The prestigious 2023-24 Australian Search and Rescue Awards (Awards) will be presented this Thursday (17 October) in Sydney, hosted by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA).
The Awards are presented annually by the National Search and Rescue Council (NATSAR Council) in recognition of ‘outstanding contributions to search and rescue’ in Australia.
Nominations were open to individuals, groups or organisations that made a significant contribution to search and rescue efforts in Australia and deserve recognition at a national level.
This year, the NATSAR Council introduced a new ‘Professional Volunteer’ category, recognising the important contribution and invaluable effort of professional volunteer rescue organisations in the search and rescue community.
NATSAR Council Chair and AMSA Executive Director Response Division, Mark Morrow said it was an honour to celebrate the actions of the recipients of the awards.
“I am humbled at the opportunity to recognise such tremendous work and dedication to helping others, it’s a privilege the National Search and Rescue Council is proud to support,” Mr Morrow said.
This year’s recipients of the 2023-24 National Search and Rescue Awards include:
- Professional Award: Victoria Police Search and Rescue Squad, Ambulance Victoria Wilderness paramedics, and Victorian State Emergency Service teams, in recognition of extremely challenging search and rescue efforts in the Victorian high country in 2019. Note: Recognition of this incident has been necessarily delayed by related coronial proceedings.
- Professional Volunteer Award: Marong SES Swift Water Rescue crew, Wedderburn, VIC, in recognition of their extraordinary efforts in saving stranded people during the Bendigo floods in January 2024.
- Non-Professional Award: Tosh Nottle, Alek Nowak and Matt Thorburn, Jansz Beach, WA, for their successful efforts saving swimmers from dangerous surf conditions near Exmouth, WA, in June 2024.
- Long-Standing Contribution Award: Senior Sergeant Michael Andrew Gillies, Tasmania Police, in recognition of his long-term commitment, dedication and passion for search and rescue work throughout Tasmania.
Commendations will also be awarded to:
- Professional (joint awardees):
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- Peter Myers and Andrew Johnson, Andrew Johnson, Peter Welch, Steven Cross, Dion Curtis and Clare Draper from AMSA, for their coordination of the rescue of two pilots from a light aircraft that ditched in the ocean off the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, in 2023.
- Victoria Water Police, Queenscliff Coastguard and Southern Peninsula Rescue Squad, Blairgowrie, Victoria, for their rescue of the crew of a pilot vessel in distress off Point Lonsdale, Port Phillip Bay, Victoria, in October 2023.
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- Professional Volunteer: Marine Rescue Port Macquarie, NSW, for their rescue of two crew from a stricken sailing vessel offshore in strong winds and heavy seas off Port Macquarie, in October 2023.
- Non-Professional: Charlotte Blake, Wilderness Ranger, Parks Tasmania, for outstanding efforts in the rescue of 7 hikers in treacherous alpine conditions from remote mountain wilderness on Western Arthur’s Track, Tasmania, in December 2023.
- Long-Standing Contribution: Senior Sergeant Michael Potts, NT Police, for exemplifying unparalleled dedication and expertise in the field of search and rescue.
Professional Award incident summary
Victoria Police Search and Rescue team
Date: 29 August 2019.
Location: Eskdale Spur, Mt Bogong, Victoria.
Incident: Technically challenging operation in a remote, high-altitude environment.
- Sergeant Mark Braun
- Senior Constable Steve Ellis
- Senior Constable Rhys Newsome
- Senior Constable Simeon Ranick
- Senior Constable William Scott
Summary
On the evening of Thursday 29 August 2019, the Victorian Police Search and Rescue team was notified of a call for assistance at Mount Bogong in Victoria’s High Country. A cross-country skier had been injured and required immediate assistance.
A Helicopter Emergency Medical Service arrived overhead around 7:00pm but could not land due to severe turbulence. Ground assistance was provided by the Victoria State Emergency Service (SES).
At around 1:00am, two Victoria Police Search and Rescue officers arrived via Police Air Wing, with two more following on foot. Ambulance Victoria wilderness paramedics arrived soon after.
The extraction of the injured person from the steep snow and icy conditions was complex and demanded a high level of skill and precision. This operation began at approximately 3:00 am and continued until around 5:30am, taking two and a half hours to complete.
The extraction team, comprised of Victoria Police Search and Rescue Squad members, Ambulance Victoria wilderness paramedics and Victorian SES, faced numerous challenges due to the terrain and adverse weather conditions.
The rescuers employed advanced technical skills in ice climbing and mountaineering to safely navigate the icy slope. These skills included the use of specialised equipment such as ice axes, crampons, and ropes, as well as expertise in anchor placement and belaying techniques.
Unfortunately, at 6:20am, and despite the best efforts of the rescue team, the injured skier suffered cardiac arrest and was pronounced deceased.
This incident highlights the skill of the rescuers who undertook a technically challenging operation in a remote, high-altitude environment. Their efforts, despite the tragic outcome, demonstrate exceptional dedication and expertise.
Recognition of this incident has been necessarily delayed by related coronial proceedings.
This award is being given to the Victorian Police Search and Rescue team, as the official search and rescue coordinating body. However, given the multiple teams involved, recognition is also given to the work of Victorian SES and Ambulance Victoria.
