Volunteer Leadership Network

26/01/2026

19/11/2025

To all the incredible men out there, Happy International Men's Day! Let's use this occasion and break the stigma together – it’s okay to talk about your feelings, to ask for help, and to show vulnerability.

No shame. Only support. ❤

01/11/2025

🚨 Calling all families of emergency service workers 🚨

We’re inviting families of emergency service workers who have experienced any sort of operational campaign deployments to tell us what life was like at home during that time.

📩 Please contact Martine to register your interest: [email protected]

30/10/2025

The Diversity & Inclusion Champion Award honors those who lead with empathy, challenge barriers, and make our workplaces fairer and more inclusive for everyone.

Do you know someone who makes a big difference because of the way they act to promote Diversity and Inclusion? 💪
Nominate them today: https://esf.com.au/diversity-and-inclusion-awards-2026/

29/10/2025

🔔 Only 11 days left to apply! Deadline: Sunday 9 November 🔔

Are you passionate about improving Victoria’s emergency services? Then do what ESF scholars Paul and Mark did: pack your bags, travel oversees, explore a topic you care about, and bring back ideas to make a real difference!

Previous scholarship recipients have studied in places like the USA, Sweden, and Edinburgh, tackling issues from compassion fatigue and moral injury to sleep challenges – and have used their learnings to create meaningful change at home.

Don’t miss this exciting opportunity and apply now: https://esf.com.au/our-research/esf-scholarships/

24/10/2025

Did you know that you can now enjoy your morning brew while also supporting the mental health and wellbeing of those who keep us safe? We’ve partnered with Coffee4Heroes and Wounded Heroes Australia on an exclusive ESF coffee collection. Every bag sold helps fund ESFs work to help prevent mental injury for our emergency services community.

Grab your here: https://www.coffee4heroes.shop/pages/esf?srsltid=AfmBOorVWyolPIQiFTTN-yZvWQpz3od0EpGd2Vl6oIWhNAAohd5vsh6

23/10/2025

How can we design jobs and workplaces that help people thrive, not just get by? Join Professor Monique Crane for an insightful, free webinar on building resilience at work and fostering wellbeing across teams.

You will:
understand the risks to employee resilience
dive into cutting-edge research
learn how to build a stronger, healthier workplace

📅 Tuesday 19 November | 3–4 pm | via Microsoft Teams

Register now: https://esf.com.au/events/insight-conversation-webinars

19/10/2025

🚗🔥 Australia has recorded its 12th electric vehicle battery fire since 2021 this week 🚗🔥

Thanks to everyone who's sent us this one; our team's thoughts are with the injured occupant.

A Tesla Model Y has gone into thermal runaway following a collision into a tree, near Taree, NSW.

This is the 5th EV battery fire from collision at speed, and the 12th overall in Australia since 2021 that we've been able to study and verify (with four of those EVs being torn down and investigated by our team).

While EV fires remain rare compared to other vehicle types, incidents like this remind us how critical it is to understand battery hazards, response procedures, and post-crash risks.

EV FireSafe continues to collect and analyse real-world data to support safer responses for first responders and communities as EV adoption accelerates.

14/10/2025

This Carers Week (12–18 October), we acknowledge and thank the families and carers who stand alongside our emergency service workers. Your support makes an incredible difference.

Supportal is here to provide mental health education, resources, support and connection for families of emergency service workers.

Share this with a loved one or register today: https://supportal.esf.com.au/

08/10/2025

As a thank you to those who give so much to our community, we’re offering complimentary tickets to the ESF Mental Health Showcase on Thursday 16 October.
This inspiring event brings together people from across Victoria’s emergency services to explore wellbeing, connection, and innovation in mental health.

To claim your free ticket, simply send an email to [email protected], stating your name, role, organisation and contact details.

Seats are limited – please get in touch soon. We look forward to seeing you there! Find out more 👉 https://esf.com.au/events/mental-health-showcase/

06/10/2025

Applications Now Open – ESF Diversity & Inclusion Awards 2026! 🌟

As part of our International Women’s Day Forum on 5 March 2026, ESF will celebrate the people and programs leading the way in building a more inclusive and equitable emergency services sector.

We’re proud to announce our 2026 judging panel:

• Viv Nguyen - Victorian Multicultural Commission Chairperson
• Dr Niki Vincent, Commissioner for Gender Equality in the Public Sector

There will be three award categories:
1. Inclusivity Initiative – recognising outstanding programs that promote inclusion
2. Women’s Equality Initiative – celebrating initiatives that advance gender equality
3. Diversity & Inclusion Champion – honouring individuals making real change

Let’s spotlight the inspiring work happening across our sector – apply now!
👉 https://esf.com.au/diversity-and-inclusion-awards-2026/

02/10/2025

⏰ 5 Weeks Left to Apply!
🌍 2026 ESF Scholarships – Deadline: Sunday 9 November ✈️

Want to make a difference in Victoria’s emergency services? The ESF Scholarship Program, supported by Rotary, offers paid staff and volunteers the chance to travel overseas, research a topic they’re passionate about, and bring back insights to strengthen our sector.

Past scholars have studied in the USA, Sweden, and Edinburgh, tackling issues like compassion fatigue, moral injury, and sleep disturbance – driving real change back home.

Don’t miss your chance to do the same.
Apply now!
👉 https://esf.com.au/our-research/esf-scholarships/