Flying the Flag for Western Australia
Western Australia was proudly represented at the 2026 National Disaster Rescue Challenge (NDRC) by volunteers from Albany SES.
Hosted by the Queensland State Emergency Service on the picturesque Atherton Tablelands in Far North Queensland, the challenge brought together more than 300 SES volunteers and staff from across Australia to test their skills, share knowledge and build connections across jurisdictions.
Joining the WA contingent as observers were SESVA President Greg Cook ESM and DFES Assistant Commissioner Paul Carr ESM, providing an opportunity to witness first-hand the outstanding capability and professionalism of SES volunteers from around the nation.
Realistic Rescue Scenarios, Real-World Skills
The challenge featured eight demanding scenarios designed to replicate the types of emergencies SES volunteers face in their communities every day. Teams tackled a diverse range of incidents including:
- Mass casualty and USAR operations involving a hot air balloon emergency.
- Boat rescue scenarios with multiple casualties.
- Navigation and search tasks.
- High ropes rescues.
- Storm damage incidents involving leaking fertiliser tanks.
- Casualty rescues from mountain bike accidents and other complex environments.
- A non-scoring entrapment and test-release rescue exercise focused on learning and skill development.
Every scenario tested leadership, communication, technical rescue skills and teamwork under pressure, providing valuable learning opportunities for all participants.
More Than a Competition
While the rescue scenarios were a highlight, the NDRC offered much more than practical skills training. Learning stands at Lake Tinaroo Hall showcased Indigenous culture, traditional dance and cultural burning practices, giving participants a deeper appreciation of Australia’s rich heritage and the role of traditional land management in disaster resilience.
Many volunteers described the cultural experiences as a true “wow factor” that added another dimension to the event.
Celebrating Excellence
Congratulations to Gold Coast City SES Unit for taking out the overall championship. New South Wales finished second, with Victoria claiming third place.
Special recognition also goes to Tasmania, which was awarded the prestigious Hori Howard Spirit of the Challenge Award, celebrating teamwork, camaraderie and commitment to the values of the National Disaster Rescue Challenge.
Flying the Flag for WA
For the Albany SES volunteers who attended, the NDRC was a unique opportunity to test their skills alongside some of the best SES operators in Australia, share knowledge with fellow volunteers, and bring home new ideas and techniques that can benefit communities across Western Australia.
The experience reinforced what many already know: the strength of the SES lies in its volunteers and their willingness to continually learn, adapt and support one another.
Looking Ahead
If this year’s challenge is anything to go by, the 2028 National Disaster Rescue Challenge in South Australia will be an event not to miss.
To the Albany SES volunteers and all WA participants, thank you for proudly representing Western Australia and demonstrating the professionalism, dedication and community spirit that make the SES such a respected organisation nationwide. Well done!
Comment from Greg Cook ESM
President, SES Volunteers Association of Western Australia Incorpoarated (SESVA)
I would like to congratulate all the teams who competed in the National Disaster Rescue Challenge and acknowledge the outstanding skills, professionalism and dedication demonstrated by SES volunteers from across Australia.
Congratulations to the Gold Coast City SES Unit on winning the overall championship, with New South Wales finishing second and Victoria third. Special congratulations also go to Tasmania for receiving the prestigious Hori Howard Spirit of the Challenge Award, recognising the teamwork, camaraderie and commitment that make this event so special.
I would also like to commend the Albany SES volunteers and all Western Australian participants for proudly representing WA. Their participation provided a valuable opportunity to test their skills, share knowledge with fellow volunteers and bring home new ideas and techniques that will benefit SES Units and the communities they serve.
Events such as the National Disaster Rescue Challenge demonstrate that the strength of the SES lies in its volunteers, their willingness to continually learn and improve, and their commitment to supporting one another.
On behalf of SESVA, thank you to everyone who represented Western Australia with such pride and professionalism. You are excellent ambassadors for our State and for the SES.
I look forward to seeing our WA volunteers continue to build on this experience as we look towards the 2028 National Disaster Rescue Challenge in South Australia.
Well done to everyone involved!
Greg Cook ESM
President
SES Volunteers Association of Western Australia Incorporated (SESVA)