Australasian Rescue Organisation, 211-217 Castlereagh Street, Sydney (2026)

26/02/2026

Member Update: Exciting news!

By popular request, ARO has extended its rescue capability events for 2026.
The ever-popular Australasian Water Rescue Challenge and the Australasian Rescue Boat Challenge are now locked in for 4-5 September 2026. ARO will again provide a professional development day along with separate water rescue and rescue boat challenges to again crown Australasia’s champions in this space. So, save the date!

We would like to acknowledge the extraordinary work that member agencies have undertaken over the past 12 months. Communities across Australasia have faced devastating fire and flood disasters, and many of these remain in either the operational phase or the recovery phase. ARO places members’ welfare, safety and fatigue management at the forefront of its core principles.

Noting these ongoing emergencies and the significant draw on member resources, ARO has chosen, along with its partner agency, to postpone the 2026 Australasian Road Crash Rescue Challenge and the Industrial and Domestic Rescue Challenge, planned to be held in Townsville in June.

To all communities affected by these disasters, we wish you a safe and swift recovery. We will share the rescheduled date as soon as it’s appropriate, and we thank everyone involved for their significant efforts and the amount of work undertaken to date.

Further exciting news, and also by popular demand, ARO will now facilitate a formal Industrial and Domestic Rescue Challenge. This rapidly evolving field is becoming increasingly important for rescuers worldwide. As with all ARO challenges, the IDR Challenge will bring together expertise, education, and world‑leading rescue practices. This event is scheduled to take place around June 2026.

Rounding out what promises to be a landmark year, and again resulting from feedback from its members, ARO will gather Australasia’s best vertical rescue practitioners for Australasia’s inaugural Vertical Rescue Symposium, proudly held by ARO in the iconic World Heritage–listed Blue Mountains on 20-22 November 2026.

Remain informed by logging into your member profile on our website or follow us on social media.

We would love to see you at these events as we continue growing this incredible community together!

22/02/2026

This weekend, members of the ARO Board and Technical Committees - including Water & Boat Rescue, Road Crash Rescue, Industrial & Domestic Rescue, Vertical Rescue, and Medical & Trauma Care - met at Fire and Rescue NSW in Sydney.

Together, the group discussed progress on its transformation journey in providing, developing and shaping rescue capabilities for the Australasian emergency services industry, and its commitment to the World Rescue Organisation and its network of global member agencies.

With ARO’s five Technical Committees now formed, these teams from across the region are diligently collaborating and plans are well underway to bring you the best opportunities to connect, learn and share best practice. There are some exciting things in the pipeline, which we can’t wait to share an update with you all very soon.

We are so fortunate to have built a foundation with the support of dedicated experts who volunteer their time, and generously share their knowledge and expertise to help pave the way in this space for all our wonderful members.

Exciting times ahead for ARO. Stay tuned! 💙

Fire and Rescue NSW Station 001 City of Sydney
Fire and Rescue NSW Commissioner, Jeremy Fewtrell AFSM
VRA Rescue NSW Commissioner, Brenton Charlton
VRA Rescue NSW Deputy Commissioner - Alix Thom
Queensland Fire Department
Fire and Rescue NSW
VRA Rescue NSW
NSW Ambulance
Department of Fire and Emergency Services WA

20/01/2026

On behalf of the World Rescue Organisation, we are seeking Expressions of Interest (EOI) for qualified assessors to support the delivery of the Croatia National Rescue Challenge 2026 on 15-16 May 2026 in Split, Croatia.

EOI opportunities for the following disciplines
2 x Command Assessor
2 x Technical Assessor
2 x Medical Assessor
2 x Trauma Assessor

Criteria and application process
* You must be a current ARO member, and member of a current Agency, Affiliate or Associate member organisation. You must have the support of your organisation to attend.
* Hold the relevant qualifications and experience as per the ARO Assessor Policy, including endorsement at an Australasian Challenge Management Team (CMT) level.
* No perceived or actual conflicts of interest with competing teams.
* All assessors must be fluent in English.
* Nominations that meet the criteria will be submitted to the World Rescue Organisation (WRO) on your behalf as endorsed by ARO. All applications will be acknowledged and you will be notified of the outcome.
* Once confirmed, the final assessor group will be provided with further details on the event schedule, expectations and logistics.

Financial arrangements
Expenses covered by organisers: The host organisation has confirmed the following support for appointed assessors:
* Return economy-class flights to Croatia from 14 - 17 May 2026.
* Hotel accommodation for the duration of the stay.
* Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided during event and challenge days.
* Local transport in Croatia between the airport, hotel, and event venue.

Expenses not covered by organisers:
* Travel to departing airport: Participants or their organisation are responsible for transportation to and from their departing airport, including any parking fees.
* Personal Expenses: Items such as snacks, souvenirs, and non-standard meal requirements.
* Insurance and Visa fees (if applicable): Participants or their organisation must meet visa requirements, insurance and cover associated costs.

