| SES STUFF |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
 |
| The SES has been good for both of us, we have experienced the thrills of caving, abseiling, canyoning, vertical rescue 4WDriving and much more, all this whilst helping the community in time of of need. We have witnessed the the "highs" and "lows" of peoples emotions, from the heartache that bushfires, flooding and storms can cause, to the smiling faces of people who you've helped, saved or found. David is 1 of 4 Team leaders within the Wollongong unit. Both of us are accredited trainers. David instructs in General rescue, Map-Reading / Navigation, Floodboat Operations and 4WDriving. Leonie instructs in First Aid and Landsearch. |
| Nav Shield This is probably on of the hardest navigational event held in NSW. This event requires teams of 4-6 people to navigate through the bush collecting markers. In the 29hr period that the event runs for we have on occasions walked up to 50-60km. The Rats collectively have particiapted in 13 Nav Shields. David on 5 occasions has been a member of the winning SES team that has proudly finished as high as 7th outright, out of 100 plus teams. |
| Vertical Rescue & Ropework Living in an area that borders a 200m escarpment it was only natural that the 'Rats' through SES became involved with ropework. We have both been lucky enough to gain V3 accreditation. This has allowed us to enjoy some memorable vertical experiences. Eg. Wellington Cave Rescue weekends, VRC 2000 (Vertical Rescue Challenge), abseiling pitches of up to 100m and a cameo appearance on the 'Footy Show'. |
| A search in the mountains around Tilba Tilba |
| Practicing our ropework at Kellys Falls |
| Damage caused by the Wollongong Storm 1998 |
| SES Competitions Our involvement with SES has let us compete in many competitions. The Rats (one or both) have competed in Division, Zone, State and National Rescue competitions. In 2001 Wollongong went so close to winning the State Rescue competition. In 2003 we went one step better by winning the State Rescue competition. Being the state champions for 2003 meant we were off to Tasmania for the National competition. I'm proud to say that on Nov' 3 we were crowned the National champions. |
| Nav Rescue This is an event hosted by Wollongong City SES. Its a navigational event involving initiative and team-building activities. Being members of Wollongong SES the 'Rats' have assisted for a number of years in help run this event. In recent years David has been involved in the course-setting and event organiser. |
| Wollongong City using its Larkin Frame |
| Practicing cave rescue |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Winners of the National Rescue Comp 2003 |