More than 600 entrants competed in NavShield - Australia's largest search and rescue training exercise in the Ghin-Doo-Ee National Park this weekend.
The annual event, hosted by the NSW State Emergency Service (SES) tested the skills, teamwork and stamina of emergency services personnel, orienteers and rogainers from around the country.
Teams navigated rugged terrain in demanding conditions for over 24 hours from checkpoint to checkpoint, using only maps and compasses.
NSW SES Acting Commissioner, Debbie Platz said the event, now in its 35th year, was essential for improving necessary skills and operational readiness of emergency service personnel.
"Our SES members at NavShield can be called upon to search for a lost person in the bush. Enhancing their capability and confidence, and especially that of our NSW bush search and rescue operators through training exercises like this is critical for the ongoing support and safety of our communities," Acting Commissioner Platz said.
"It provides our bush search and rescue operators with the opportunity to develop their proficiencies and improve their knowledge by learning directly from others."
"Over the last 12 months, NSW SES volunteers have assisted the NSW Police and the broader community in more than 260 searches for missing people."
"Land searches are particularly challenging - we need to ensure we effectively cover a search area by meticulously scouring the ground to locate signs of an individual. They can take place over many days, in rough and rugged terrain, and all sorts of weather conditions, so our teams need to be prepared for anything."
The 63 square kilometre course was navigated by entrants from the NSW SES, NSW Ambulance, NSW Health, NSW Police, NSW Rural Fire Service, Bush Search and Rescue Victoria, St John Ambulance, Bushwalking Clubs, rogainers and orienteers.
This year's 27-hour, two-day event was won by a team of adventure racing enthusiasts from the Central Coast, known as Adventure Junkie.
This year's 9-hour, one-day event was won by the Fletcher Group Ride team.
NSW SES Bush Search and Rescue Unit Commander, Inspector Paul Campbell-Allen, said participating in the challenge ensures the community will be even better supported in the future.
"Our bush search and rescue operators and emergency services partners are put through this demanding exercise to enhance their teamwork, skills and confidence, so it's a fantastic development exercise for us all, Inspector Campbell-Allen said.
"NSW SES Bush search and rescue unit is the oldest continuous land search and rescue unit in Australia, and we are committed to improving our skills and techniques so that we can continue to protect the community for many more years to come."
