State Emergency Service (SES) volunteers from around Queensland will test their rescue skills and battle each other for the top spot at the SES State Disaster Rescue Challenge this weekend in Townsville.
Minister Assisting the Premier on North Queensland and Member for Mundingburra Coralee O’Rourke will present the Minister’s Cup on behalf of Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services Mark Ryan to the champions who score the highest number of points during the two-day rescue challenge at a presentation dinner on Sunday.
Minister O’Rourke said the SES State Disaster Rescue Challenge was held every two years and was an opportunity for SES volunteers to practice and develop rescue skills that provide life-saving support to Queenslanders during emergencies.
“This year, seven six-member teams from Warwick, Redlands, Townsville, Logan, Rockhampton, Cairns and Bundaberg will battle it out as they confront a series of unexpected scenarios under strict time pressure,” Mrs O’Rourke said.
“Teams will be tested on their training, team work, leadership and clear thinking as they complete seven simulated challenges involving natural disaster situations.
“The challenges include a boat crash rescue, vertical rescue, building collapse and restricted-space rescue, navigation exercise and mass casualty incidents.
“The event will demonstrate the professionalism and expertise of the SES and test their ability to perform under high pressure.”
Minister O’Rourke said she has seen firsthand the great work of the SES on the Whitsunday Coast, while crews helped local communities clean up in the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Debbie.
“I met many members of the SES from across the State who had dropped everything and put their lives on hold to come to the assistance of their fellow Queenslanders in their time of need,” she said.
“Some volunteers were also locals who, despite probably needing to be at home dealing with their own property damage and clean-up, knew they had a job to do and selflessly went out to assist their community. I have the utmost admiration and respect for their dedication and commitment.”
Member for Townsville Scott Stewart said he was delighted that Townsville was chosen to host the SES State Disaster Rescue challenge.
“We’ve got the best of the best competing in our city and it’s great to see such talented and dedicated volunteers being recognised for their efforts.
“The previous LNP Government cut funding for the SES challenge and I commend the Palaszczuk Government for putting this important event back on the calendar,” Mr Stewart said.
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Assistant Commissioner for SES Peter Jeffrey wished all volunteers luck.
“All the teams competing this weekend have previously won regional challenges, so these are the top SES rescue teams in Queensland,” Mr Jeffrey said.
“They have trained hard in the lead up to the challenge, with many of the volunteers also working during flood and cyclone responses in recent weeks.
“Severe Tropical Cyclone Debbie and the subsequent flooding events in Rockhampton and the south east once again proved the value of the SES with our volunteers responding to 8000 requests for assistance.”
The winning team will go on to represent Queensland at the National Disaster Rescue Challenge in Hobart in November.