More than 60 State Emergency Service volunteers from around Australia will converge on Kings Park and the Swan River this weekend to compete in the National Disaster Rescue Challenge.
Teams representing every state and territory will pit their skills against each other, responding to several real-life emergency scenarios including rescues from heights, storm damage and land searches.
The biennial challenge began in 1988 but has not been held since 2017 because of national crises – the Black Summer bushfires in 2019 and the COVID-19 pandemic.
It is the first time Western Australia has hosted the event since 2007.
Spectators are welcome to cheer on the WA team. The NDRC runs from 9am to 4.45pm on Saturday and 8.15am to 3.40pm on Sunday.
As stated by Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson:
“SES volunteers work around the clock to keep our communities safe, which is why they are held in such high esteem across the nation.
“It has been a very tough period for the SES with severe flooding causing devastation across many parts of Australia earlier this year and now with the current situation along the east coast.
“Most states and territories will continue to be challenged with another busy cyclone and bushfire season ahead.
“Resource sharing is vital to national emergency management. This is why events like the National Disaster Rescue Challenge are so important as they strengthen and build national camaraderie.
“We are always stronger when we work together as one nation. I am sure all SES volunteers who participate in the challenge will benefit from this great learning experience.
