A field of more than 3,600 competitors are on the Gold Coast to take part in this week’s Australasian Police and Emergency Services Games (APES).
The 20th APES Games, to be held from 10 to 17 October, has attracted competitors from 21 countries across Australasia and the South Pacific, and including Vietnam.
Serving, retired and volunteer personnel from more than 25 police and emergency service agencies across these countries are taking part in this year’s event.
70 sports
The biennial Games will feature more than 70 sports during the week-long competition, with new additions including five-on-five beach soccer, cornhole and kettlebell sports, while Toowoomba and Belmont will jointly hold the shooting events.
The Games were officially launched on Saturday at the Gold Coast Sport & Leisure Centre in Carrara, with anticipation building as competition began first thing on Sunday – AFL 9s, beach volleyball and cross-country were among some of the first events on the program.
Queensland Commissioner of Police Brett Pointing said the event strengthens connections among police and emergency services personnel across Australia and internationally.
‘From beach volleyball at Surfers Paradise, to lawn bowls in Robina, to cycling on Mount Tamborine – the Gold Coast will be full of activity and competitive spirit,’ said Commissioner Pointing.
‘We know that connections with people who understand the demands of police and emergency services work are incredibly important.
‘These partnerships strengthen our collective capability and will no doubt continue as we prepare for and deliver the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.’
A celebration of teamwork
Queensland Police Service Superintendent Paul Hart Dale said the 2026 event was a celebration of teamwork, spirit, discipline, fitness and camaraderie.
He said this year’s event was shaping as the biggest in the history of the APES Games, with the Gold Coast the perfect city to host the event.
‘We are thrilled to be welcoming competitors, officials, families and supporters to the Gold Coast and with record participation and a record number of events, this year’s Games promise to be an outstanding festival of sport, service and community,’ said Superintendent Hart.
‘There is a great sense of anticipation as we prepare to see competitors from across the Australasian region come together, not only to test themselves in competition, but also to strengthen the bonds that unite policing and emergency service agencies across Australia and the region.
All ages, standards and commitment levels
‘The APES Games are for athletes of all ages, standards and commitment levels, including those who come for enjoyment and mateship and those who take their sport more seriously.’
Superintendent Hart said it is the second time the Gold Coast has hosted the event, and the fourth time it has been in Queensland in its 41-year history.
The Games are expected to deliver a strong boost to the local economy, with visitors enjoying the Gold Coast’s world-class sporting facilities, hospitality and tourism attractions throughout the week.
The event also highlights the vital role sport plays in supporting physical wellbeing, mental resilience and connection among police and emergency service personnel.
QPS officer siblings and APES Games 2026 ambassadors Montanna, an Australian representative middle distance and trail runner, and Hunter McAvoy, a champion running and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu participant, are looking forward to competing on home turf.
Acting Senior Constable Hunter McAvoy, who serves on Palm Island, is looking to repeat his previous Games success in Hobart, when he won gold medals (under-29 years) in 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m and 1500m as well as in the Super Heavy Weight Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competition.
Constable Montanna McAvoy, from the Central Region, is a former Australian World under-20 representative (3000m steeplechase) and is looking forward to participating in her first APES Games across many events including cross country, trail running, half marathon, track and field and triathlon.
The siblings will also partner each other in the ‘fun’ event of mixed pickleball.
‘The APES Games is a brilliant opportunity to not only participate in our chosen sports disciplines but to meet and compete alongside other police and emergency service officers from our region in a week of celebration, inspiration and friendly camaraderie,’ said the McAvoys.
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