Rotary Melbourne Weekly Lunch Meeting

Guest Speaker Tony Pearce, Inspector General for Emergency Management, Chair of the Emergency Services Foundation

Topic "Tony’s Trek – a long walk in support of mental health for Victorian emergency service workers'

Details 12.30 for 12.50 - 2.00pm at No35 Sofitel Melbourne & by ZOOM

The Inspector-General for Emergency Management (IGEM) is an independent statutory role reporting to Victoria’s Minister for Emergency Services. As Inspector-General, Tony Pearce provides assurance to government and the community in respect of emergency management arrangements in Victoria, and fosters their continuous improvement. This includes identifying what is working well, where change is required, and monitoring the implementation of desired changes into practice. In essence, the Inspector-General and his office strive to give Victorians confidence that the emergency management arrangements are effective.

Tony Pearce started in the emergency management sector as a paramedic. Over his almost 40 years in the sector, he has seen many of his colleagues suffer from trauma that results in mental ill-health with lasting and often drastic impacts. It’s an issue that drove his decision to take on the voluntary role of Chair of the Emergency Services Foundation.
In March 2023 Tony embarked on Tony’s Trek, a 1500km walk over 50 days around Victoria to raise awareness of the terrible personal toll emergency service work can take on those who serve our community and by association, their families. Funds raised from the Trek with great support along the way from Rotary have helped to establish a Residential Wellbeing Program to support emergency service people deeply affected by the work they do to stay at work and thrive. The first of its kind in Australia, the program which will begin in April 2024 on the Mornington Peninsula has been informed by Canadian experience but tailored to meet local needs. Tony will speak about what he learnt from his time on the road about the mental health of our emergency service workers and how the residential wellbeing program will provide support to those who most need it.

Join us for lunch, be informed and form connections.