The Port Macquarie State Emergency Service crew represented the Mid North Coast region at the 2017 NSW SES SDRC led by Michael Ward, with Scott Witchard (deputy team leader), Michael Brumby (medic), Mark Anderson, Sereena Ward and Alfred Portenschlarger, and Kevin Sherwood attending as the team manager and mentor.

Nine teams from around the state competed over the two-day competition and included teams from Marrickville, Gosford, Auburn, Armidale, Queanbeyan, Coniston, Coffs Harbour, Bathurst and, of course, Port Macquarie.

The event consisted of eight stands including land search, flood rescue, urban search and rescue (involving multiple casualties), lifting and hauling techniques, rescue from heights, rescue from confinement and storm and water damage repairs.

Not only were Port Macquarie SES team the overall winners, Michael Ward was declared the best team leader and Michael Brumby the best team medic.

In second place was Gosford Unit and third place Queanbeyan Unit.

Unit Controller Michael Ward said as a unit they train weekly to ensure they are able to support the community in times of need.

“I am very proud of all members of Port Macquarie SES and the level of competency that we maintain,” he said.

“Our win over the weekend is proof that our training equips us to deal with emergencies as they occur.”

NSW SES is the combat agency for Floods, Storms and Tsunami’s and additionally Port Macquarie SES is the primary response agency for General Land Rescue, Motor Vehicle Rescue, Vertical Rescue and Flood Rescue within the Port Macquarie area.

Port Macquarie SES will now go on to represent NSW SES at the National Disaster Rescue Competition that is being held at Hobart in November.