The Minns Labor Government and Sydney Roosters are today launching the second annual Emergency Services Match to be held on Sunday June 22nd where the Roosters will take on the North Queensland Cowboys at Allianz Stadium.
The Emergency Services Match celebrates and recognises the contribution of emergency services personnel, first responders, medical professionals and volunteers from NSW’s eight emergency services agencies.
Recognising the work of emergency service agencies, workers and volunteers is particularly important following the floods on the Mid-North Coast and in the Hunter this over the last few weeks.
The thousands of brave personnel who responded to these floods risked their own lives to save others, performing over 800 rescues and responding to over 8,500 calls for assistance.
Thousands of personnel also remain on the ground now assisting in the clean-up of homes and communities. They have completed over 12,000 damage assessments and cleaned up over 18,000 cubic metres of waste.
The match will again bring together the NSW Police Force, NSW Ambulance, Fire and Rescue NSW, NSW Rural Fire Service, Surf Life Saving NSW, NSW State Emergency Service, Marine Rescue NSW and VRA Rescue NSW – all of whom responded to flooding this month.
Following NSW Police as last year’s inaugural spotlight agency, the Rural Fire Service (RFS) will lead a pre-game show, showcasing their extraordinary capabilities and honouring their volunteers who work tirelessly to keep our communities safe.
The show will feature RFS vehicles and equipment, a volunteer parade and a special live performance paying tribute to their services.
Driver Avenue will again be a hive of activity pre-game with all participating emergency services offering interactive displays, equipment and family friendly activations.
Ahead of the NRL match, NSW Police and Australian Firefighters will go head-to-head again in a curtain-raiser.
Emergency services staff, first responders, medical professionals and volunteers are invited to attend, as the Roosters and rugby league community unite to celebrate our frontline heroes.
Premier for New South Wales, Chris Minns said:
“This match is an important opportunity to recognise the bravery and dedication of our emergency services volunteers and personnel.
“Day after day they put the community first just like we’ve recently witnessed on the Mid-North Coast and in the Hunter with the floods and clean-up response.
“This is an important occasion to celebrate our emergency services agencies and to show them how much they’re appreciated.”
Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:
“Community is at the core of everything we do, and NSW emergency service agencies work tirelessly to keep people safe under difficult circumstances.
“After last month’s devastating floods on the Mid North Coast this is a great way to recognise the contribution of the NSW SES and NSW RFS in supporting local communities during the worst of their times.”
Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:
“Sports has a unique power to unite communities, and the Emergency Services match is a wonderful way to showcase and honour our community heroes.
This is an outstanding initiative by the Roosters that continues to shine a light on the volunteers who continually put the community first, just as we’ve seen with the rescue and clean-up efforts in Northern NSW following the recent floods.”
Venues NSW CEO Kerrie Mather said:
“This match is an opportunity for the rugby league community to come together to celebrate and thank our emergency services volunteers for the role they play in rebuilding communities and keeping people safe.
“Fans are encouraged to arrive early, soak up the whole event experience and to learn more about our emergency services agencies and the bravery of their people.”
Sydney Roosters CEO Joe Kelly said:
“Our goal last year was to celebrate all eight emergency service agencies and create a marquee event recognising our frontline heroes. Thanks to the buy-in and commitment from the emergency service organisations and the NSW Government, we exceeded all initial expectations last year.
“It’s a privilege to continue working alongside all the emergency service agencies to organise this special annual event.
“We’re thrilled to spotlight NSW RFS, who are doing an incredible job preparing a spectacular pre-game show. It’s fitting that we also recognise NSW SES, which celebrates 70 years of service this year.”