11/06/2026
The National Search and Rescue (NATSAR) Council is inviting nominations for the 2026 Australian Search and Rescue Awards.
The awards provide a national platform to recognise outstanding contributions to search and rescue across Australia. They also highlight the cooperation and coordination that underpin a unified national approach to search and rescue across jurisdictions, agencies and the broader community.
Last year’s awards recognised recipients across several categories for their exceptional efforts. Contributions included complex operations by professional teams, high-risk rescues by volunteer climbers, brave assistance from members of the public and decades of service in search and rescue. Commendations were also awarded for contributions to operational responses, assistance during incidents and long‑standing service over time.
Alex Barrell, AMSA Executive Director Response and NATSAR Council Chair, said the awards recognise the people and partnerships that enable search and rescue across Australia.
“Search and rescue relies on strong coordination across agencies, volunteers and the broader community. The contributions of individuals and organisations are critical to saving lives and rescuing people in distress and these awards recognise their vital role in these outcomes.
“I encourage individuals, and professional and volunteer search and rescue organisations, to nominate people, teams, clubs or organisations for outstanding contributions to search and rescue over the current financial year.
“This year also marks the NATSAR Council’s 50th anniversary, recognising the collaboration that has supported Australia’s search and rescue system for many years,” Mr Barrell said.
Nominations close on 15 July 2026 and can be submitted via the National Search and Rescue Awards page on the AMSA website. The awards ceremony will take place on 15 October 2026 in Perth, Western Australia.
Link to Nominations : https://www.amsa.gov.au/national-search-and-rescue-council/natsar-awards/nomination
