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ABOUT US

About ARO

The Australasian Rescue Organisation (ARO) is the peak body in Australasia for the development and exchange of information, knowledge, and skills across all facets of rescue. It is a not for profit organisation that promotes best practice and independent leadership in rescue.

MEET THE TEAM

ARO is made up of volunteers from across the industry dedicated to supporting ARO’s mission, goals and objectives. All roles on the Executive Committee, Technical Committees and the Admin and Support teams are appointed for a period of up to two years.

How to apply

To nominate for any of the vacant roles, send through an Expression of Interest detailing your qualifications and experience to the Secretary. You must be an active member to nominate for these roles. For more information, refer to the Role Descriptions and Rules of Association.

Executive Committee
  1. President – Jeremy Fewtrell AFSM
  2. Vice President – Brenton Charlton
  3. Treasurer – Peter Hammond
  4. Secretary – Kathryn Crofts
  5. Business Development and Engagement – David Cockbain
  6. Governance and Compliance – Vacant
  7. Technical Rescue – Neil Francis
  8. RCR Challenge Coordinator – Michael Vanderzalm
Admin and Support
  1. Information Technology Systems Coordinator – Jimmyson Chan
  2. Media Coordinator – Jackson Whitney
  3. Digital Marketing Coordinator – Vacant
  4. Membership Coordinator – Vacant
  5. Administration Coordinator – Vacant
Road Crash Rescue (RCR) Technical Committee

Research shows that worldwide there is one road trauma fatality every 26.9 seconds and that for every road fatality in developed countries such as Australia, there are three life-long disablements, 10 major trauma patients requiring surgery and 30 cases requiring medical care. ARO strives to reduce this toll by improving the science and quality of road and trauma rescue services provided to casualties, directly reducing the severity of injuries. ARO encourages its members to act independently and explore opportunities in the development of techniques, skills and innovation that may lead to better rescue outcomes. As an independent organisation, it has the capacity to broker new directions that may otherwise be restricted by government agency rules. Note, additional roles may be appointed to the Challenge Management Team for events including Road Crash Rescue Challenges.

  1. RCR Challenge Coordinator / RCR Lead / Chair – Michael Vanderzalm
  2. RCR Command Specialist – James Boland
  3. RCR Technical Specialist – Richard McClusky
  4. RCR Scenario Coordinator – vacant
  5. RCR Trauma Challenge Coordinator – Jane Huebner
  6. RCR Medical Specialist – Quentin Botha
  7. RCR Admin and Logistics Coordinator – vacant
  8. RCR Research and Education Officer – Dean Scifleet
  9. RCR Professional Development Coordinator – Nathan Wilcock
Water Rescue (WR) Technical Committee

The occurrence of water rescues has increased in recent years. ARO specialises in the development and knowledge across all facets of patient-focus rescue including Water Rescue. Through its events, activities and partnerships with domestic and international industry bodies/organisations/agencies specialising in rescue, ARO shares best practice in services and products developed by skilled and experienced rescue and trauma professionals through innovation and exploration in new technology.

  1. WR Lead / Chair – Shannon Crofton
  2. WR Command Specialist – Vacant
  3. WR Technical Specialist – Garry Silk
  4. WR Specialist – Daniel van Keimpema
  5. WR Boat Specialist – Matthew Roser
  6. WR Medical Specialist – Troy Jones
  7. WR Operational Specialist – Dave Bowing
  8. WR Research and Education Specialist – Vacant
  9. WR Professional Development Coordinator – Anthony Jones
Vertical Rescue (VR) Technical Committee
  1. VR Lead / Chair – William Proctor
  2. VR Technical Specialist – Matthew Quinn
  3. VR Safety Specialist – Chris Ballingall
  4. VR Medical Specialist – Ben Carroll
  5. VR Admin and Logistics Coordinator – Vacant
  6. VR Research and Education Specialist – Vacant
  7. VR Professional Development Coordinator – Dallas Atkinson
Industrial and Domestic Rescue (IDR) Technical Committee
  1. IDR Lead / Chair – Tony Hine
  2. IDR Command Specialist – Ken Hepplewhite
  3. IDR Technical Specialist – Industrial Rescue – Drew Oberle
  4. IDR Technical Specialist – Domestic Rescue – Jonathan Fullard
  5. IDR Medical Specialist – Vacant
  6. IDR Safety Specialist – David Douglas
  7. IDR Admin and Logistics Coordinator – Kynan Davies
  8. IDR Research and Education Specialist – Vacant
  9. IDR Professional Development Coordinator – Vacant
Medical Rescue (MR) Technical Committee
  1. Trauma Challenge Coordinator / Medical Rescue Lead / Chair – Jane Huebner
  2. Road Crash Rescue Medical Specialist – Quentin Botha
  3. Industrial & Domestic Rescue Medical Specialist – Vacant
  4. Vertical Rescue Medical Specialist – Ben Carroll
  5. Water Rescue Medical Specialist – Troy Jones
  6. Moulage Specialist – Vacant

Documents

Public Documents

View ARO public facing documents here.

Governance and Compliance

ARO is committed to observing the legal, regulatory and governance requirements applicable to independent associations. All members, suppliers, partners and sponsors of ARO are expected to adhere to the ARO Code of Conduct.

ARO Rules of Association – The Rules of Association govern the rights and responsibilities of the members as well as how the association will operate; it is a contract between the incorporated association and its members.

ARO Code of Conduct – Sets out expectations of how ARO members and its affiliates should behave.