03/10/2026
Marine Rescue NSW Supporting Australian Army Cadets â AFX 2026
Marine Rescue NSW volunteers from Lemon Tree Passage and Port Stephens were proud to support the Australian Army Cadets Annual Field Exercise (AFX) 2026 at Lake St Clair, working alongside NSW SES over five days of activities involving more than 1,000 Army Cadets.
Throughout the five-day exercise, our volunteers helped coordinate first aid training and realistic on-water medical field simulations, giving cadets the opportunity to put their skills into practice in a challenging but controlled environment.
Our MR23 Multipurpose/Flood Rescue Vessel played a key role in the medical scenarios, with cadets undertaking simulated casualty management, stabilisation and extraction before transporting casualties by water. Our MR12 Inflatable Rescue Boat provided dedicated on-water support throughout the activities, ensuring water safety remained our highest priority at all times.
It was an honour for our team to be personally thanked for our contribution by Commander NSW AAC Brigade, Colonel James Cameron, and Brigade RSM, Warrant Officer Class One Anthony Chamberlain. We were also pleased to welcome them aboard MR23 during one of the many medical simulations, giving them a firsthand look at the activities and the role Marine Rescue NSW played throughout the exercise.
Another highlight was meeting fellow Marine Rescue NSW member Sunny Gao from Ballina, who was attending AFX 2026 in his role as an Australian Air Force Cadet Sergeant. Sunny was exemplary throughout the activities, particularly with his radio communications and vessel-handling skills. It was fantastic to see his Marine Rescue skills being put into practice in another environment - well done, Sunny!
Supporting more than 1,000 cadets over five days at Lake St Clair was a significant undertaking and a fantastic opportunity to work alongside the Australian Army Cadets and NSW SES, share knowledge and contribute to the development of first aid, teamwork, leadership, communications, water safety and emergency response skills.
A huge thank you to the Australian Army Cadets, NSW SES, Marine Rescue NSW volunteers and everyone involved in coordinating AFX 2026 for making us so welcome throughout the five days.
We were proud to be part of Australian Army Cadets AFX 2026, an exercise that brought organisations together, provided realistic training opportunities and, importantly, helped train and inspire the next generation. Throughout the activity, there was a strong focus on safety, teamwork, leadership and learning, while giving cadets the opportunity to gain practical experience and learn directly from Marine Rescue NSW volunteers and staff.
Marine Rescue NSW â Volunteers saving lives on the water.