Comprising representatives from member jurisdictions, the Federation ensures the Games continue to reflect the values of service, unity, and respect that underpin our emergency services community.
How it all began… In 1984 the inaugural Australian National Police Games were held in conjunction with the Victoria Police Games in Melbourne. It was the vision of the Victorian organising committee of the time to bring all Australian police personnel together under the banner of sport. Medals were awarded to both Victorian and National champions.
The overwhelming success of these Games led to the formation of the Australia New Zealand Police Games Federation (ANZPGF) the following year (1985). This spirit of friendly competition has never left the Games and in 1986 competitors from New Zealand and other Pacific nations were included. From 1999, the Games eligibility expanded further to welcome all emergency services personnel. They began operating as the Australasian Police and Emergency Service (APES) Games in 2001.
The APES Games are the property of the ANZPGF. The Federation is managed by a Chairperson and Board of Directors. The Board is supported by a committee comprising delegates from emergency service sporting bodies in each jurisdiction.
The objective of the ANZPGF is to promote improved physical health and well-being and to foster participation, competition, fellowship and camaraderie between games competitors from law enforcement and emergency services.
The Games are run every second year in a different location. It is the host jurisdictions responsibility to plan, manage and deliver their respective games. This provides competitors and their family the opportunity to travel and enjoy a holiday throughout Australia and New Zealand.
There are two perpetual trophies which are keenly competed for at each Games. The Australia New Zealand Police Games Federation Trophy and the Emergency Services Shield. The trophies are retained by the winning jurisdiction for the period between each Games, when once again they are competed for.
