RRT supports Multi-Agency Agricultural Exercise
Volunteers from the Rapid Relief Team (RRT) in Leeton supported VRA Rescue in their first- ever multi-agency rescue operation, bringing together six combat agencies. On Saturday 15th June, 100 participants took part in an Agricultural Rescue Training Mission at the Yanco Ag College in Leeton.
The agencies included VRA, Police, Fire, SES, Ambulance, the Australasian Rescue Organisation and the RFS. This multi-agency, agricultural rescue training exercise aimed to equip regional, rural and remote rescue trainers, operators and teams with the necessary skills to respond safely and effectively to complex rescue scenarios, involving extraction and casualty management, with agricultural, industrial, and heavy rolling stock.
“According to recent SafeWork NSW reports, farming accounts for one in every five worker deaths. It is considered a high-risk industry as a result of hazards, and work that is carried out alone or in remote areas,” said Paul Smith, President and leader of Leeton’s VRA Rescue team. “It is vital that agencies serving this area have the appropriate skills and up-to-date training to be able to respond effectively during emergencies,” said Paul.
38 volunteers served up 265 meals including breakfast, morning tea, lunch and dinner. The menu included freshly made egg and bacon rolls with hash browns and banana bread for breakfast. Jam and cream scones for morning tea, with RRT Signature Sausage Burgers with hot chips and Krispy Kreme donuts for lunch, and Nachos with chocolate cake for dinner. Freshly made barista coffee and soft drinks accompanied each meal.
“As organisers, you can’t underestimate the value of knowing that all our attendees, who gave up their weekends to hone their training, are well looked after in terms of their meals. It goes a long way to supporting the success of the day. And what an amazing array of food we had. I can’t thank the RRT Team enough.” said Paul.
RRT Local Team Leader Rod Martin said, “We have a lot of feedback from supporting events like this that the small action of providing delicious and nutritious meals plays a crucial role in morale and helps sustain these amazing volunteers during intensive training.” VRA Rescue is a leading volunteer rescue agency that provides essential emergency support and rescue to rural areas such as Leeton.
About the Rapid Relief Team:
The Rapid Relief Team is the charitable arm of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church. Established in 2013, the RRT has more than 14,500 volunteers around the world who provide support to the community through charitable donations and events, as well as assisting emergency services in times of disaster and crisis by providing meals and other support.
