The high-risk incident occurred shortly after 11:20pm on Saturday, 8 October 2022, following more than 48 hours of heavy rain. Upon arrival, crews were confronted with a man standing on a small ledge approximately 100 millimetres wide, exposed to the cold with heavy rain falling.
With the man hypothermic, unresponsive and at imminent risk of falling, NSW SES crews worked alongside NSW Police and NSW Ambulance to develop a complex rescue plan involving ladder access, rope systems and improvised harnessing to stabilise and
retrieve him safely.
NSW SES Kiama Unit Commander, Inspector Chris Warren said the operation demonstrated the professionalism and teamwork of all agencies on scene.
“The team was faced with a person in a life-threatening situation, exposed to the elements and at risk of falling, which made for a challenging time-critical rescue,” Inspector Warren said.
“Our members had to be precise, work as a team and have courage, and I couldn’t be prouder of the way we worked with Police and Ambulance to bring the situation to a safe resolution.”
The rescue involved the use of multiple SES vehicles and specialised equipment, including a heavy rescue truck, flood rescue vehicle and medium rescue unit. Volunteers established a two-ladder access system and safety lines, enabling a rescuer to reach the man and safely guide him down.
Andrew Kinch climbed the ladder system to secure the man, while Jake Cleal-Cook played a critical role stabilising him from inside the building.
Acting Assistant Commissioner Allison Flaxman said the team’s actions reflect the very best of the NSW SES.
“These volunteers stepped into an incredibly dangerous situation without hesitation and their professionalism and courage prevented what could have been a tragic outcome,”
Acting Assistant Commissioner Flaxman said.
“This recognition is well deserved and highlights the extraordinary work our NSW SES volunteers do every day.”
The following members received Commissioner’s Unit Citations: Timothy Anderson, Jake Cleal-Cook, Aaron McGifford, Stephen Kerr-Ruston, Andrew Kinch, John Wall and Christopher Warren.
The Commissioner’s Unit Citation recognises teams who have demonstrated outstanding service, with each recipient formally acknowledged for their contribution to the operation.
The award was presented at an awards ceremony on Wednesday, 17 June, celebrating the outstanding commitment of Southern Illawarra NSW SES volunteers.
The ceremony also honoured the incredible endurance of local volunteers, with Kiama’s Robert Sainsbury celebrating a massive 40-year milestone, and 10-year Long Service Medals awarded to Kiama’s Joshua McLaren and Shellharbour’s David Wilkinson.
Awards included a prestigious 41-year Life Member Award for Shellharbour’s Richard Hart, a 15-year National Medal for Kiama’s Aaron McGifford, National Emergency Medals for four members recognising their 2019-2020 bushfire service, and a Commissioner’s Certificate of Appreciation for Shellharbour Unit volunteer Bradley Irwin’s dedicated bushfire service.
