Co-hosted by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority and Western Australia Police Force, the Australian SAR Awards recognise individuals, groups and organisations that have made an outstanding contribution to search and rescue in Australia.
This year’s event also marked 50 years of national search and rescue cooperation in Australia. It was an opportunity to recognise the enduring partnerships between Commonwealth, state and territory agencies, industry and volunteers that underpin Australia’s national search and rescue system.
Hear from the Hon Kristy McBain MP, Minister for Emergency Management, on five decades of national search and rescue cooperation in Australia.
- Video transcript
Hello, I'm Kristy McBain, Federal Minister for Emergency Management and Federal Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories.
This year marks an important milestone: 50 years of national search and rescue collaboration in Australia.
For five decades, Australians from search and rescue authorities have worked together to help people in distress, save lives and bring our loved ones home. More recently volunteer organisations have been brought into the folds of national search and rescue – this has been a valuable addition to national capability. I thank each and every one of you for your contribution.
As Federal Member for Eden-Monaro in southern New South Wales, I've seen firsthand the role of emergency and rescue service personnel in keeping Australians safe, and the strength of communities coming together to support one another when it matters most.
As we look to the future, continued and strengthened national collaboration will ensure Australia maintains a world-class search and rescue system for generations to come.
Congratulations on this significant milestone, and thank you again for your dedication and service.
NATSAR Council Chair and AMSA Executive Director Response and Capability, Alex Barrell, congratulated this year's recipients and nominees.
"Every search and rescue incident brings its own challenges, but each incident depends on people who are prepared to act, work together and make difficult decisions when lives are at risk," Mr Barrell said.
"I congratulate all recipients and nominees and thank everyone who contributes to Australia's national search and rescue system."