About the role
NSW SES Bush Search and Rescue (BSAR) is a specialist Unit of experienced bushwalkers, canyoners, rogainers and rock climbers, experienced in operating in remote or wilderness areas.
Their unique skills and high levels of fitness are typically called upon for search and rescue operations in areas without tracks, trails, mobile phone or PSN (formerly GRN) coverage or access to other resources. They can operate in the field for up to three days without external support.
Field teams are supported by operations personnel at the command post who manage logistics, transport, administration and incident management.
Our members are generally passionate outdoors people who join with an existing understanding of self-sufficiency, wilderness navigation, remote area first aid and off-track bushwalking experience. They are then trained in search techniques, remote communications and other relevant units of competency. They also have extensive knowledge of the remote areas of NSW as they are experienced bushwalkers, canyoners or rock climbers – they know the areas people often get lost, know the mountain passes and the tricky pinches. This knowledge is invaluable when assisting Police in searching for missing persons.
Operating as one Unit under Operating as one statewide unit (reporting to Metro Zone), we have members throughout NSW within regional groups led by Deputy Unit Commanders in
- Great Sydney
- Blue Mountains
- Central Coast Hunter
- South Coast
- Queanbeyan/ACT
The Unit Headquarters is located at Rooty Hill in Western Sydney and as membership is geographically spread, training is carried out in concentrated blocks over weekends in remote locations, and two online meetings each month, one each for training and Unit Muster..