Expression of Interest
*To submit an EOI, please address the specific role/s you're interested in, outline your experience and qualifications and send this to [email protected] by 12 noon (AEDT) Thur 22 Jan 2026:
* Name and organisation
* Preferred role(s)
* Attach a copy of your CV and relevant qualifications
* Confirmation of availability (including required travel days either side)
* Details of any current, potential or perceived conflicts of interest

(location picture of Split Croatia is for attention purposes only )

19/01/2026

Congratulations to Quentin Botha who had been selected to represent ARO as a Trauma Assessor at the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Challenge, to be held in Dubai from 15–17 February 2026.

For over a decade, Quentin is a valued member of ARO, and is currently the Medical Specialist on ARO’s Road Crash Rescue Technical Committee and a member of the World Rescue Organisation (WRO) Medical Advisory Board.

In his current full-time role, Quentin is a Clinical Support Officer and Intensive Care Paramedic with ACT Ambulance Service. With a career spans 30 years in emergency services and mining rescue operations, he provides advanced clinical guidance and mentorship in trauma care and patient management in complex rescue environments and under challenging conditions.

ARO is a member of WRO and opportunities exist for active members and member agencies to participate in ARO supported activities, challenges and events (e.g., Australasian Road Crash Rescue Challenge, Industrial and Domestic Rescue Challenge, Australasian Water Rescue Challenge, Australasian Rescue Boat Challenge, and Vertical Rescue Symposium), as well as events organised by WRO and other WRO member agencies, such as this.

To strengthen the sharing of best practice of rescue techniques, experience and learning opportunities across the world, WRO has selected a balanced team of experienced personnel across extrication including Command, Technical, Medical, and Trauma. This year, assessors have been selected from WRO member organisations including Australia (ARO), United Kingdom (AKRO), Spain (APRAT), Portugal (ANSD), Brazil (ABRES) and across the UAE. The 2026 UAE Challenge event will also be preceded by WRO peer-to-peer team training for Dubai Police - the host organisation of the UAE Challenge.
On behalf of ARO, we would like to thank the host organisation, Dubai Police, for their support and this invaluable opportunity for ARO members to further build on their skills, expertise and experiences which includes return international flights to and from Dubai, in-country costs, including accommodation, meals and local transport for the duration of the event.

We'd like to thank Quentin for his continued contribution to ARO and WRO in helping us maintain high, consistent standards at our international challenges, events and professional development activities. Your leadership and contribution as an assessor and subject matter expert remain central to the credibility and development of the global rescue industry and the communities in which we serve.

Congratulations on this incredible opportunity and we look forward to you sharing your learnings back with ARO and our members upon your return. We wish you all the best!

17/01/2026

Today, the Australasian Rescue Organisation (ARO) joins with emergency services and the wider community to mark 49 years since the Granville Train Disaster a tragedy that claimed 84 lives and injured more than 213 people, remaining the worst rail disaster in Australian history.

On that day, ARO members, responding through their respective emergency services, worked side by side with police, fire, ambulance and other responders, as well as members of the community, in extraordinarily challenging conditions to provide aid, rescue the injured, and support those affected. Many rushed to the scene without hesitation some while off duty driven by an unwavering commitment to serve.

This anniversary is a moment to honour all emergency service personnel who attended, to acknowledge their courage, professionalism and inter-agency cooperation, and to recognise the lasting impact such events have on responders and families alike.

Today, we remember those who lost their lives, those who were injured, and we pay our respects to the families, friends and communities forever changed by this disaster.

Never forgotten.

💙🚑🚒🚓

16/01/2026

⏰Expressions of Interest (EOI) are closing for members wishing to nominate for roles on the Challenge Management Team (CMT) at the Australasian Road Crash Rescue Challenge 2026 and the Australasian Industrial and Domestic Rescue Challenge 2026.

CMT roles include:
🔹Assessors (RCR, IDR, Medical)
🔹Shadow Assessors (RCR, IDR, Medical)
🔹Safety Officers
🔹Scenario Manager or Setters
🔹Stand/Pit Managers
🔹Moulage Manager or Specialist
🔹Casualty Manager
🔹Workshop Coordinator
🔹Media and Production

Other support roles open for EOIs include:
🔸Stand/Pit Support
🔸Planning and Logistics
🔸Registration
🔸Event Support
🔸Timekeeper
🔸IT and Communications
🔸Casualties

You must be an active member to nominate for CMT roles. Some roles require qualifications, accreditation and/or previous experience. Refer to the CMT Guide and Assessor Policies for more information.

🚨EOIs for CMT Roles close Monday 26 January 2026.

For more information and to register your EOI, go to https://arro.org.au/events/

Queensland Fire Department

01/01/2026

🎉 Welcome to 2026! 🎉

As we step into a new year, the Australasian Rescue Organisation is excited for what lies ahead.

