Premier, Steve Bracks, today announced that 5,000 tickets to the Melbourne v St Kilda opening game at the MCG will be offered free of charge to emergency service volunteers and staff. The tickets are part of a Victorian Government thank you program to recognise the commitment and dedication of the volunteers during the fire season.

At a press conference today flanked by David Neitz, Daniel Bell and Colin Sylvia Mr Bracks said “The game will be dedicated to all Victorians who helped fight our bushfires - it’s an opportunity to recognise the efforts of so many people.”

Steve Harris said “we are a football club that has a strong volunteering culture, we all watched the footage from the fire front and we are very honoured that these men and women will be attending our game as part of a Victorian thank you program. MELBOURNEfc spoke to the Government about this initiative early this year as we were keen for our opening blockbuster game to play a part in the thank you.”

The night will include a number of tributes including a personal thank you from the Premier before the game, footage on the scoreboards and messages on the run through banners. The volunteers will receive free entry and complimentary food and drink.

Steve Harris said “we want all our members and supporters at the game to support the volunteers and to give them the thank you that they deserve.”

There are many organisations that assisted in the effort who will be represented at our game including staff and volunteers from the CFA, Department of Sustainability and Environment and its partners, Victoria Police, State Emergency Service, Australian Red Cross, St John Ambulance, Metropolitan Ambulance Service, Rural Ambulance Victoria and the Metropolitan Fire Brigade.

The Melbourne v St Kilda game is on Friday March 30 at the MCG, members and supporters should arrive early for the official tribute which commences at 7.10pm.