A groundbreaking emergency services training exercise unfolded in Deloraine over one Saturday in June, drawing together a rare coalition of local volunteer forces. The operation marked the first time the State Emergency Service (SES), Tasmania Fire Service (TFS), Surf Life Saving Tasmania, and the Rapid Relief Team trained together in a single coordinated effort. Held on the banks of the Meander Valley River, the event showcased a unified approach to managing complex rescue scenarios involving both land and water elements.
David Nicholls, regional manager for the northern branch of the SES, described the day as a critical opportunity for various emergency services to examine each other’s capabilities. “There’s probably about four brigades being represented here today,” he says. “And today’s all about just working with Surf Life Saving Tasmania, who are also here to have a group exercise… set up a rescue in the Meander River.”
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The scenario involved locating and rescuing two hypothetical patients, with Surf Life Saving Tasmania deploying boats to perform water rescues, while SES and fire brigade members managed the shore and surrounding land. Nicholls underscored the delineation of roles, explaining that “within Tasmania it’s actually Tasmania Police responsibility for marine rescue and land searches,” with Surf Life Saving as primary responders in water scenarios and SES focused on land-based efforts.
Significantly, Nicholls highlighted recent funding aimed at expanding SES capabilities in water rescue operations. “Back in last year’s budget in 2024, the SES was granted $320,000 over four years in order to work on their capabilities and actually expand into water rescue,” he says. The focus will not be on swift water rescues, which remain the domain of police and surf rescue, but rather on operations in slower, flood-prone waters that can trap residents during natural disasters.
“These are really important areas,” Nicholls notes. “We’ve seen on TV just in the last few weeks with the devastating floods on the mainland, a lot of the rescues are actually conducted in that slow water.”
The pilot training for this initiative began last September. The SES is now in the process of training more personnel and acquiring essential equipment, including personal flotation devices and throw lines. “We’re actually working closely with [Surf Life Saving Tasmania] to develop our training package,” he says.
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Dan Watson, a local volunteer with dual roles in both the SES and Deloraine Fire Brigade, emphasised the collaborative spirit behind the exercise. “The training idea behind today was to expose the volunteers from the local fire brigade to their roles and responsibilities that they can do when something like this occurs,” he says.
According to Watson, about 50 volunteers participated, with approximately 12 from fire brigades and several others from SES units across Elizabeth Town, Mole Creek, Meander, and Golden Valley. Many volunteers wore multiple hats and uniforms, depending on their assignment for the day. “We’re doubling up with our hats and our clothes, depending on what gear we need to put on for what job today,” he says.
The inclusion of the Rapid Relief Team also underscored the event’s holistic approach to emergency preparedness. “They specialise in flooding logistics,” Watson says, noting their role in supporting volunteers. “The best way to pay a volunteer is by keeping them fed.”
Watson expresses hope that the success of this integrated training exercise will serve as a model for other regions in Tasmania. “There’s always rivers and there’s always watercourses and water bodies that potentially could be a hazard for people,” he says. “I’d really like to see this model move throughout the state into other regions.”
Both Nicholls and Watson praise the support received from various organisations and the dedication of the volunteers. As Watson concludes, “Very grateful to the Meander Valley Council, Tas Irrigation and of course all the volunteers that have given up a Saturday afternoon to come out and train, which is amazing.”
