NSW State Emergency Service (SES) volunteers put their problem-solving skills and teamwork to the test during the combined annual North Eastern and North Western Zone Disaster Rescue Challenge in Armidale over the weekend.
Held over two days, the Challenge brought together two teams from across both Zones for a fast-paced, high-energy weekend of realistic rescue scenarios designed to push volunteers well beyond their comfort zones.
Participating teams rotated through a series of intense, hands-on scenarios including rescues from heights, confined space operations, search activities, building collapse simulations, first aid and mass casualty management.
These scenarios are designed for volunteers of all experience levels, reflecting the reality of SES operations, where members may be called on to tarp a roof one day, conduct a land search the next, or provide critical first aid in challenging conditions.
NSW SES Deputy Commissioner Daniel Austin said the challenge plays a vital role in building confidence, capability and teamwork across the Service.
“Disaster Rescue Challenges give our volunteers the chance to train in demanding, realistic environments that closely mirror what they face during real emergencies,” Deputy Commissioner Austin said.
“It doesn’t matter whether you’re new to the SES or have years of experience, training like this sharpens skills, strengthens collaboration and ensures our people are ready to step up when communities need them most.”
To heighten realism, trained volunteers acted as casualties using professional injury simulation techniques, known as moulage, replicating a wide range of traumatic injuries and forcing teams to think quickly, communicate clearly and work safely under pressure.
NSW SES North Western Acting Zone Commander Stephen Leahy OAM said realism is key to preparing volunteers for real-world incidents.
“These exercises challenge our members to adapt, problem-solve and support one another in dynamic situations,” Chief Superintendent Leahy said.
“That experience translates directly to safer, more effective responses when real emergencies occur in our communities.”
The Disaster Rescue Challenge forms part of a statewide program that helps build SES capability beyond storm and flood response, strengthening skills in land search and rescue, vertical rescue, road crash rescue, leadership and first aid.
Across the board scores were very even, but the top-performing team from the Challenge was Ballina who beat Tamworth by a fraction. Both teams will go on to represent their Zone at the upcoming state-level Disaster Rescue Challenge in July.
Media Release: NSW State Emergency Service (SES)
