On the 30, 31 October and 1 November Woden members were involved in a Search and Rescue exercise - called SAREX.

The exercise was based near Orral Valley Camping ground and involved about 42 SES people, of which 7 were from Woden.

The exercise started early on Saturday morning with a briefing out on site at 0800 (after breakfast was served). There was four teams created, two moderate and two arduous. Cameron was in charge of one arduous team and myself the other.

We were given the task of looking for missing people (up to four) and also evidence along the way. Much of the day for the arduous teams was involved climbing up a very steep hill, covered in dense vegetation and large boulders. This was very hard given that we were also carrying our packs (weighting about 20kg each).

By 1400 Arduous team two had found two missing people and were taking them back down the hill for vehicle transport. Just before making the vehicle track the rain came, as did the lightning and thunder!

Eventually all teams made the designated night camp site and after dinner we all had a early night.

The Sunday saw the two arduous teams working closely side by side and eventually link up together. A grid point was given to us and when we made ourselves there another point was given - this point was where the missing people was expected to be. Just before arriving however another grid figure reference was given, meaning that we had to change track again. About 1230 contact was made with the two missing people and we then linked up with the two moderate teams to head back to a pick up point.

Some lessons were learnt in search and rescue, being prepared and pack issues. Overall it was a great, fun and good exercise... it was good to get home and change / have a shower.

Well done to all involved.

Adrian Manning