2026 is shaping up to be an incredible year, with amazing challenges on the horizon and some of the best rescue professionals from across the region preparing to come together under the ARO banner. From skill development and high-level competition to collaboration and inter-agency learning, the year ahead promises to showcase the very best of rescue capability, teamwork and professionalism.

We look forward to welcoming our competitors, officials, partners and supporters as we continue to strengthen rescue outcomes across Australasia.

Here’s to a big year of challenges, learning and excellence in rescue. 🚒🚑🚨

21/12/2025

📣 Expressions of Interest (EOI) are now open for all teams, participants, Challenge Management Team (CMT), support members and observers to attend and participate in the 2026 Australasian Road Crash Rescue Challenge (ARCRC) and Australasian Industrial and Domestic Rescue Challenge (AIDRC).

Hosted by the Queensland Fire Department (QFD), these pinnacle events will be held at the Northern Region Emergency Services Complex in Townsville from 22 – 28 June 2026.

The events and the professional development activities are open to all active ARO members and is an opportunity for emergency services and our partners to share knowledge and learn about the latest advancements in the industry.

For more information, and to register go to https://arro.org.au/events/

21/12/2025

A Day of Reflection - Today, we honour the victims of the Bondi Beach terrorist attack.

The Federal and NSW Governments declared today, Sunday 21 December, a Day of Reflection to honour the victims of the horrific terrorist attack at Bondi Beach and to stand in solidarity with the Jewish community.

The Day of Reflection is observed on the final full day of Chanukah, a time traditionally associated with light, faith and resilience, making the loss felt by the Jewish community even more profound.

Flags will be flown at half-mast as a mark of respect for the lives lost and the grief shared across the country.

In support, we encourage everyone to light a candle and observe a minute of silence at 6:47pm, exactly one week since the attack unfolded, as a quiet act of remembrance with family, friends or loved by ones.

We give our heartfelt condolences to the victims, families, friends, emergency service workers and everyone impacted.

We share in this grief with you.

If you or someone you know needs help or to talk, please reach out to the various support services available. You don’t have to do this alone.

24/11/2025

📣 EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST NOW OPEN — ARO TECHNICAL COMMITTEES

The Australasian Rescue Organisation (ARO) is now opening Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for members who would like to contribute to the ongoing development of rescue capability across our region.

We’re seeking passionate, experienced ARO members to join all ARO Technical Committees, including emerging and established disciplines. These committees play a key role in shaping standards, training pathways, events, and future capability development across the Australasian rescue community.

💡 Want to get involved?
Further details on each committee and its responsibilities can be found on the ARO website under the ‘About Us’ section.

📩 How to Apply
EOIs can be submitted via email to the ARO Secretary at:
👉 [email protected]

📍 Please note: EOIs are open exclusively to current ARO members.

If you’re looking to help drive rescue excellence, influence future capability, and collaborate with some of the best in the sector now is the time to step forward.

21/11/2025

🚨 ARO Launches New Vertical Rescue Capability 🚨
First Vertical Rescue Symposium – Blue Mountains, March 2026

The Australasian Rescue Organisation (ARO) is expanding its rescue capability suite with the launch of Vertical Rescue, announcing its inaugural Vertical Rescue Symposium to be held in the iconic World Heritage–listed Blue Mountains next March.

Vertical Rescue is a specialised discipline where rescuers use ropes, frames and rigging systems to access and treat casualties in challenging natural, urban and industrial environments — from cliffs and canyons to mines and complex structures.

ARO President Jeremy Fewtrell AFSM says this new capability builds on the organisation’s long history of bringing the rescue community together:

“This adds a much-needed interagency capability to our region and brings the best of the best together to share, learn and advance rescue skills.”

The symposium will bring together leading experts from across Australasia and around the world, showcasing:
🔹 Best-practice approaches to vertical and remote-area rescue
🔹 Casualty care and operational considerations
🔹 Live demonstrations of emerging technologies
🔹 Training across natural terrain, industrial sites and the built environment

ARO Vice President Brenton Charlton says the event will give responders the chance to learn, practice and adopt innovative techniques across multiple rescue domains:

“No matter the terrain, responders will gain the skills and adaptability needed to save lives.”

ARO will soon be calling for Expressions of Interest to form its first Vertical Rescue Technical Committee, helping shape the future of this capability and upcoming events.

Stay tuned for more details — this is a major step forward for rescue operators across Australasia. 🧗‍♂️🌏🔥

Fire and Rescue NSW Commissioner, Jeremy Fewtrell AFSM
VRA Rescue NSW Commissioner, Brenton Charlton
VRA Rescue NSW
Fire and Rescue NSW
Queensland Fire Department
NSW Police Force - Rescue & Bomb Disposal - NSW Police Force
NSW Ambulance
NSW Rural Fire Service
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