DINGLEY VILLAGE, VIC. — On Sunday, October 25, the AFLW and the Emergency Services Foundation celebrated the role of women in emergency services during the Emergency Services Match between Hawthorn and Essendon.
Following a curtain-raiser of Fire Rescue Victoria/ Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) versus Victoria Police/Ambulance Victoria at a soggy Kennedy Community Centre at Dingley Village, the main match featured an emergency services guard of honour that included CFA volunteers from different brigades.
CFA members also took part in a lap of honour at halftime.
The match recognised emergency services personnel and the tireless work they do, while also raising awareness about the impact this sort of work can have on their mental health and wellbeing.
CFA volunteers from Carrum Downs Fire Brigade and Gembrook Fire Brigade brought along a new light tanker and field command vehicle for the crowd to explore.
Ashleigh Prior, a volunteer from Tyabb Fire Brigade, attended the game and took part in the guard of honour and lap of honour.
“I love doing these community events with CFA and I’m glad I was invited even though the weather wasn’t great,” she said.
“Hawthorn has supported my brigade in the past, so I was happy to be a part of this match.
“I’m normally in a coach’s box because I work for a sports analytics company that helps teams get the most of out of electronic tools they use.
“It was certainly a different experience being in the guard of honour.
“The crowd was larger than I expected given the weather, and they applauded and said ‘thank you’ to us as we walked the lap of honour. It was good to see people’s appreciation.
“After the game I was invited into Hawthorn’s coach’s box which was a great experience.”
Gembrook Fire Brigade volunteer John strongly supported the aims of this AFLW Emergency Services Match.
“Sunday’s match was all about the women of CFA and the emergency services. I was proud to be there to support them and the work they do,” John said.
On a wet and cold afternoon, Hawthorn got over the line by five points.
“It almost finished in a draw. It was an entertaining match and worth staying through the rain,” Ashleigh said.
