NEWS & MEDIA RELEASES

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. ARO strives to reduce this toll by improving the science and quality of rescue services provided to casualties, directly reducing the severity of injuries. ARO supports the development of techniques, skills and innovation that may lead to better rescue outcomes.

ARRO | 20210916 RoadSafetyWeek 010 scaled

Member Update: Exciting news!

By popular request, ARO has extended its rescue capability events for 2026

The ever-popular Australasian Water Rescue Challenge and the Australasian Rescue Boat Challenge are now locked in for 4-5 September 2026. ARO will again provide a professional development day along with separate water rescue and rescue boat challenges to again crown Australasia’s champions in this space. So, save the date!

We would like to acknowledge the extraordinary work that member agencies have undertaken over the past 12 months. Communities across Australasia have faced devastating fire and flood disasters, and many of these remain in either the operational phase or the recovery phase. ARO places members’ welfare, safety and fatigue management at the forefront of its core principles.

Noting these ongoing emergencies and the significant draw on member resources, ARO has chosen, along with its partner agency, to postpone the 2026 Australasian Road Crash Rescue Challenge and the Industrial and Domestic Rescue Challenge, planned to be held in Townsville in June.

To all communities affected by these disasters, we wish you a safe and swift recovery. We will share the rescheduled date as soon as it’s appropriate, and we thank everyone involved for their significant efforts and the amount of work undertaken to date.

Further exciting news, and also by popular demand, ARO will now facilitate a formal Industrial and Domestic Rescue Challenge. This rapidly evolving field is becoming increasingly important for rescuers worldwide. As with all ARO challenges, the IDR Challenge will bring together expertise, education, and world‑leading rescue practices. This event is scheduled to take place around June 2026.

Rounding out what promises to be a landmark year, and again resulting from feedback from its members, ARO will gather Australasia’s best vertical rescue practitioners for Australasia’s inaugural Vertical Rescue Symposium, proudly held by ARO in the iconic World Heritage–listed Blue Mountains on 20-22 November 2026.

Remain informed by logging into your member profile on our website or follow us on social media. We would love to see you at these events as we continue growing this incredible community together!

EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

ARO TECHNICAL COMMITTEES

We are seeking Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for members who would like to contribute to the ongoing development of rescue capability across our region.

We’re seeking passionate, experienced ARO members to join various ARO Technical Committees, including emerging and established disciplines.

These committees play a key role in shaping standards, training pathways, events, and future capability development across the Australasian rescue community.

If you’re looking to help drive rescue excellence, influence future capability, and collaborate with some of the best in the sector now is the time to step forward.

Further details on each committee and its responsibilities can be found on the About Us or Members section.

AUSTRALASIA’S FIRST RESCUE BOAT CHALLENGE

17 – 18 October 2025 at Penrith Whitewater Stadium

Last year we brought you the region’s first Australasian Water Rescue Challenge (AWRC).

This year, we build upon that success and brought 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!

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

23 July 2025

The 2025 Annual General Meeting was held online at 1700 hrs (AEST) on Wednesday 23 July 2025.

As per ARO’s Rules of Association, all financial members were invited to attend the AGM, received the link to attend the online meeting which included supporting documents, and were eligible to nominate and vote for any of the office bearing roles that were up for election.

As members, your presence and participation are crucial to discuss important updates, future plans, and key decisions that shape our rescue community.

As with any of our initiatives, we encourage members to join us to share your insights, voice opinions, and contribute to our collective journey forward.

More information is available to members only via the AGM page, here.

ARRO | 371487147 1469588680503023 5742570915901914683 n

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR PRESIDENT

Jeremy Fewtrell AFSM

On his well-deserved appointment as the Fire and Rescue NSW Commissioner! His dedication and commitment to the emergency services have truly paid off, and we couldn’t be more thrilled for him.

We have no doubt that his leadership will bring positive change and progress to our organisation. His vision and passion will undoubtedly guide us to new heights.

Wishing him all the best as he embarks on this exciting journey, and we look forward to working alongside him to achieve great things together. Once again, congratulations!

Contact us

For all media inquiries, please complete the form on the right.

See below for list of media releases and media contacts.

MEDIA CONTACTS

Jackson Whitney

Media Officer

Jackson joined ARO in early 2025, bringing his expertise from VRA Rescue NSW, where he serves as State Media Officer. With extensive experience in broadcast media, photography, and drone operations, Jackson is passionate about delivering exciting, factual, and high-quality visual content. His dedication to capturing the best possible footage ensures every event is showcased at its finest.

LinkedIn