The NSW SES Alpine Search and Rescue unit has been called out to assist NSW Police in 25 search and rescue incidents. By comparison, there were just four callouts for the specialised unit in 2024.
Snowy-Monaro Local Commander and Alpine Search and Rescue volunteer, Chief Inspector Malika Bailey said this winter has very busy for her unit.
"Our NSW SES alpine teams have been working harder than ever. From Thredbo to Charlotte Pass and across Kosciuszko National Park, our volunteers have been out in blizzards, sub-zero temperatures, and treacherous terrain, rescuing those in trouble," she said.
"While it's great we have had a lot of positive results this season and brought people back to safety, we need more locals with alpine experience to join our Alpine Search and Rescue teams."
Of note, at about 4.45pm on Friday 18, July 2025, emergency services were called to Dead Horse Gap, near the Bogong Creek area, following reports of two people becoming lost, while downhill skiing. NSW SES members deployed alongside NSW Police to locate the pair and transport them back to Thredbo.
To keep up with the frequency of calls for assistance this year, the Alpine Search and Rescue and Snowy Monaro Units have been recruiting and training new members in the navigation, hiking skills and equipment needed to respond in alpine conditions throughout the season.
However, Chief Inspector Bailey called on more people living in and around the Snowy Mountains and familiar with the area to think about joining the local NSW SES unit.
"We will provide people all of the equipment they need, as well as the training required to become a search and rescue operator. And, we make sure all our new members are comfortable with the skills they learn through on-snow training sessions replicating real-life scenarios," she said.
"You'll train alongside emergency services, learning advanced snow survival, navigation, and rescue techniques, to be ready to respond when it matters most.
"If you're a skier, snowboarder, hiker, or just love the mountains - your skills could save lives."
This year, Chief Inspector Bailey trained and responded alongside her son Harrison, making search and rescue operations a family affair.
Harrison Bailey, who is 18 years old and completing his HSC, said it was good to respond alongside his mum and encouraged other young people to sign up.
'It is a good experience, and you get to learn a lot of different skills that not only help you respond to emergencies, but help you in day-to-day life too," he said.
Whether you want to provide on-ground support, assist in operations or raise awareness, there's countless ways you can make an impact in your community through becoming a NSW SES volunteer.
To join the NSW SES, drop into the Snowy Mountains Unit in Jindabyne, or visit www.ses.nsw.gov.au/volunteer
