NSW SES members from across the state descended on Wellington Caves for the annual Wellington Wombats exercise on August 15 and 16, putting their rescue skills to the test in one of the Service’s most unusual training environments.
Over two days, members crawled, climbed and descended through the caves, practicing rope systems, rigging, casualty management and rescue techniques in tight, dark and unfamiliar spaces.
Among those who went underground was 20-year-old Wellington Unit volunteer Liam Miller, who attended Wombats for the first time after completing his vertical rescue qualification in February.
“Going into Wombats for the first time, I was keen but I really didn’t know what to expect. I just wanted to have a good time, meet people from across the state and hopefully come out knowing a bit more than when I went in,” Mr Miller said.
“The caves are such a unique environment. You can train on ropes somewhere else, but once you’re underground, in the dark and working in tight spaces, it’s a completely different challenge.
“I love the adrenaline of vertical rescue. There’s nothing quite like going over the edge on a rope and trusting your skills and the people around you.”
Meanwhile, seasoned NSW SES member, Warringah Pittwater Unit volunteer Dave Cook, has attended Wellington Wombats a dozen times.
“Most of the time I’m the one standing at the front teaching. Wombats is different, it’s one of the rare opportunities where I get to be the student again,” Mr Cook said.
“After 22 years responding with the SES, you might think you’ve seen it all, but caves are different and every scenario throws something new at you.
“You can’t walk over to a nice open space, tie your knot and bring it back. Sometimes you’ve got to work it out while you’re hanging on a rope in the dark.
“The standard is basically being able to tie your knots upside down, in the dark and in the rain.”
Exercise Capability Coordinator Jacqueline Kenner said bringing together newer members and experienced rescuers was a big part of what made Wellington Wombats valuable.
“You can have someone going underground at Wombats for the very first time working alongside someone who has been coming back for more than a decade and they both walk away having learnt something,” Mrs Kenner said.
“The caves make members think differently. They’re dark, they’re tight and they don’t always give you the easy option, which is exactly why they’re such a great place to practise these skills.”
Members travel from all over NSW to share what they know, learn from each other and go home better prepared for future rescue calls.
