The countdown has officially commenced for the 17th Australasian Police & Emergency Services Games to be held in Mandurah in 2018.
The Games torch was lit at a special launch event on Saturday night to mark one year from the start of the Games to be held from October 28 to November 3, 2018.
The Games are held every two years as a multi-sport event open to serving and retired personnel from all police and emergency service agencies throughout Australasia.
Chairman of the Western Australia Police Sports Federation, WA Police Force Deputy Commissioner Stephen Brown welcomed all emergency service agencies to take part.
“These are Extraordinary Games for Extraordinary People, and we are expecting 3,000 competitors across 115 eligible agencies from ten countries," Commissioner Brown said.
"From a participant’s point of view, the Games provide a great opportunity for inter-agency collaboration, competition and comradery."
Mayor of Mandurah Rhys Williams joined WA Police Force Commissioner Chris Dawson, Department of Fire & Emergency Services Commissioner Darren Klemm and St John Ambulance CEO Tony Ahern as the Games torch was sent sailing into the sunset.
“The City of Mandurah is very proud to be the host city of the Games in 2018,” Mayor Williams said.
“We are really excited that this event provides a great opportunity to showcase the best of the Peel region to thousands of athletes and spectators from across Australasia, but it will also be another community event the people of Mandurah can be proud of."
Early-bird registration is now open for all eligible competitors across more than 50 sports on the Games website, at http://www.apandesgames.com.au/.
St John Ambulance paramedic Bruce Fraser passes the Games torch to Senior Constable Chris Miller from Mandurah Police. PIC: Supplied
Police issue 31,000 driving infringements in first month of new AI cameras
Works underway on Rockingham and Safety Bay High School redevelopments
New measles exposure sites revealed in Bunbury
Dawesville man charged after allegedly leaving his elderly Great Dane to suffer painful conditions
Good Samaritan sought by police after helping teen during robbery in Baldivis
Under-16s social media ban now in force
Desperate search continues for missing Bunbury FIFO worker
Passengers now able to use credit, debit cards to tag on and off WA's public transport
New floating jetty speeds up emergency response times for Marine Rescue Mandurah