On Thursday 2 May, 2024, AFAC held the annual National Memorial Service at the National Emergency Services Memorial in Canberra to honour the courage and sacrifice of fire and emergency service personnel who have died in the line of duty.

The National Emergency Services Memorial was opened in July 2004 by Prime Minister John Howard, in honour of the thousands of people who have served in Australia’s emergency services organisations. Emergency services is used as a collective description for a wide range of services provided by agencies during incidents and emergencies and includes career and volunteer workers.

Equity Trustees’ Australian Volunteers Support Trust (AVST) supports the educational needs for a number of children of emergency services volunteers who have lost their life while responding to a disaster.

Each year wreaths are laid during the service to pay respect to those who have lost their lives. This year our own Philanthropy Specialist, Caroline Rhodes, laid a wreath on behalf of Equity Trustees and the AVST.

If your family has been impacted or you are a volunteer service organisation and know of a member who may be eligible, please contact us on (03) 8623 5000 or email charities@eqt.com.au to speak with a caring member of our Philanthropy team.