergency service colleagues again this year.

“While we do all have a competitive nature, it’s great that the Games bring us all together to compete in something we’re all passionate about,” he said.

The Games are not only a chance for staff to test their athletic abilities, but also to promote teamwork, fitness and resilience - qualities that carry through to their roles serving the community.

The VPES Games run from Sunday 5 October to Sunday 12 October and include events conducted throughout Melbourne and Regional Victoria.

Visit VPES Games for more information.