Emergency services personnel who took part in the Australian Police and Emergency Services Games held in Tasmania last month have raised $10,000 for charity.
Acting Deputy Commissioner Rob Blackwood said that in a sold out event, 500 participants attended to help raise funds for charity through the AP&ES Games 'charity of choice' fundraiser event.
"We're pleased to announce that thanks to the generosity shown by all who attended our fundraiser event that we can present Mitch McPherson founder of Speak Up, Stay ChatTY with a cheque for $10,000," Acting Deputy Commissioner Blackwood said.
"The Games create the opportunity for emergency service workers who share a common goal to build camaraderie and promote healthy living.
"We know emergency service workers and volunteers often face particularly challenging and stressful situations and we recognise the importance of supporting our employees and volunteers to keep a healthy body and healthy mind as they continue to help the community."
"That's why we've decided to donate the $10,000 to Speak Up, Stay ChatTY - an important charity aimed at promoting positive mental health and preventing suicide by normalising conversations about mental health and encouraging people to seek help when they need it."
The Games brought together not just police, fire, ambulance and SES, but also those emergency staff that work in defence, customs, corrections, royal lifesaving, environment and the coast guard to name just a few.
"The 2025 Games was the largest multidiscipline sporting event to ever take place in Tasmania," Acting Deputy Commissioner Blackwood said.
"More than 2,000 competitors competed in over 50 individual sporting events and over 5,000 medals being presented to our competitors." he said.
"This year more than 200 volunteers also donated their time to make the games possible.
"Supporting the mental and physical health of police officers, as well as other emergency services is extremely important, and we hope this donation will go some way in helping support other Tasmanians in need."
