The two-day challenge brought together six teams from Maitland, Singleton, Cooranbong, Wyong, Gosford and Port Macquarie Hastings to compete in a series of realistic, high-pressure rescue scenarios designed to reflect the complexity of real emergency operations.
A total of 42 participants and 65 support personnel, including volunteers and staff, took part in the event, which marked the fourth and final Zone Disaster Rescue Challenge ahead of the NSW SES State Disaster Rescue Challenge to be held in Western Sydney in July. Across the State, 20 teams and more than 140 participants competed in Zone Challenges throughout 2026.
Over six scenarios across two days, teams were tested on entrapment rescues, storm response skills, mass casualty management, casualty extrication and leadership under pressure.
The Challenge also provided volunteers with the opportunity to strengthen communication, coordination and decision-making skills in demanding and fast-moving environments.
NSW SES Assistant Commissioner Dean Storey said the event plays an important role in maintaining operational readiness and developing volunteer capability.
"Disaster Rescue Challenges provide our volunteers with the opportunity to apply their training in realistic scenarios that closely reflect the types of incidents they may face during emergency operations," Assistant Commissioner Storey said.
"These exercises are designed to challenge our members both technically and mentally, while strengthening teamwork, leadership and problem-solving under pressure."
NSW SES Northern Zone Commander Andrew Cribb said the Challenge also highlighted the professionalism and dedication of volunteers across the region.
"Our volunteers train hard to ensure they are ready to respond when communities need them most," Chief Superintendent Cribb said.
"This weekend showcased not only the technical rescue capability of our members, but also their commitment to working together in complex and demanding situations."
Chief Superintendent Cribb also acknowledged the resilience and dedication shown by the Wyong Unit, which recently experienced catastrophic fire damage to its Unit headquarters, but still participated in the Challenge weekend and placed third overall.
"Their commitment to continuing to train and support the wider NSW SES despite recent challenges was a credit to their members and the culture of our organisation," he said.
Port Macquarie were the winners of the Northern Zone Disaster Rescue Challenge and will now progress to represent the Zone at the NSW SES State Disaster Rescue Challenge in July 2026.
