Australia and New Zealand Police Games Federation
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.
ANZPGF oversees the conduct, governance and future direction of the APES Games.
Comprising of 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.
Past Games
- 1984 – Melbourne, National Police Games
- 1986 – Sydney, 1st ANZ Police Games
- 1988 – Wanganui, 2nd ANZ Police Games
- 1990 – Adelaide, 3rd ANZ Police Games
- 1991 – Brisbane, 4th ANZ Police Games
- 1993 – Perth, 5th ANZ Police Games1993 – Perth, 5th ANZ Police Games
- 1996 – Wanganui, 6th ANZ Police Games
- 1997 – Canberra, 7th ANZ Police Games
- 1999 – Melbourne, 8th ANZ Police Games incorporating Emergency Services
- 2001 – Gold Coast, 9th ANZ Police & Emergency Services Games
- 2004 – Perth, 10th ANZ Police & Emergency Services Games
- 2005 – Adelaide, 11th ANZ Police & Emergency Services Games
- 2008 – Coffs Harbour, 12th Australasian Police & Emergency Services Games
- 2010 – Hobart, 13th Australasian Police & Emergency services Games
- 2012 – Lower Hutt, 14th Australasian Police & Emergency Services Games
- 2014 – Melbourne, 15th Australasian Police & Emergency Services Games
- 2016 – Sunshine Coast, 16th Australasian Police & Emergency Services Games
- 2018 – Mandurah, 17th Australasian Police & Emergency Services Games
- 2020 – Wollongong, Cancelled due to COVID
- 2023 – Rotorua, 18th Australasian Police & Emergency Services
- 2025 – Hobart, 19th Australasian Police & Emergency Services Games
- 2026 – Gold Coast, 20th Australasian Police & Emergency Services Games
