2019 Australian Search and Rescue Awards

2019 NATSAR award recipients standing proud

2019 Australian Search and Rescue Awards

By Kim Daniels

Recently the Australian Search and Rescue Awards recognised 25 people’s outstanding contribution to search and rescue within the Australian region. The Awards were hosted by South Australia Police and presented by Mr Mark Morrow, Chair of the National Search and Rescue (NATSAR) Council.

AMSA General Manager of Response and NATSAR Council Chair, Mark Morrow said the selfless and brave actions of this year’s recipients in the face of imminent danger is nothing short of inspiring and worthy of national recognition.

‘Their willingness to respond and the ability to maintain a calm and measured approach when confronted by danger, is a testament to the character of these recipients,’ he said.

‘When someone is faced with a choice to take action or not, we see what people are made of—their bravery, professionalism and dedication are truly inspirational. These recipients have an enormous capacity to hold focus in spite of the risks and as a result six people are alive today because of their actions.’

There are two categories of awards, with each category including a commendation award:

• Professional—an individual or organisation trained within the search and rescue field.

• Non-professional—an individual, group or organisation.

Professional search and rescue award

On 11 February 2019, the Tasmanian Police rescue helicopter team winched a 26-year-old male climber to safety when he suffered spinal injuries attempting to cross from Totem Pole back to Cape Hauy, in Tasmania’s Tasman National Park.

• Recipients: Senior Constable C Williams, Constable N Mackintosh, Paramedic E Byers, Pilot C Fahey, Senior Constable C Herbert, Constable A Oakden, Constable C Rennie, Constable P Vanderwal.

Non-professional search and rescue award

On Sunday 21 April 2019, five individuals saved a woman who had fallen from the top of Parsons Falls— near Lake Mackenzie in Tasmania— suffering significant injuries. The lifesaving assistance they gave the patient before the arrival of emergency services saved her life.

• Recipients: Athol Stuart Beer, Stewart John Geard, Craig Charles Neville, Anita Denholm, Kade Wooldrage.

Professional search and rescue – commendation award

On Sunday 14 April 2019, the Port Macquarie Volunteer Marine Rescue (VMR) saved three men—all with serious injuries—from a sinking vessel that had hit rocks along the mid-north NSW coast.

• Recipients: Garry White, Graham Gibbs, Reg McGlashan, Yolanda Bosschieter, Tony Hallett, Chris Condon, Bill Richardson, Rob Breskal, Owen Coulls, Randall Gawne, Greg Davies.

Non-professional search and rescue – commendation award

On 13 January 2019, Mark Sampson risked his own life to save the life of his friend, when their catamaran capsized, throwing them into the water one kilometre off the coast of Point Vernon. Mark risked his own life by swimming back to shore to raise the alarm in order to save his friend.

• Recipient: Mark Sampson

Read more about the rescues at amsa.gov.au/SAR-awards-2019 NATSAR Council natsar.amsa.gov.au