An aircraft incident may be rare - but when seconds count, training matters. That's why emergency services gathered at Bairnsdale Aerodrome on Tuesday 27 May for a full-scale drill designed to put their coordination and readiness to the test.
The exercise - the first of its kind at one of East Gippsland Shire's aerodromes - involved the State Emergency Service (SES), Country Fire Authority (CFA), Ambulance Victoria, Red Cross, Bairnsdale Regional Health Service, Victoria Police, and East Gippsland Shire Council staff. Observers from multiple agencies attended, with facilitation by Specialist Airport Solutions' Ray Oakley.
The exercise scenario "In the Middle" involved a simulated Beechcraft 1900 chartered aircraft crash off the side of the runway strip with multiple casualties, requiring coordinated triage, rescue, communication and registration across agencies. Two mini busses represented the fuselage of the crashed aircraft carrying more than 20 passengers, some seriously injured, others trapped and some with only minor injuries.
Council's Aerodromes Coordinator and exercise lead, Jason Connelly, said the event demonstrated the value of strong local partnerships in a high-pressure environment.
"While we hope these situations never occur, we must be ready. This exercise showed the strength of our emergency services working together - and the value of practising that response before a real incident," Jason said.
"No emergency unfolds exactly as planned - that's why we need exercises like this. They allow us to uncover potential gaps and work together to build a stronger, more coordinated response.
"I thank all agencies for their professionalism, their willingness to be involved in the training, and their commitment to protecting our community."
Facilitator Ray Oakley said the scenario provided a realistic test of decision-making, communication and leadership.
"This was an important milestone for East Gippsland. The emergency management team was formed early, resources were deployed effectively, and communication between agencies was strong - all crucial to saving lives in a real incident," Ray said.
"Exercises like this give teams the opportunity to test their systems and refine their approach in a safe, controlled setting."
SES representative Bob Carter said the day reinforced the importance of joint training.
"Each agency knows its own role, but it's working together under pressure that really puts those systems to the test. That's where we learn the most - and where we strengthen our ability to respond as one team," Mr Carter said.
CFA Commander Glenn Harrop said the exercise was a chance to deepen understanding of each agency's role, especially in complex incidents.
"Today helped clarify how roles change depending on the nature of the emergency - whether it's an accident, a fire, or a potential crime scene. That shared understanding is critical during a real-world response," Glenn said.
Council's Emergency Management Coordinator Carole McMillan, who observed the session, said the exercise reinforced the complexity of emergency coordination.
"It gave me a deeper appreciation for the professionalism of our agencies - and how much goes on behind the scenes in managing these situations. Everyone worked together with focus and purpose," Carole said.
The exercise forms part of Council's commitment to aviation safety and compliance at its certified aerodromes. An after-action review will now guide future training and planning.
Council places a high value on preparedness and resilience, working closely with emergency services to ensure East Gippsland is equipped to and can respond to a wide range of incidents - and protect what matters most: our people.
