Victoria RESCA is a Rotary-led initiative that shines a light on the dedication and community service of emergency services personnel across Victoria. Whether they serve on the front line or behind the scenes, these awards recognise individuals whose contribution goes above and beyond their normal duties.
NOMINATIONS for 2026 NOW CLOSED
About Victoria RESCA
The Rotary Districts of Victoria Emergency Services Community Awards celebrate outstanding community service delivered by paid and volunteer personnel from Victoria’s emergency services. Established to recognise quiet achievers as well as high-profile leaders, the awards highlight acts of service, innovation, leadership, teamwork and community engagement.
Each year, community members and colleagues are invited to nominate emergency services personnel who have made a significant positive difference in the lives of Victorians. Finalists and award recipients are announced at a formal awards ceremony, where we share their inspiring stories and thank them publicly for their service.
Each year, community members and colleagues are invited to nominate emergency services personnel who have made a significant positive difference in the lives of Victorians. Finalists and award recipients are announced at a formal awards ceremony, where we share their inspiring stories and thank them publicly for their service.
Statewide and multi-agency reach
Victoria RESCA is a statewide program open to personnel from across Victoria’s emergency services:- Ambulance Victoria
- St John Ambulance
- Fire Rescue Victoria
- Forest Fire Management
- Life Saving Victoria
- VCC Emergencies Ministry
- Triple Zero Victoria
- ES support agencies (ERV, EMV, and IGEM)
- CFA
- State Emergency Service
- Victoria Police
- Red Cross
- Marine Search and Rescue
- Wildlife Victoria
Who can be nominated
Victoria RESCA is open to individual emergency services personnel who:
Who can submit a nomination?
- Currently serve with a recognised emergency services organisation in Victoria; and
- Have demonstrated outstanding community service, leadership or innovation beyond what is reasonably expected in their role.
Who can submit a nomination?
- Members of the public and community groups
- Colleagues and peers
- Supervisors, managers and agency leaders
- Rotary members and Rotary clubs
Key dates at a glance
The awards follow a clear annual cycle, from the opening of nominations through to the presentation of awards at the Victoria RESCA ceremony. Below is a quick overview of the key stages so you can plan your nomination.
For the full schedule, reminders and downloadable calendar, visit the Key Dates & Timeline page.
For the full schedule, reminders and downloadable calendar, visit the Key Dates & Timeline page.
Awards cycle snapshot
| Stage | What happens | Indicative timing* |
|---|---|---|
| Nominations open | Online nominations open for community members, colleagues and agencies. | Open 1st March Annually |
| Nominations close | Final date to submit or finalise your nomination. | Close 30th April |
| Shortlisting and judging | Judges review eligible nominations and select finalists and award recipients. | Following nominations close |
| Finalists announced | Finalists are notified and announced publicly. | In June |
| Awards ceremony | Finalists, families and supporters come together for the formal presentation of awards. | August each year |
Award categories highlights
Victoria RESCA includes paid and volunteer award categories that recognise different types of contribution, from outstanding leadership and innovation to exceptional community engagement involvement.
The awards focus on nominees who go the extra mile for their communities, embody the values of their service and demonstrate Rotary’s motto of Service Above Self.
The awards focus on nominees who go the extra mile for their communities, embody the values of their service and demonstrate Rotary’s motto of Service Above Self.
How the judging works
Nominations are assessed by an independent judging panel convened by Rotary Districts of Victoria. Judges review each eligible nomination against a set of published criteria, considering factors such as:
- Impact and outcomes for the community
- Commitment to service above and beyond normal duties
- Leadership, teamwork and collaboration
- Innovation and problem solving
- Alignment with Rotary values
Celebrating past winners
Each year, Victoria RESCA finalists and award recipients share powerful stories of courage, compassion and community spirit. From life-saving rescues to long-term community leadership, their contributions inspire all of us to value and support our emergency services.
Below is a snapshot of recent winners.
Below is a snapshot of recent winners.
Sponsors and partners
Victoria RESCA is made possible through the generous support of sponsors and partners who share Rotary’s commitment to recognising the service of emergency personnel.
By partnering with the awards, organisations can publicly thank our emergency services, connect with community leaders and demonstrate their support for safer, stronger Victorian communities.
By partnering with the awards, organisations can publicly thank our emergency services, connect with community leaders and demonstrate their support for safer, stronger Victorian communities.
Get involved and stay in touch
There are many ways to be part of Victoria RESCA – from nominating an emergency services member, to sponsoring an award, or simply sharing the stories of our finalists and recipients.
If you have a question about eligibility, the nomination process, judging or sponsorship opportunities, the Victoria RESCA committee is here to help. Email us at vicchair@rescawards.org.au or use our online contact form.
If you have a question about eligibility, the nomination process, judging or sponsorship opportunities, the Victoria RESCA committee is here to help. Email us at vicchair@rescawards.org.au or use our online contact form.