The year 11 student was completing a supervised driving lesson when a light aircraft was forced to make an emergency landing in a paddock near Shellharbour Airport on Friday 3 April.
Leila’s instructor immediately contacted triple zero, but with the stretch of motorway bordered by open farmland, it was difficult to describe an exact location.
“I remembered what I had learnt during my time on the SES Youth Internship Program and logged into the What3Words app to give the operator a three-word address for the incident,” Leila said.
“Emergency services were then able to pinpoint the site of the emergency and respond.”
Leila was first introduced to the What3Words app during a Youth Internship Program session with NSW SES Shellharbour City Unit in 2024, where participants completed navigation exercises and learnt how precise location information can save time during an emergency.
Just days before the aircraft incident, that knowledge had been refreshed when Leila attended the Ultimate Learner Driver Logbook Run, an initiative delivered by Shellharbour City Council. During a presentation by the NSW SES Shellharbour City Unit, learner drivers were encouraged to download the Emergency+ app, which includes What3Words coordinates.
NSW SES Shellharbour City Unit Commander Inspector Ray Merz said Leila’s quick thinking is a testament that practical training can equip young people with the skills that matter when it counts most.
“Road safety events, youth programs and practical training are more than just hours to log. They turn knowledge into action, and a smartphone app into a tool that can guide help to exactly where it is needed,” Inspector Merz said.
The NSW SES Youth Internship Program is returning to Camden Haven, Cooma Monaro, Cooranbong, Gosford, Gundagai, Harden, Hornsby and Yass Units in term two 2026, and to Shellharbour City Unit in term three 2026.
The internship program invites 15- and 16-year-olds to deepen their understanding of natural disasters and emergency preparedness through hands on demonstrations with experienced NSW SES volunteers.
Leila encouraged other like-minded young people to give the program a go.
“I really liked how the volunteers were so passionate to help everyone learn about what they did. They taught me first aid and how to use radio and navigation equipment,” she said.
“It’s a really good opportunity and it can help you in situations that you wouldn't think you would get into yourself.”
This Youth Week (16-26 April), NSW SES is encouraging young people across the state to get involved and discover how they can make a difference.
For more information and to apply for the NSW SES Youth Internship Program, contact experience@ses.nsw.gov.au
Editor’s note: Vision of the NSW SES Shellharbour Unit Youth Internship Program is available via hightail – https://spaces.hightail.com/space/s5DFyKRYlZ
Media enquiries:
NSW SES Media on 1800 067 234