South Australian team wins NDRC 2011
The Tea Tree Gully SES team, South Australia’s representative in the 2011 National Disaster Rescue Competition (NDRC), has done SA proud over the weekend by winning the competition. SES Chief Officer Chris Beattie congratulated the Tea Tree Gully team for their win, saying that they demonstrated an exceptionally high degree of skill and ability, as well as a strong passion for volunteering.
“The Tea Tree Gully Unit is made up of highly dedicated people committed to continuous improvement and achievement, and their win over the weekend was a fitting reward for their hard work,” said Mr Beattie. “It is a fantastic achievement, not just for the team from Tea Tree Gully, but for the entire SA SES. The competition was tough, with all of the competing teams demonstrating a high degree of skill, expertise and technique during difficult weather conditions.” “Judging criteria included casualty management, leadership skills, rescue techniques, safety and the completion of each task. The fact that South Australia’s team was judged the best in the country is something we can all take a great deal of pride in.” “The South Australian community can certainly be very proud that they have such a disciplined and skilled State Emergency Service helping them to protect what is important to them.”
This year’s competition saw eight teams from State Emergency Services across the country being put through their paces in a series of very allenging staged emergency situations. The team from New South Wales were awarded the runner-up position. Mr Beattie also praised the efforts of the many staff and volunteers that helped in making the event happen. “It really was a fantastic effort by everyone involved and the competition was a great success. I sincerely thank everyone that assisted and particularly the Event Manager Craig Brassington.” Mr Beattie said that the NDRC rovides SES volunteers from around the country with a unique opportunity to come together in a learning forum in the spirit of information sharing and friendly competition. “Not only does the competition provide a wonderful opportunity for networking and exchanging rescue techniques, it also strengthens the already strong bonds between the State Emergency Services throughout Australia.” The NDRC, which fosters excellence and innovation in rescue, occurs every two years and is hosted by a different State Emergency Service each time.
This year’s event was held in Adelaide and was hosted jointly by the South Australian State Emergency Service and the Northern Territory Emergency Service. The next NDRC will be held in 2013 and will be hosted by the Victorian State Emergency Service.
