An article from PDG Grant Hocking ASM
Making a Lasting Impact Together: The Victorian Rotary Emergency Services Community Awards (Vic RESCA) celebrate the paid and volunteer emergency service people who go above and beyond for Victorians—often quietly, always professionally. Club sponsorship will help keep this important Rotary-led program strong and visible, and position your club as a local champion of community safety and resilience.What your sponsorship supports
Vic RESCA is a state-wide initiative supported by Victoria’s Rotary districts. Community nominations lead to recognition at the Victorian awards event, with major category winners progressing to the national ceremony. Importantly, Vic RESCA also contributes to Emergency Services Foundation (ESF) scholarships—typically two study-tour scholarships of up to $10,000 each—supporting sector-wide improvement, with a particular focus on emergency services mental health and wellbeing.
Why sponsor?
Sponsorship underwrites the costs of a credible, professional awards program and helps broaden nominations across agencies and regions. Just as importantly, it strengthens Rotary’s relationship with the people and organisations that step forward in fires, floods, storms, accidents and emergencies—every day of the year.
Benefits (and great visibility) for your club
- Positive local profile: a strong, community-first story to share across your newsletter, social channels and local media (where appropriate).
- Stronger connections: a natural pathway to engage with local CFA/FRV, SES, police, ambulance and other services.
- Member engagement: a purpose-driven program that boosts pride and participation.
- Recognition opportunities: acknowledgement at the Victorian awards event and in Vic RESCA/district communications (varies by sponsorship level).
- Recruitment and retention: visible service builds credibility and supports membership conversations.
Easy ways to activate your sponsorship
Nominate a club contact, promote nominations through your club channels, and consider inviting a local emergency services representative to a meeting. Attending the awards event with a small club group also creates excellent content for club communications and reinforces Rotary’s appreciation in a very visible way.
Become a sponsor
Vic RESCA sponsorship packages are available to suit different club sizes and budgets. Please contact the Vic RESCA committee to request the current sponsorship prospectus (including recognition inclusions) and share it with your board for consideration. Together, Rotary can ensure Victoria’s emergency services people are recognised—and supported—in a meaningful, practical way.
Contact: Vic RESCA Committee Chair PDG Grant Hocking ASM – granthocking64@gmail.com
Website: https://www.vic.rescawards.org.au/
PDG Grant Hocking (far left) with 2025 Victorian winners holding their awards