Events, Challenges and Activities
Road Crash Rescue Challenge
TOWNSVILLE TO HOST 2026 AUSTRALASIAN ROAD CRASH RESCUE CHALLENGE
22-28 June 2026 in Townsville
Queensland Fire Department (QFD) will host the 2026 Australasian Road Crash Rescue Challenge at the Northern Region Emergency Services Complex in Townsville from 22 – 28 June 2026. The event is open to all active ARO members and is an opportunity for emergency services and our partners to share knowledge and learn about the latest advancements in the industry. Expressions of Interests (EOI) for active members to compete, attend the professional development activities, and support will open shortly.
Coming soon:
- Expressions of Interests (EOI) for Teams, Support Members and Challenge Management Team (CMT)
- Schedule of Events
- Information for members travelling to Townsville
- Information on RCR, IDR and Medical Challenges
- and more!
Industrial and Domestic Rescue Challenge
TOWNSVILLE TO HOST 2026 AUSTRALASIAN INDUSTRIAL & DOMESTIC RESCUE CHALLENGE
22-28 June 2026 in Townsville
Queensland Fire Department (QFD) will host the 2026 Australasian Industrial and Domestic Rescue Challenge at the Northern Region Emergency Services Complex in Townsville from 22 – 28 June 2026. The event is open to all active ARO members and is an opportunity for emergency services and our partners to share knowledge and learn about the latest advancements in the industry. Expressions of Interests (EOI) for active members to compete, attend the professional development activities, and support will open shortly.
Coming soon:
- Expressions of Interests (EOI) for Teams, Support Members and Challenge Management Team (CMT)
- Schedule of Events
- Information for members travelling to Townsville
- Information on RCR, IDR and Medical Challenges
- and more!
Vertical Rescue Symposium
Vertical Rescue Symposium
Blue Mountains, March 2026
The Australasian Rescue Organisation (ARO) is expanding its rescue capability suite with the launch of Vertical Rescue, announcing its inaugural Vertical Rescue Symposium to be held in the iconic World Heritage–listed Blue Mountains next March.
Vertical Rescue is a specialised discipline where rescuers use ropes, frames and rigging systems to access and treat casualties in challenging natural, urban and industrial environments — from cliffs and canyons to mines and complex structures.
The symposium will bring together leading experts from across Australasia and around the world, showcasing:
- Best-practice approaches to vertical and remote-area rescue
- Casualty care and operational considerations
- Live demonstrations of emerging technologies
- Training across natural terrain, industrial sites and the built environment
Coming soon:
- Expressions of Interests (EOI) for Teams, Support Members and Challenge Management Team (CMT)
- Schedule of Events
- Information for members travelling to Blue Mountains
- and more!
Rescue Boat Challenge
AUSTRALASIA’S FIRST RESCUE BOAT CHALLENGE
17 – 18 October 2025 at Penrith Whitewater Stadium
In 2025, we build upon the success from the region’s first Australasian Water Rescue Challenge (AWRC) to bring the region’s first inaugural Australasian Rescue Boat Challenge (ARBC). Member agencies and individuals from across the regional joined us for these auspicious professional development opportunities that are the only events of their kind in the region! We hope to see you for the next events in 2026!
Water Rescue Challenge
AUSTRALASIA’S SECOND WATER RESCUE CHALLENGE
17 – 18 October 2025 at Penrith Whitewater Stadium
Back by popular demand, in 2025 we brought the region’s best together for the second Australasian Water Rescue Challenge (AWRC). Member agencies and individuals from across the regional joined us for these auspicious professional development opportunities that are the only events of their kind in the region! We hope to see you for the next events in 2026!