AUSTRALASIA’S SECOND RESCUE BOAT CHALLENGE

4-5 September 2026 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!

Vertical Rescue Symposium

Blue Mountains, 20-22 November 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 in November 2026.

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!

AUSTRALASIAN INDUSTRIAL & DOMESTIC RESCUE CHALLENGE

TBC June 2026, NSW

The Australasian Industrial and Domestic Rescue Challenge 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.

Coming soon:

• Expressions of Interests (EOI) for Teams, Support Members and Challenge Management Team (CMT)
• Schedule of Events
• Information for members travelling to NSW
• and more!

A new Australasian Industrial and Domestic Rescue event is planned for June 2026. More information coming soon.

AUSTRALASIAN ROAD CRASH RESCUE CHALLENGE

The Australasian Road Crash Rescue Challenge 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 be announced in due course.

More information coming soon.

Trauma Care and Medical Rescue

Patient outcomes in rescue remains our core focus in the design and delivery of everything we do. Across all of our rescue disciplines, trauma care and medical rescue is integral to our research, education and delivery of our challenges, events and activities. Opportunities exist for all members to enhance their skills and knowledge in this space, whether that is through appointment on one of the rescue capability technical committees, representation on Challenge Management Teams, or participation in a Professional Development event or the Assessor Pathway program, there’s something for everyone!

Member agencies and individuals from across the region are welcome to attend our events and professional development opportunities!

We hope to see you there!