VRA Rescue NSW will host a major Agricultural and Heavy Rescue Training Weekend in Inverell, bringing together rescue operators, specialist trainers and partner organisations for two days of realistic, hands-on training.
The weekend will provide strong television, photography and interview opportunities, including complex tractor rollovers, agricultural machinery entrapments and a major multi-agency heavy rescue exercise.
SATURDAY 15 AUGUST – AGRICULTURAL RESCUE
Saturday’s training will be conducted at Rural Wrecking on Oakwood Road, Oakwood, and will feature realistic agricultural rescue scenarios involving tractors, a forklift and agricultural implements.
- Tractor rollovers with simulated operators trapped.
- Complex rescues involving tractors with and without cabs or rollover protection.
- Controlled cutting, spreading, lifting and redirection of heavy machinery.
- A rolled forklift trapping a casualty’s lower body.
- An agricultural implement impalement involving hardened steel.
- Specialist rescue equipment, including the State Weber Rescue Trailer.
Members will assemble at the Inverell VRA Rescue Squad at 8.00am before relocating to Rural Wrecking. Media attendance at the training site must be arranged in advance.
SUNDAY 16 AUGUST – MULTI-AGENCY HEAVY RESCUE EXERCISE
Sunday will feature a complex multi-agency heavy rescue exercise at the Inverell VRA Rescue Squad, commencing from 9.00am.
The scenario will involve a small hatchback with trapped occupant/s that has crashed with a school bus. The bus will also have struck a pole, resulting in a simulated impalement of the bus driver, while five uninjured passengers remain aboard.
- Multiple casualties and competing rescue priorities.
- Stabilisation of two mechanically interacting vehicles.
- Complex cutting, spreading, lifting and vehicle displacement.
- Casualty access, protection and extrication.
- Passenger evacuation and accountability.
- Multi-agency command, coordination and communication.
INTERVIEW AND VISION OPPORTUNITIES
VRA Rescue NSW Deputy Commissioner Alix Thom will be available for media interviews during the weekend. Additional interviews may be arranged with exercise organisers, rescue operators and specialist trainers.
- Rolled tractors and agricultural machinery entrapments.
- Hydraulic rescue tools cutting and spreading heavy machinery.
- Controlled lifting, stabilisation and casualty-management operations.
- Multi-agency crews responding to the school bus and hatchback scenario.
MEDIA ATTENDANCE
For safety and operational reasons, media attendance must be arranged before arrival. Closed footwear and compliance with all site directions will be required. Specific filming and interview times will be confirmed when attendance is registered.
Saturday 15 August 2026
Rural Wrecking, Oakwood Road, Oakwood
Sunday 16 August 2026
Inverell VRA Rescue Squad, 38 Mendora Street, Inverell
Media Release: VRA Rescue NSW
