Dubbo recently hosted the 2025 NSW State Road Crash Rescue Challenge, an event that saw the Adaminaby Rural Fire Service (RFS) on a successful trip to the state’s central west. Competing amongst seasoned emergency service teams from across New South Wales, the Adaminaby brigade emerged with an impressive third place in the Entrapped Rescue Group 2 competition, a commendable achievement given it was their first time participating in this event.
PHOTO: Adaminaby RFS – the first RFS team to participate CREDITS: NSW RFS
The Adaminaby brigade, the first RFS team to partake in this challenge, included seven dedicated members who tirelessly tackled various strenuous scenarios across the three-day event. These included complex situations of entrapment, mass casualties, trauma care, and more. Their outstanding performance has not only earned them accolades but also promises to enhance their response capabilities back home in the Snowy Mountains region.
“I am very proud to be part of such a great team,” said an Adaminaby RFS member in reflection of their achievement—a sentiment echoed throughout the local community. Their success at this challenge stands as a testament to their skills, dedication, and teamwork, and also shows dedication to the strengthening of emergency response services within the region.
PHOTO: Adaminaby RFS excelled in the Entrapped Rescue Group 2 challenge
The overall event, organised by the NSW State Emergency Service (SES) alongside Fire and Rescue NSW, brought together diverse teams in a bid to refine rescue techniques, particularly in dealing with the challenges posed by road crash incidents. This year’s focus on managing electric vehicle scenarios highlights the evolving landscape of emergency service response required today.
NSW SES Commissioner Mike Wassing emphasised the importance of such events in equipping volunteers with the necessary skills and forming strong inter-agency partnerships. “It is crucial that our volunteers are highly competent with advanced skills, new equipment and techniques, so that they can adapt quickly to any situation they are faced with when they are out in the field,” he mentioned.
PHOTO: Training helps volunteers be competent in advanced rescue skills.
Fire and Rescue NSW Acting Assistant Commissioner David Felton highlighted the practical benefits of such collaborations, stating, “Training in a competitive environment, will ultimately deliver better outcomes for the people we’re trying to assist in real-life situations.”
The event also championed diversity with initiatives such as introducing all-female teams, guided by figures like NSW SES Eurobodalla Deputy Local Commander, Linda Kennington. Reflecting on her experience, Kennington noted, “We are trying to show that no matter where you are in life, you can go for it.”